The Desert Farming Initiative at the University of Nevada, Reno is hosting its first Farm-to-Table Dinner to highlight local food production and raise money for student internships. The four-course dinner will be created by nationally acclaimed local Chef Mark Estee and will be held 5 - 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Desert Farming Initiative Farm, 920 Valley Road in Reno.

"The farm-to-table dinner movement is really educating people about how their food is produced, as well encouraging good health and nutrition," said Bill Payne, dean of the University's College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. "We are happy to be able to offer this inaugural event to our community."

In partnership with the Western Nevada College Specialty Crop Institute, the dinner will be sourced with local ingredients from the Desert Farming Initiative and Nevada farmers and ranchers. Local farmers and ranchers will also attend to talk about their ingredients.

"Our two organizations have been working together for the past several years to help farmers grow their businesses," Ann Louhela, project director for the Specialty Crop Institute, said. "As a four-year university and community college, our resources are complementary, and our goal with this fundraiser is to give students hands-on experience with farming. We need to develop a new generation of farmers."

Tickets for the dinner are $125 per person and can be purchased at https://supportnevada.unr.edu/farmdinner. For more information about the fundraiser or corporate sponsorships, contact Jennifer Ott at 707-280-9479 or jmott@unr.edu.