"Promoting ecologically resilient cultures through
the stewardship and free sharing of open-pollinated seed."


The Seed Ambassadors Project, based out of Oregon in the USA, is an independent, not-for-profit seed stewardship initiative. Over the winter of 2006-2007 we orchestrated an ethnobotanical exploration of nine Northern European countries to collect and distribute seed, information and friendship. We met with many of the region's finest seed stewards and breeders: from Danish Seed Savers to the Russian Vavilov Institute, from Lithuanian government offices to 'ancient grain' outlaws in England. In February 2008 we went on a similar journey to Transylvania. Please read more on our blog.

Please check out our original homepage to see how it all started and read on to see how our adventure continues to unfold.

The Seed Ambassadors Philosophy

The mission of the Seed Ambassadors Project is to participate in the advancement of open-pollinated, non-hybrid, non-GMO, locally adapted and bred seed, selected for and grown with organic, biodynamic or otherwise regenerative practices.  As farmers and gardeners we strive to increase the biodiversity of food crops, therefore increasing regional food security and overall ecological health.  We are part of the growing movement toward a new archetype for a holistic horticultural/agricultural landscape.  This proactive search is at its core 'beyond organic' and is rooted in ecological regeneration.


Painted Lady Runner Beans
(Painted Lady Runner Beans)


Our Objectives:

Grow, share and collect, open pollinated seed:
Through the free exchange of seeds locally and across borders, we hope to spread the ecological resilience and diversity that the wider landscape has developed. As seed growers in the Pacific Northwest, we are discovering what grows best here in each season with low input methods.

Gather ethnobotanical information:
By fostering communication between independent seed groups and individuals, we are learning from and documenting the stories associated with seed savers, breeders, growers, and the seed we encounter.

Participate in the development of top quality open-pollinated seed:
Using old and new, natural breeding and selection techniques, we are seeking to develop professional quality open-pollinated seed for organic, biodynamic or otherwise regenerative growing regimens.

Share what we are learning:
Education is a key focus. Using our website, written publications, presentations at public events, facilitating seed exchanges, and hosting workshops, we are sharing our resources and insights wherever possible.

Encourage an "open source", "share freely", "public domain" paradigm:
As open pollinated seed allies we are committed to bio-cultural approaches that are neither proprietary nor secretive in nature.


Please participate

The Seed Ambassadors Project is a grassroots, not-for-profit effort.  It is our hope that those of you who perceive the value of this project will strive to participate or support the project as you are able. Exploring our website, spreading the word, or saving seed, are just a few simple ways you can help. We are always looking for new ideas, contacts and collaborators to pull onboard.


Arugula Flowers
(Arugula Flowers at Brown Envelopes Seed, Ireland)


"The surest way we have to lodge ourselves within this blessed earth is by knowing where our food comes from."  - Gary Paul Nabhan

 

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