Fall applications are open to grow free native seeds

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is offering free native seeds to producers in Nevada through its Foundation Seed Program. This program helps producers diversify crops, address local plant restoration needs, and conserve water by providing opportunities to expand crop production and access new markets.

“This program addresses a critical need for native plant species in Nevada,” said Meghan Brown, Division of Plant Health and Compliance administrator for the NDA. “By offering free native seeds, we aim to increase the availability of native plants that are essential for land restoration and rehabilitation efforts in Nevada.”

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 applicant is then free to use or sell the remainder of their yield.

Those interested must apply by Sept. 12, 2024. Applications 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 NDA Foundation Seed Program, please visit agri.nv.gov/Administration/Grant_Opportunities 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, Administrative Services, Animal Industry, Measurement Standards, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Health and Compliance. 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.