Nevada Foundation Seed Program

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA), through its Foundation Seed Program, invites applications for the Fall 2025 cycle from eligible producers and researchers interested in cultivating native plant species. This initiative responds to the growing need for restoration and rehabilitation across Nevada, driven by the increasing threat of wildfires and unsuitable seed stock adapted to cooler, wetter environments. The program offers free native seed to selected applicants in exchange for a portion of their future seed yield, fostering a sustainable model of seed production aligned with Nevada's ecological needs. The program is open to Nevada-based producers and researchers who demonstrate capacity to cultivate or study native seeds in compliance with local ordinances and regulatory standards. Key eligibility conditions include appropriate water rights, legal land access, and agreement to periodic inspections by NDA staff. Additionally, for production applicants, seed certification at the appropriate level is required. The seed yield must support ecological restoration efforts—commercial sale for cultural purposes is explicitly prohibited. Researchers must agree to publish or publicly share their findings, and the NDA may require seed yield returns based on the project’s scale and goals. Allowable uses of the awarded seed include restoration, rehabilitation, and scientific research. NDA's goal is twofold: to increase locally adapted seed availability and to support native seed as a viable, drought-resistant crop for producers. A third goal, applicable to research applicants, is to support studies such as germination trials and genetic analysis that contribute to these broader aims. First-time producers are incentivized through a five-point bonus during application scoring. The submission process requires a detailed application package. For producers, this includes a completed form, a production timeline, field map, proof of water rights, and business registration where applicable. For researchers, the application must include a project abstract, a map, a technical approach narrative, and an explanation of how the research supports program goals. All applicants must arrange to collect awarded seed within two weeks of approval. Applications are due by November 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PST and should be submitted via email to seed@agri.nv.gov or mailed to the NDA’s Sparks office. For inquiries, applicants can contact Stephen Kielius at seed@agri.nv.gov or (775) 399-0284. Awards are made on a competitive basis, with evaluation criteria including project scope, sustainability, experience, and familiarity with native species. The program is recurring and typically reopens annually during the fall season.

First-time growers get bonus points; emphasize native species knowledge and sustainability plan.