Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute is offering a daylong workshop titled “Lavender, Producing Value-added Commercial Products”on Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19 at the Jeanne Dini Center, 120 N. California St., Yerington.
The workshop explores what is required for value-added products including time, equipment and financial resources. Participants will learn the best varieties to grow, where to source ingredients, equipment and supplies, labeling requirements and more. The workshop includes product-making demonstrations and a tour of a new lavender demonstration plot in Yerington. Farmer and local lavender expert Mike van Camp of Campie’s Lavender Patch will explain planting techniques and water-saving drip irrigation methods during the tour.
Featured speakers Christa and Marco Xavier Hermosillo are the owners of Olympic Lavender Heritage Farm in Sequim, Washington, also known as the Lavender Capital of North America. Their certified organic farm is home to an active agritourism operation where they are manufacturing value-added products and building their wholesale distributorship. The owners have contemporized their products and operation to meet the needs of diverse generations of lavender enthusiasts.
The cost is $30 for those registering by June 12, and $40 afterward. Lunch is included, and seating is limited. Online registration is available at http://www.wnc.edu/ce/sci/.
The WNC Specialty Crop Institute is a program that teaches alternative farming methods to local growers. Funding is provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
For information and registration, call Ann Louhela at 775-423-7565, ext. 2260, or email ann.louhela@wnc.edu.
