A Milestone in Seed Conservation: Seed Savers Exchange Partners with Global Leaders
In October 2025, Seed Savers Exchange made history as the first nonprofit genebank in the United States to undergo a comprehensive external assessment by the Crop Trust, a global leader in crop-diversity conservation. This wasn’t just a routine review; it was a deep dive into every facet of how we preserve the irreplaceable seeds that connect us to our agricultural heritage and food future.
For one intensive week, Janny van Beem, PhD, the Crop Trust’s global genebank partnership coordinator, immersed herself in life at Heritage Farm. She worked shoulder-to-shoulder with our team—from Executive Director Mike Bollinger and Farm Director Corbin Scholz to our dedicated preservation, farm, and operations staff. Together, they examined workflows, explored systems, and envisioned what world-class seed stewardship could look like for generations to come.
The preparation was monumental. Our staff invested countless hours gathering data, documenting processes, and piecing together the rich history behind our practices. But the effort has already proven invaluable.
What We Learned
The assessment delivered honest, expert feedback that both celebrated our strengths and illuminated our path forward. The review affirmed what makes us unique—our community-based conservation model that engages gardeners nationwide in the vital work of seed saving. At the same time, it revealed targeted opportunities to evolve and improve.
What’s Next: Three Game-Changing Priorities
Unlocking the Collection Through Modern Technology
We’re exploring cutting-edge data management systems that will make it easier than ever for home gardeners, researchers, and conservation partners to access and utilize these living treasures.
Bridging Field and Digital
By upgrading our infrastructure and supplies, we’ll create a seamless information flow from the moment seeds are planted to when their data reaches our digital archives.
Perfecting the Art of Regeneration
We’re refining how we grow out and multiply seeds to boost efficiency, enhance seed vigor, and elevate every aspect of genebank management to meet the highest international standards.
A Commitment to Excellence
This partnership embodies everything Seed Savers Exchange stands for—transparency, continuous learning, and unwavering dedication to the seeds we protect. By inviting external expertise and embracing feedback, we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for seed conservation in the United States.
The work ahead is ambitious and exciting. With the Crop Trust’s guidance, we’re ready to write the next chapter in our mission to preserve garden heritage for generations to come.