Nursery Program
Welcome to the Nevada Department of Agriculture Nursery Program.  Our mission is to  benefit the welfare of all persons residing in the state and Nevada's nursery and landscape industries by monitoring for, intercepting, and preventing the spread of pests on nursery stock, as well as, ensuring pest-free and viable plant materials are offered for sale to the public.
  

Nursery Program Staff:

Nursery Program Staff:

Nursery Program Manager / Inspector
Peggy McKie

350 Capitol Hill Avenue
Reno, Nevada  89502
(775) 688-1182 extension 243
Fax: (775) 688-1178
pgmckie@agri.state.nv.us

Agriculture Enforcement Officer / Inspector
Xenia Duranovic

2300 McLeod
Las Vegas, Nevada 89104-4314
(702) 486-4690
Fax: (702) 486-4695
xeniad@agri.state.nv.us

Plant Industry Division Administrator
John O'Brien
350 Capitol Hill Avenue
Reno Nevada  89502
(775) 688-1180
Fax: (775) 688-1178
jobrien@agri.state.nv.us

Northern Regional Manager
Ed Foster  
350 Capitol Hill Avenue
Reno Nevada 89502
(775) 688-1182
Fax: (775) 688-1178
efoster@agri.state.nv.us

Southern Regional Manager
Russ Dapsauski
2300 McLeod
Las Vegas, Nevada  89104-4314
(702) 486-4690
Fax: (702) 486-4695
rdapsauski@agri.state.nv.us



Frequently Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions:

native

Can I sell native plants in Nevada?
  
Yes. Native plants, including cactus, yuccas and others that are harvested and sold in the nursery trade are subject to the regulations of different agencies. Native plants propagated by licensed nurseries do not have to have the special "native plant tag" so long as their origin can be clearly traced. Here are some tips to avoid trafficking in illegal plants:

  • Buy plants from a licensed nursery dealer.  Check with the Department of Agriculture to see if someone is licensed.

  • If the plants were collected in the wild, make sure each one is tagged with a native plant tag issued by a government agency such as BLM or Nevada Division of Forestry. If the tag looks old, it may have been used before. Check the legality with the agency named on the tag, either BLM, NV Division of Forestry, or other.

  • Get a written bill of sale from the seller.  If they are unwilling to give you one, be suspicious.

  • Keep all tags and invoices on file.  Tags do not have to stay on the plant, but they should be in the possession of the final owner. Cactus owners may be asked at any time to provide this information. What are the American Standards for Nursery Stock?

What are the American Standards for Nursery Stock?
  
 The Nevada Department of Agriculture has adopted the American Standard for Nursery Stock. This manual sets forth size standards for the different categories of nursery stock.  It is used as a guide for buying and selling plant stock, ensuring that the customer gets the right size plant. Size guidelines are based on the relationship of caliper/height/root spread.  it is a good idea for anyone ordering stock to check the delivered plants against the size specifications on the order.  The American Standard for Nursery Stock is available from the American Nursery and Landscape Association, 1250 I St., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.  

What if I chose not to follow nursery law requirements?
    As of 1998, civil penalties for nursery violations went into effect.  Fines of up to $5,000.00 can be issued for violations of Nevada nursery laws.

I want to ship plants overseas.  What is required?
International shipments of any plant require phytosanitary certificates and import permits, and must meet stringent standards put forth by the destination country.  Contact the Nevada Department of Agriculture if you wish to send plants overseas.
exceptions

Do I need to have a license to sell plants in Nevada?
    It depends!  If you intend to offer plants for sale as a part of your business, in most cases you will need to obtain a license to sell nursery stock from the Department.
There are exceptions:
        1.  If you produce and sell only vegetable plants intended for agricultural production;
        2.  If you are a wholesale nursery licensed in another state and sell directly to licensed nurseries in Nevada (direct sales to contractors or developers requires a license from the Department);
        3.  If you sell only indoor decorative plants/cut flowers;
        4.  If you raise plants only as a hobby, sell only occasionally, and do not advertise or otherwise solicit nursery stock for sale; or
        5. You sell only bulbs.

You will also need to contact your local city or county government for business license information before you open your business.

What is "nursery stock"?
   Nevada law defines nursery stock as any plant or plant part intended for planting, propagation or ornamentation.  This includes trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vegetable plants, bulbs, seed, sod, aquatic plants,  etc.
  House plants that cannot be grown outside are the exception.

