Nevada Department of Agriculture

The public hearing focused on the proposed adoption of regulations to amend Chapter 557 of the Nevada Administrative Code to align state hemp program definitions and regulations with federal requirements, specifically concerning total THC levels and post-decarboxylation testing methods. Key topics included the rulemaking background, the alignment with federal 7 CFR 990.1 standards, and the procedural next steps for final adoption by the legislative commission.

The Division of Food and Nutrition report covers updates on various programs including The Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Senior Nutrition and Wellness Program, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. It details the distribution of USDA Foods, operations of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and the status of American Rescue Plan Act funding for rural food hubs and community food access grants. The report also provides data on meals served under the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Summer Food Service Program, National School Lunch Program, and School Breakfast Program, alongside administrative and compliance review progress.

The meeting featured board member updates regarding represented industries, including dairy production, supplemental nutrition, cattle production, petroleum, specialty crops, pest control, nursery stock, sheep production, and veterinary medicine. The Director provided reports on federal impacts, food distribution efforts, state fair planning, veterinary school feasibility, and hemp regulation. Administrative updates covered public records, agriculture literacy, trichomoniasis testing regulations, equine herpesvirus response, and food safety transitions. The Board discussed and approved the enforcement of permit requirements for the collection and removal of feral honeybees from quarantined areas and authorized expenditures for membership dues in national alfalfa and forage associations.

The agenda for this meeting includes the Pledge of Allegiance, a Moment of Silent Reflection, and roll call. Key discussion items involve the potential approval of the December 4, 2025 meeting minutes, discussion and possible action regarding the approval of regular meeting dates for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year (June, September, and December), and Board Member Updates on Represented Industries. The Director's Report will feature an honor for former board member Heather Lackey. Updates will also be provided by the administrators of the Division of Administrative Services, Division of Animal Industry, Division of Food and Nutrition, Division of Measurement Standards, and Division of Plant Health and Compliance.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of reflection. The initial segment involved roll call and administrative procedures for virtual attendance. Key discussion topics included updates from various industry representatives. The representative for the dairy industry expressed satisfaction with the department's regulation maintenance and discussed efforts to promote protein-based products against non-dairy alternatives. The representative for food nutrition discussed the significant impact of the government shutdown and lapse of SNAP benefits, detailing the high volume of individuals served by emergency food assistance programs (TFAP) and noting the quick action by the NDA team in response to the crisis. The petroleum industry representative noted a five-year low in fuel prices and discussed the new Fuel Resiliency Subcommittee established by the Governor in response to California refinery closures. The cattle production representative noted dry range conditions and expressed concern over tonnage reporting discrepancies following the closure of the southern border. The special crops representative provided positive updates on bee health in Northern Nevada while raising concerns regarding the potential spread of the devastating Tropilaelaps mite and requesting a state plan for pollinator protection.