Seed Regulatory Program

Applications, Forms and Publications

The Nevada Department of Agriculture’s Seed Program is responsible for regulating and enforcing law related to commercial seed sales. This includes the enforcement of “truth in labeling” laws, which ensure that every container of seed offered for sale is labeled according to both State/Federal seed laws and the contents match the description on the label. The Program will perform retail marketplace inspections to ensure compliance and, in some instances, will collect regulatory samples of seed to test in the state seed lab. Both wholesale seed companies and retail companies are required to register with the Department annually to ensure that they are providing a compliant product.   

Any individual desiring to sell, offer or expose for sale any agricultural, flower or vegetable seeds, for planting purposes shall obtain a license for this purpose.  

Seed Retailer License

  • A retail license is required for each entity that offers seed for sale directly to the consumer.
  • Fee: $75.00 annually, expiring July 1 of each year.
Seed Wholesaler License
  • A wholesale seed dealers license is required for each entity that sells seed to any of the following:
    • Retailers,
    • Distributors
    • Brokers
    • Other wholesalers  
  • Fee: $750.00 annually, expiring July 1 of each year.
Individuals operating more than one branch, plant, or warehouse where seeds are sold, offered, or exposed for sale shall secure a separate license for each branch, plant or warehouse.
Exemptions: An individual is not required to obtain a license if:
  1. The individual is selling only seeds produced by the individual.
  2. The individual is selling flower or vegetable seeds at retail in packages weighing not more than one-half pound that were prepared for retail sale by a seed company licensed under this section.
  3. An individual is not required to obtain a license if the individual’s gross annual income is less than $500.
    • The individual is required to provide evidence in the event that an exemption is applied.   
All commercially sold seed must have the appropriate testing and labeling conducted prior to a sale occurring or any interstate movement. The following is an example of information that must be listed on an agricultural seed label:
  1. The name or kind of seed present;
  2. The variety name or the letters VNS (Variety Not Stated);
  3. A lot number;
  4. Origin (State);
  5. Percentage by weight of all weed seeds;
  6. The name & rate of occurrence of all restricted noxious weed seeds;
  7. Percentage by weight of inert matter;
  8. Percentage of germination, exclusive of hard or dormant seed;
  9. Percentage of hard or dormant seeds, if present;
  10. The calendar month & year that the test was completed to determine germination percentages.
For treated seed:
  1. A word or statement indicating that the seed has been treated; 
  2. The commonly accepted coined, chemical, generic, or abbreviated chemical or generic name of the substance used for treatment, or the description of the process used for treatment;
  3. If the substance applied to the seed for treatment is in an amount which may be harmful to human or other vertebrate animals, a caution, stating: “Do not use for food, feed or oil purposes.” The caution for mercurials and similarly toxic substances must be a statement or symbol indicating the presence of poison; and
  4. If the seed is treated with an inoculant, the month and year beyond which the inoculant is not to be considered effective.