NDA to host Native Seed Forum in Sparks on March 14

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) will host the third annual Native Seed Forum, which bring producers, technical experts and land management agencies together to discuss national and statewide seed strategies.

“This year’s forum will focus on the use of native plants as an alternative crop to help increase the supply of seed in western states, supporting wildland restoration and rehabilitation efforts,” Russell Wilhelm, NDA’s seed program manager, said. “The forum brings stakeholders together to address topics like production management, seed availability and an in-depth look at industry uncertainties.”

The NDA supports the industry by providing wildland seed certification services, safeguarding 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 acclimate to Nevada’s unique features, increasing the plants’ chances of survival.

The Nevada Native Seed Forum is a full-day workshop and will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at the Sparks Library, located at 1125 12th St.

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, seed collectors, 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.