I'm a landscaper.  Do I need a license to sell nursery stock?
   Yes.  Nevada  law requires that anyone who supplies nursery stock, whatever the source, to their customers, is required to obtain a license to sell nursery stock from the Nevada Department of Agriculture.  There are a few exceptions.

What kind of nursery license do I need?
   Nursery license categories fall into three basic category:
   Registered place of business (RPB) - Businesses physically located in Nevada such as retail nurseries, wholesale growers, home improvement centers, hardware stores, grocers, landscapers, landscape architects, native plant collection and sales.
   Peddler - Any person who does not have a nursery in this state and who sells nursery stock to businesses other than those with a license to sell nursery stock.  For example, a wholesale nursery licensed in another state who sells directly to contractors, homeowners, developers, etc. must obtain a license to sell nursery stock from the Department.
   Agent - A person who solicits sales for a business possessing a nursery license in this state, outside of the county where the licensed business is located.

I still have questions about getting a license.  Who do I call?
        Click here for information

Will the Department inspect my nursery or holding yard?
        The Department has the authority to inspect all licensed nurseries in this state.

What do inspectors look for?
        Inspectors may ask to see documents that verify the origin of stock you are offering for sale.  Inspectors may also check to see that the plants are free from pests, are in good condition, and are labeled according to state requirements.  If plants are infested with a pest, are in poor condition, or found to be in violation of a quarantine or other requirement, you may be ordered to remove the plants from sale until released by the Department.

How do I get help with pest identification?
        The state entomologist (insects, spiders, and other arthropods), state plant pathologist (plant disease specialist), and weed specialist are all located in the Reno office of the Department of Agriculture.  They are happy to assist Nevada's licensed nurseries with pest identification.  To reach them, use the links above.

I'm a homeowner.  Where can I go for help with garden, lawn or pest problems?
       The University of Nevada Cooperative Extension offers assistance to home gardeners  with questions about pest identification, soil analysis, plant selection, and more.  Ask a Master Gardner at:   www.unce.unr.edu
What

What should I do when I receive plants at my nursery or jobsite?
      Every person selling or installing nursery stock has a responsibility to provide their customers with healthy, vigorous plants.  The first step occurs the moment the delivery truck arrives with the stock.  Before unloading, check the driver’s paperwork.  You will want to see that the invoice lists the proper items, but most importantly, you must make sure that there is an inspection certificate .  This will be a certificate, stamp, or statement that agriculture officials in the originating state have inspected the plants and found them to be free of insects and disease.  Nevada Revised Statute 554.246 states that no one may transport nursery stock without this certificate.  In addition, any stock coming out of quarantined areas must carry quarantine compliance certification that the plants meet the specific requirements of the applicable quarantine.  Always check with the Department if you have any questions regarding the shipment.

     Next, check the plants as you are off-loading them.  Look along the trunks and stems and under leaves for the presence of insects, diseases, or their damage.  Check for weeds in pots.  If you spot pests, put the stock in an isolated area until the Department of Agriculture can determine the identity and the action necessary.  Remember, you CAN reject a load!  Nursery stock is the number one avenue of introduction of pests.  A little prevention will go a long way, when you compare it to the costs of eradication.

 


Shipping nursery stock into Nevada - Commercial shipments

Shipping nursery stock into Nevada - Commercial shipments

  Please review Nevada and federal quarantines before shipping nursery stock into Nevada.  The following requirements apply to all commercial shipments of nursery stock entering Nevada:
    1.  All shipments (each delivery) must be accompanied by an inspection certificate issued by the state agriculture officer (state department of agriculture or county agriculture commissioner) that verifies the origin of the shipment.  California shippers: you need a "nursery stock inspection certificate" issued by CDFA through your county agriculture commissioner's office.
    2.  If a state or federal quarantine covers any agricultural commodities you intend to ship, a  "certificate of quarantine compliance" or phytosanitary certificate is required and must accompany the shipment, with a copy left at each delivery site.  If you don't understand the quarantine requirements, contact your local agriculture official or the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
    3.  Nursery stock must not be infested with injurious pests and must be commercially clean of common pests.

Shipments intercepted without the required documents or that are infested with pests will be rejected and returned to origin.  Quarantined commodities shipped without required documentation are subject to seizure and destruction.  Nevada businesses that accept nursery stock in violation of Nevada nursery laws are subject to enforcement action, including fines.

 

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