We the undersigned oppose the proposal to rezone 104 acres of prime farm land to light industrial.
The Main Station Farm is an invaluable educational asset and the 104 acres slated for rezoning are particularly valuable because they are the last urban farmland in the city. The Main Station Farm provides the University of Nevada, Reno and the Board of Regents an opportunity to rebuild a 21st century agricultural education program.
Agriculture is Nevada's third largest economic engine, supporting jobs and economic growth in our region. Farming and local food production and distribution systems are on the rise globally, nationally and locally. Forward thinking communities recognize this and are utilizing local educational institutions to develop relevant programs to improve urban and rural agricultural production.
The request to rezone the 104 acres seems, at first glance, to have little to do with UNR's agricultural program and Wolf Pack Meats. However, this is how open space, farm land, community assets and ag-programs meet their demise...one piece of land at a time.
University of Nevada faces serious budget concerns and giving Nevada's ag-students a reason to attend UNR is one way to address funding issues.
We encourage the University of Nevada, Reno and the Board of Regents to withdraw the rezoning proposal.
Thank you for your time.