(WINNEMUCCA, Nev.) -
April 14, 2017More than 45 participants representing farmers, ranchers, educators, non-profit organizations and state and federal government gathered in Winnemucca on March 28 for the first Nevada native seed forum, hosted by the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
Discussion focused on the national seed strategy, planting the right seed at the right place at the right time nationwide, native seed collection and identification and ways to improve the native seed market.
“The NDA was proud to host this forum, bringing producers, technical experts and land management agencies together to discuss the future of native seed production in Nevada,” Meghan Brown, Plant Industry division administrator said. “We look forward to continuing to bring everyone to the table to ensure success for our agriculture producers in native seed production and healthy rangelands through use of those seeds.”
Specific outcomes from the forum included a need for producer education, addressing seed needs and identifying barriers to success. The NDA is planning a biannual meeting structure to address these outcomes and facilitate strategic development of this industry in Nevada.
“My introduction to the national seed strategy and the chance to meet and network with various agency and private stakeholders was helpful and appreciated,” attendee Jerry Annis of the Saval Ranch in Battle Mountain said. “I look forward to using what I learned to help improve the health and resilience of the South Buffalo allotment in north central Nevada.”
The NDA will announce its next meeting, which is slated for October. Future meetings will address topics such as seed mixes, monitoring, storage, case studies featuring rehabilitation and restoration and the economics of seed supply and demand. More information about native seed can be found in the Seed Certification program section of the NDA’s website.
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.