Nevada Department of Agriculture Consolidates Key Food Programs

In 2013, the Nevada Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Nevada Strategies, completed a strategic merger that brought together three major programs: the Dairy Commission, Child Nutrition, and Food Purchasing. The goal of the consolidation was to improve operational efficiency and strengthen the state's food and nutrition services through better coordination and resource sharing.

The merger marked a significant shift in how the state approached food-related services. By aligning dairy regulation with child nutrition programs and food procurement efforts, the Department aimed to build a more unified system that could respond more effectively to the needs of Nevada families, schools, and agricultural producers.

Officials saw the move as a way to ensure a stronger focus on food safety, support for local dairy farmers, and increased access to healthy foods for children. It also allowed the Department to streamline regulatory oversight and purchasing processes, reducing redundancies and improving communication across programs.

Since the merger, the integrated approach has helped create a more cohesive framework for managing nutrition initiatives statewide. The consolidation laid the groundwork for more effective policy development and program delivery, reinforcing the state’s commitment to public health, food security, and agricultural sustainability.