Strengthening the global native seed supply: Divergent approaches and convergent solutions

Photo Credit

Courtesy graphic by Simone Pedrini, Curtain University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

There is a global effort to restore the biodiversity and integrity of degraded ecosystems. This task, however, requires an enormous amount of high-quality, genetically diverse, regionally adapted seed, which can be difficult to obtain when needed. Many approaches to improving native seed supply chain effectiveness have evolved at scales ranging from local to regional to national or international. 

Researchers analyzed the success of current native seed supply systems from around the world to provide guidance and inspiration for future native seed markets. They examined five independently developed systems from Brazil, the western U.S., the midwestern U.S., Europe, and Australia that included public and private programs with components including collection from natural populations, seed production farms, community-led initiatives, and cross-country networks. They looked at outcomes including ecological, social, economic, and political impacts.

Researchers found that these systems all had different approaches for addressing bottlenecks to seed supply chain efficiency, but several lessons emerged:

1. Large-scale farm production of native seed, where feasible, increased seed availability, improved quality, decreased costs, and safeguarded natural populations from risks associated with overharvesting.
2. Effective policies and regulatory networks are required to define appropriate genetic material and ensure seed quality and origin.
3. Regional promotion of community-led native supply chains can highlight inclusion of local and Indigenous groups and promote resolution of social injustices.  

Greater collaboration between seed suppliers, users, policymakers, and academics at a range from local to international levels will lead to stronger and more scalable seed supply chains. 

Forest Service research delivers the best available science to maintain, enhance, and restore public and private forests and grasslands. Our scientists and others are on the leading edge of research in forestry, rangeland management, biological and physical sciences, and socioeconomics to guide the agency’s land management work.