Foundation Seed Program Research Grant

The Foundation Seed Program Research Grant, administered by the State of Nevada Department of Agriculture, aims to enhance the availability of locally adapted native seeds for restoration projects. This initiative focuses on supporting producers in cultivating drought-resistant crops while ensuring that a portion of the seed yield is returned to sustain the program. By addressing the pressing need for appropriate seed varieties in Nevada, this program plays a crucial role in ecological restoration efforts across the state.

Background information
With the increasing prevalence of wildfires and increased priority for rehabilitation and 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 the Great Basin. The NDA’s Foundation Seed Program aims to provide free native seed to producers and researchers so they may increase Nevada’s available seed stock to support rehabilitation and restoration efforts.