RENO – NevadaGrown, the Silver State’s premier organization promoting local agriculture and food products, is excited to announce its merger with the Nevada Small Business Development Center’s Made in Nevada program. This strategic union aims to strengthen support for Nevada’s local businesses, expand market opportunities and further promote the unique products and services offered within the state.
NevadaGrown has rebranded as Grown in Nevada, a subset of Made in Nevada and will continue to provide the resources and support it has in the past, with additional Made in Nevada program benefits and an expanded network of Nevada-based businesses.
The consolidation of NevadaGrown and Made in Nevada brings together two influential entities that share a common goal: to empower Nevada-based businesses and showcase the exceptional products that define the state’s identity. The merger will create a unified platform that enhances visibility, fosters collaboration and facilitates access to resources for Nevada’s agricultural entrepreneurs.
“Rick Lattin of Lattin Farms founded NevadaGrown over 20 years ago because there were no marketing or business planning resources for Nevada farms and ranches,” Ann Louhela, president of NevadaGrown, said. “Over the years, this program has been instrumental in raising awareness of local agriculture across the state. We are excited and honored to merge with Made in Nevada, being able to offer more services to our farms and ranches and bringing Nevada agriculture to the table with Nevada’s other business sectors. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Under the combined banner, Grown in Nevada and Made in Nevada will provide a comprehensive range of services to support businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and more. The merged organization will streamline efforts to promote Nevada-made goods and services, bolster the local economy and drive job creation throughout the state.
By leveraging their collective networks and expertise, including a long-time partnership with the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), Grown in Nevada will amplify marketing initiatives, expand distribution channels and foster new partnerships both within and outside Nevada. This merger will allow businesses to capitalize on a broader audience and tap into diverse markets, strengthening their competitive advantage. The platform features a comprehensive directory of businesses, a robust marketplace and a wealth of resources to facilitate business growth.
“This is the next step – to join efforts to bring more consumers and partners to Nevada’s agricultural table,” said Winnie Dowling, state director of the Nevada Small Business Development Center. “The Nevada Small Business Development Center and Made in Nevada team look forward to playing an active role in offering an enhanced online platform that serves as a one-stop destination for consumers, retailers, and distributors seeking Nevada-grown produce, locally crafted products, and Silver State experiences.”
“Made in Nevada has already made enormous contributions toward our agriculture industry since they first partnered with us in 2021,” NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea said. “Their merge with NevadaGrown, an organization that has been dedicated to the promotion of Nevada agriculture for more than 20 years, will allow for the creation and offering of more resources in one convenient place for our farmers and ranchers. We look forward to seeing how this new partnership will grow and foster agriculture in Nevada, as well as connecting Nevadans to the source of their food.”
This merger represents an exciting milestone for both NevadaGrown and Made in Nevada, as well as for the local business community as a whole. By joining forces, these organizations will pave the way for a more prosperous future, reinforcing Nevada’s reputation as a hub of innovation, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit.