SPARKS, Nev. -
February 22, 2023The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is offering free native seeds to producers in Nevada. The NDA established a Foundation Seed Program to provide seed that meets the needs of growers with the goal of helping transition and diversify crops through the production of native seeds.
“Due to the increasing prevalence of wildfires, and increased priority for restoration projects, the need for locally adapted native plant species has never been higher,” said Meghan Brown, Plant Health and Compliance division deputy administrator for the NDA. “However, the majority of the seed used in Nevada is not genetically appropriate for the areas in which it is planted, so this program aims to provide free native seeds to producers so that they can increase Nevada’s available seed stock to support wildfire restoration efforts.”
In return for providing free seeds, the program asks that a portion of the applicant’s yield be returned at no cost to create a sustainable foundation program. The amount of seed returned to the program will be determined at the time of award on a case-by-case basis, not to exceed twice as many pounds as awarded. The applicant is then free to use or sell the remainder of their yield.
Those interested may submit an application by March 15, 2023, which will be reviewed and ranked, and seeds will be awarded free of charge. For more details regarding the program, to receive an application or learn more about the Nevada Department of Agriculture Foundation Seed Program, please visit our website or contact program staff at seed@agri.nv.gov.
About the Nevada Department of Agriculture
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 225 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Industry. The department’s $288 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.