Factors limiting the availability of native seed for reconstructing Minnesota's prairies: stakeholder perspectives

Views about sourcing plant material for restoration, habitat reconstruction, and revegetation have developed substantially in recent years. In particular, recognition of the prevalence of local adaptation has been incorporated into guidelines that now often recommend local sourcing of germplasm. Demand for these materials frequently outstrips supply, and land management professionals repeatedly report inadequate availability of plant materials at appropriate geographic scale and affordable price. Here, we use focus group interviews to investigate the obstacles impeding production and use of source-identified native seeds in Minnesota prairie. Focus groups included both producers and users of locally sourced seeds and allowed for open-ended conversations among professionals within each group. Participants emphasized that unpredictability in demand severely restricts supply. To increase use of locally sourced seeds in restorations, participants identified key priorities: working toward more consistent standards and policies, including revising those of agencies that manage lands; promoting awareness of large ramifications from small changes to relevant laws; increasing communication and education; and increasing the number of seed producers.