Foundation Seed Program - Production Grant

Foundation Seed Program - Production Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: State of Nevada Department of Agriculture
Last Updated: March 25, 2026

Summary

The Nevada Foundation Seed Program is designed to enhance the availability of high-quality, locally adapted native seeds for restoration efforts in Nevada. With the growing need for native plants due to wildfires, this initiative provides free seeds to producers who agree to return a portion of their yield to create a sustainable seed stock. This program also supports drought-resistant crops and encourages local farming practices to foster ecological resilience.

Overview

Nevada Foundation Seed Program - Request for Applications Division of Plant Health and Compliance Background information With the increasing prevalence of wildfires and increased priority for restoration projects, the need for locally adapted native plant species has never been higher. However, the majority of the seed used in Nevada is not genetically appropriate for the areas in which it is planted, but rather, adapted to cooler and wetter growing conditions than is available in this region. The NDA Foundation Seed Program aims to provide free native seed to producers so they may increase Nevada’s available seed stock to support restoration efforts. In return, 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 caseby-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 to be used in restoration, rehabilitation or for continued increase on their farm. Program goals The primary goal of the Foundation Seed Program is to increase the availability of high-quality, locally adapted native seed in Nevada, specifically to aid in rehabilitation efforts across the state.The second goal of the Foundation Seed Program is to support producers who consider cultivation of native species as an alternate, drought-resistant crop by reducing barriers of entry.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicant eligibilityAll applicants must be able and willing to comply with the following:As stated above, the primary goal of the Foundation seed program is to increase the availability of native seed in Nevada to be used to aid in rehabilitation efforts across the state.A portion of seed yield will be required to be returned to the Foundation Seed Program.Amounts will be determined on a case-by-case basis at the time of award and shall not exceed two times the amount of requested seed.The applicant and growing site must comply with all county/city ordinances.Applicant must have appropriate water rights for the intended use at the site location. Applicant must be the legal landowner or have a notarized statement from the landowner that gives authorization of native seed cultivation on the parcel and allows NDA staff access to the property for inspections.The applicant must perform noxious weed control in accordance with NRS 555. The applicant must have the seed lot certified to the appropriate level of eligibility. The producer should adhere to the NDA’s inspection criterion and shall coordinate with inspectors for scheduling of certification inspections.The costs associated with certification are listed on the NDA Seed Program webpage (link). Each seed lot will be evaluated and assessed to determine the best mode of action for certified designations. These will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and representatives of the Department will be responsible for informing awardees regarding certification standards and requirements.Applicant must be a Nevada resident to apply.The majority of the growing area must reside within Nevada to be considered for seed award.Applicant must make arrangements to receive awarded seed within two weeks of being notified of acceptance into the Foundation Seed Program. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of awarded seed unless the applicant receives prior approval from the NDA.

Ineligibility

If you do not intend to sell, give or use seed yield to further these efforts, you may not qualify for this program.Note: If scientific research is the intended use of the seed yield, exceptions may be made. If this is the case, please indicate in the appropriate area of your application.