To increase and distribute agronomically superior varieties of seed
The South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Foundation Seed Stocks Division, Inc. (SD FSSD) was organized in 1944 and incorporated in 1945 as a nonprofit corporation. The purpose of SD FSSD is to increase and distribute agronomically superior varieties of seed and propagating materials released by the South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Agricultural Experiment Station, Agricultural Research Service/USDA and other agricultural experiment stations for the benefit of South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã agriculture and the citizens of this state. In addition, storage is provided for a reserve of pure seed stock materials. The entire operation is financed through the sale of seed. An eleven-person board directs the organization. Six directors hold positions on the board by virtue of their administrative position at the university. Five members are nominated by the South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Crop Improvement Association and a manager is hired who also serves as secretary-treasurer and is a staff member of the Plant Science Department. The SD FSSD operates under a memorandum of understanding with the SDSU Agricultural Experiment Station, South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Crop Improvement Association and the South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Seed Trade Association (SDSTA).
Breeder seed developed and supplied to the Foundation Seed Stocks Division is increased by FSSD, inspected by the South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Crop Improvement Association and distributed as Foundation seed to South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Crop Improvement Association members and Seed Trade members on an established priority basis. Annual production of approximately 1,000–1,200 acres of small grains, millet and soybeans are increased by FSSD. Any profits realized are used to support grants requests from the university for varietal research and development. A close working relationship is maintained between FSSD and public research programs in the region.
The office, conditioning plant and warehouses are located on the SDSU campus in Brookings. All production is conditioned, packaged and distributed from the FSSD Seed Plant in Brookings.