NRCS operates 25 Plant Materials Centers (PMCs), each based in ecologically distinct areas, to evaluate plants and vegetative technologies to support USDA conservation programs and practices. PMCs find vegetative solutions to reduce soil erosion, increase cropland soil health and productivity, improve water quality, produce forage and biomass, improve air quality, improve wildlife habitat (including pollinator habitat), restore wetlands, protect streambank and riparian areas, and stabilize coastal areas. NRCS’ network of PMCs is uniquely positioned to address local, regional, and national natural resource concerns through coordinated activities among the PMCs. NRCS works with cooperating programs to extend the capabilities of our plant materials efforts.
