The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Foundation Seed Program (FSP) is offering free native seed for cultivation as part of its Spring 2025 cycle. This initiative aims to increase the availability of genetically appropriate, locally adapted native seed for restoration and rehabilitation projects across Nevada. With the increasing prevalence of wildfires and the need for ecosystem restoration, this program provides seeds to eligible applicants at no cost, with the requirement that a portion of the harvested yield be returned to the program to sustain future seed distributions.

The primary goal of the Foundation Seed Program is to enhance the availability of high-quality, locally adapted native seed in Nevada to support land rehabilitation efforts. A secondary goal is to encourage producers to cultivate native species as an alternative, drought-resistant crop by reducing barriers to entry. As an incentive, first-time producers of native seed will receive five bonus points in the scoring rubric during the application evaluation process.

Eligible applicants include Nevada residents who own or have legal control of land within Nevada and can comply with all relevant county and city ordinances. Applicants must also possess appropriate water rights for their growing site, agree to perform noxious weed control per NRS 555 regulations, and submit their seed lot for certification in compliance with NDA’s inspection criteria. Additionally, a portion of the yield must be returned to the program, with the amount determined on a case-by-case basis but not exceeding twice the weight of the initial seed award.

Applications for the Spring 2025 cycle must be submitted by March 27, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PST. Submissions can be made via email to seed@agri.nv.gov or mailed to the NDA office at 405 South 21st Street, Sparks, NV 89431. Applications are reviewed on a competitive basis, with scoring based on project scope, familiarity with species, sustainability, and previous experience with native seed production.

Applicants must submit a completed application form, a map detailing the field location and access, a timeline of production activities, and, if applicable, a Nevada business license, notarized landowner authorization, and water rights permit. Failure to provide all required documents will result in application rejection.

For more information, applicants can contact Stephen Kielius at seed@agri.nv.gov or (775) 399-0284.