Florida Native Seed Partnership

Since its incorporation in 2001, the Florida Wildflower Foundation has worked to establish and support sources of Florida native ecotype seeds for roadside and restoration projects. Nearly 25 years later, demand for native seed is rising faster than supply, driving up costs and limiting access to this vital resource.

To address this challenge, the Foundation, in partnership with the University of Florida, is launching the Florida Native Seed Partnership. Modeled after successful collaborations in other states, the initiative brings together universities, agencies, NGOs, seed farmers, industry leaders, and landowners to grow Florida’s native seed industry and ensure a reliable, affordable supply for restoration and conservation.

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Yellow wildflowers are in focus in the foreground, with out-of-focus purple wildflowers and green foliage in the background.

The Importance of Florida Native Seed

Native seed is the foundation for healthy ecosystems, resilient landscapes, and thriving agriculture. Its availability affects communities across Florida in many ways:

  • Restoration and conservation: Vast amounts of native seed are needed to restore wetlands, prairies, and other habitats across the state.
  • Plant nurseries: Native seed supplies the growers who provide plants for landscapes, gardens, and ecological projects.
  • Pollinators and agriculture: Pollinators depend on native plants, and farmers depend on pollinators. A stronger native seed supply means healthier pollinator populations and more secure food systems.
  • Roadsides: Native plant cover along highways reduces mowing costs, supports pollinators, and adds beauty to the drive.
  • Private lands: Landowners and hunters want native seed to improve habitat for wildlife and game species.

Expanding Florida’s native seed supply will make these opportunities more affordable, more accessible, and more impactful—benefiting people, wildlife, and the economy alike.

Background

Native seeds are essential for restoring Florida’s ecosystems, but limited supply hinders conservation efforts, increases costs and restricts access to native plants. 

Expanding native seed availability supports ecological restoration, strengthens the native plant industry, benefits pollinators vital to agriculture, and reduces maintenance costs along roadsides. Growing demand from landowners and urban projects highlights the need for a sustainable native seed supply.

A field of tall grass with dense purple wildflowers under a blue sky with scattered clouds; a few trees in the background.

Growing Florida’s Future

The Florida Native Seed Partnership (FNSP) will work to increase the availability and use of native seeds for ecological restoration, conservation, and the native plant industry. By identifying research needs, supporting seed producers and fostering market development, the partnership will strengthen Florida’s native plant materials industry.

Through collaboration with agencies, researchers, growers and land managers, FNSP will facilitate research, build a sustainable seed supply chain and promote best practices for native seed production and use. Our efforts will ensure high-quality native seeds are accessible for restoring and conserving Florida’s diverse ecosystems.

Our Goals

  • Establish a robust and sustainable statewide Native Seed Partnership to ensure reliable availability of ecologically appropriate seed.
  • Empower native seed producers through comprehensive support and sustainable supply chain development.
  • Drive applied research and innovation to advance native seed production and ecological restoration.
  • Cultivate a thriving and sustainable market for Florida native seeds, driving economic growth and ecological benefits.
  • Establish effective communication, evaluation and adaptive management systems to ensure the Partnership’s long-term success and impact.high-quality native seeds are accessible for restoring and conserving Florida’s diverse ecosystems.
Yellow wildflowers grow beside a narrow paved path in a grassy field, with more flowers and trees visible in the background.

Laying the Groundwork

The Florida Native Seed Partnership is in its early stages and actively building the foundation for a sustainable native seed supply in Florida. We are identifying research priorities, engaging stakeholders, and laying the groundwork for seed production, market development, and policy support. To achieve these goals, we need partners—researchers, growers, land managers, and organizations—who share our vision for expanding native seed availability. 

Join us in shaping the future of Florida’s native plant industry!

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