(ELY, Nev.) -
May 09, 2018After positive response from the industry, the Nevada Department of Agriculture will host its second annual Native Seed Forum on Tuesday, May 22 with the goal of bringing producers, technical experts and land management agencies together to discuss national and statewide seed strategies.
The NDA reopened its seed lab and re-launched the native seed certification program last year to safeguard the species purity of Nevada native seeds. Native seed refers to seeds of plant species native to Nevada landscapes, cultivated in this climate. These seeds can adapt to Nevada’s unique landscapes, increasing the plants’ chances of survival.
“We were glad to have a positive response to last year’s forum, and this year we’re expanding on previous content,” Russell Wilhelm, NDA’s seed program manager, said. “This year’s forum will bring stakeholders together to address topics like entering the commercial market and overcoming economic hurdles.”
The Nevada Native Seed Forum, a daylong workshop, will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Bristlecone Convention Center in Ely, and will conclude with a tour at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seed warehouse.
Public land management partners like the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service, along with natural resource agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be in attendance. The forum is open to anyone interested including: federal land management agencies, state partners, current seed producers, potential seed producers, conservation groups and seed buyers.
Learn more about the Native Seed Forum and view the workshop agenda. To register, email rwilhelm@agri.nv.gov.
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.