Appalachian Growers
seed collective
Seeds that know the South | Farmers growing, sharing and selling seeds for regional seed sovereignty.
About the collective
In 2022, while working on some field trials for The Utopian Seed Project, Leeza Chen and Chris Smith were casually discussing common topics such as the impending apocalypse; the consolidated global seed industry; the destructive nature of groundhogs and goats; the economic challenges of growing seed in the south and, directly related, the extreme lack of seed growers in the south.
“What we need is a local seed growers collective,” said Leeza.
“We can do that,” said Chris.
ENTER: Shelby Mandonado (friend, farmer, farm organizer, and sorghum whisperer) with a serendipitous grant opportunity, which we applied for and received (Thank You CERES Foundation). The grant funded shared seed processing equipment within the collective and organizational funds to get the idea off the ground.
ENTER: A group of awesome regional farmers interested in growing seeds, or already saving and growing seeds.
By the end of 2022 and into 2023 we were gathering with regional farmers who shared an interest in seeds. Over many meetings we set intentions, discussed values, shared pizza, and are now on a beautiful journey towards working out what a regional seed collective can and should look like.
As we enter our 3rd year selling seeds together, we continue to refine what it means to grow and sell regional seeds as a collective. We are committed to transparency and welcome any questions!
Our Values
Regionally Adapted – our seeds have been grown and saved in place for at least three years by farmers in the region.
Regionally Important – as a regional seed collective, we are open to growing and stewarding seeds that have regional historic or cultural significance.
Seed Grower Community – we want to create community and opportunities for people to become seed growers in Southern Appalachia, including new farmers.
Seed Grower Economics – as a collective, we are advocating for better seed contract prices and terms for our collective and sharing the economic risks of growing seeds.
Valuing Land and Labor – our internal economics pays growers for their time and land use in growing seeds, not for the quantity of seeds they produce. This eliminates inherent risks in growing seeds and varietal variations in yield, allowing growers to select for quality over quantity.
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Shared Equipment
Our collective shares seed processing equipment, skills, and knowledge. The equipment is available for collective members, and we host community seed cleaning days.
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Collective seed sales
Our collective comes together to sell locally grown seed. The collective purchases seeds from its members, which are then packed and sold each year. Surplus income supports the ongoing work of the collective.
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Cooperative Decision Making
The Appalachian Growers Seed Collective is a group of regional seed growers coming together to grow and sell seeds under the umbrella of Utopian Seed Project. Farmer working groups, and collective meetings drive the decisions behind the collective.
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