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A Quick Start Guide to Selling Native Seeds

Updated March 04, 2025
Professional portrait of Krista Ehlert

Krista Ehlert

Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Range Specialist

Written in collaboratively by Gregory Cooper, Lora Perkins and Krista Ehlert

The native seed market is growing nationwide, and getting involved can be both economically and ecologically beneficial. Opportunities for selling native seeds are growing, but it can be overwhelming and confusing to get started. This guide details what you need to know to sell seeds of native flowering plants (forbs) in South Dakota.

It is important to note that every state has different seed laws, and although this guide will focus on South Dakota, many regulations and guidelines transcend state boundaries. This guide does not include all seed laws; however, it will provide an overview of the basic rules and regulations.

Funding Acknowledgements

U.S. Bureau of Land Management Agreement # L21AC10524

Cooperative Agreement #P23AC01461-00 from The National Park Service