Thank you to supporters in our community that make it possible to care for the Seed Savers Exchange collection and connect people through seeds, plants, and stories. Seed Savers Exchange is committed to putting every dollar donated to our nonprofit mission to the best and most effective use.
Financial support for our nonprofit work at Seed Savers Exchange helps to move our mission forward, preserve and share seeds, and maintain our Heritage Farm headquarters, where we grow out seeds for evaluation and preservation, raise heritage livestock breeds, and welcome visitors each year.
In 2023, 66.4% of our spending went directly to programs and 4.54% to maintaining Heritage Farm.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
It is with a profound sense of gratitude that we share the 2023 Seed Savers Exchange Impact Report. This annual document goes beyond accounting for our activities and achievements—it’s a heartfelt celebration of the vibrant community spirit and support that each one of you has contributed to our mutual mission.
In a world increasingly aware of the importance of biodiversity and resilient food work, your support and participation have been vital to the ongoing work of Seed Savers Exchange. Whether as members, volunteers, donors, or passionate advocates, you have played a critical role in preserving the rich tapestry of heirloom seeds—our shared heritage and our hope for the future.
This year’s report showcases the incredible impact of our collective efforts. Together, we have conserved thousands of unique seed varieties and also strengthened a growing network of gardeners, farmers, and educators committed to protecting our planet’s natural beauty and agricultural diversity. Each project, each seed saved, and each story shared has furthered our mission in ways that resonate across communities and generations.
As you peruse this report, we invite you to share in the celebration of our collective achievements. Let the stories of resilience and cooperation inspire you, and let the outcomes remind you of the tangible changes your support has fostered. We are excited for you to see the direct results of your contributions, from focused curation of the collection to the enhancement of our educational outreach.
Looking forward, there is still much to do as our journey together continues. We hope that this report not only serves as a reflection of past successes but also ignites a
renewed passion and commitment to further our work together. The path ahead is promising and with your continued support, we will keep cultivating a future where biodiversity thrives and every seed tells a story of resilience, connection, and hope.
With deepest appreciation and warmest regards,
Mike Bollinger
Executive Director
Seed Savers Exchange
Support SSE by Donating Today
Culturally diverse food crops and gardens, community-based preservation, resilience, and community activism are at the heart of Seed Savers Exchange’s work. An unwavering commitment to our mission builds continued stewardship and resilience, protecting biodiversity and shaping the future of foodways.
In the face of ongoing threats of climate change and environmental degradation, you can help take action. Work preserving open-pollinated crops and promoting decentralized seed-saving practices represents a critical response to these challenges. Together, by preserving endangered food crops and fostering community-based stewardship, cultivate the foundation for the heirlooms of tomorrow—regionally adapted varieties capable of withstanding changing environmental conditions.
As custodians and storytellers of this diverse legacy, we hold a profound responsibility to ensure its continuity and relevance in a rapidly changing world. Together, we stand at the forefront of a new era, where the seeds of the past are the key to a sustainable future and a legacy of abundance for generations to come.
Seeds Lead the Way: 2023 Impact Stories
In mid-2023, Seed Savers Exchange embarked on the first phase of the “Potato Phenotype Project,” a multi-year initiative that will improve the preservation and stewardship of approximately 700 potato varieties in the SSE collection by gathering observable data on plant characteristics.
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In 2023, Seed Savers Exchange teamed with Washington State University (WSU) to verify the names of the rare apples in its orchards at Heritage Farm.
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In 2023, Seed Savers Exchange donated a record 63,650 packets of seed to more than 600 community gardens through the Herman’s Garden and Disaster Relief programs. These seeds empowered communities, connecting them with real food, experiential learning, and heirloom varieties for seed saving.
“With your help, we were able to launch our program with great success—providing seeds to over 200 local gardeners.” —Patricia K.-M.
“I could not believe how many different varieties of great seeds you included! From arugula to watermelon and everything in between, this donation is so appreciated.” —Maureen G.
“We are so excited to be able to share seeds for vegetables folks may not be familiar with like sunberry and Silver Bell squash as well as staples like the beets, tomatoes, and broccoli.” —Arden M.
The year 2023 saw the publication of the 2020 Seed Trade Census, a research publication that provides a snapshot of vendors and open-pollinated vegetable varieties that existed in the United States seed trade in 2020.
The latest Seed Trade Census contains data collected in 2020 from seed company websites and catalogs representing 18,142 unique varieties of edible food crops sold by 399 wholesale and retail seed companies—an increase from the last census, conducted in 2015, which listed 12,892 varieties and 257 vendors. Of the varieties available in 2020, 56% were offered by only one source, with only 14% being offered by more than five sources.
This publication can help gardeners and growers locate unique open-pollinated varieties available in their region, plant breeders identify open-pollinated breeding material, farmers capture market trends, and chefs and others discover the diversity of form and flavor in rare vegetable varieties. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone who cares about preserving the rich diversity of varieties cultivated in the United States.
Seed Savers Exchange is excited to announce a multi-partner collaborative effort with Alice Waters’s Edible Schoolyard Project. This effort will continue the work of the Heirloom Collard Project and bring in longtime Seed Savers Exchange partner SeedLinked. The purpose of this project is to create a curriculum for middle school students around growing collard greens.
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The 43rd annual Seed Savers Exchange conference was originally held on July 21-22, 2023. Keynote presenters included Dr. Vandana Shiva, world-renowned activist; Rafael Mier, founder and director of Fundación Tortilla; Diane Wilson, author of THE SEED KEEPER; Sean Brock, chef, restauranteur, author; and Sam Jett, operations director, Audrey and June restaurants.
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One of the most compelling ways Seed Savers Exchange drives impact is by sharing seed-stewardship stories. In 2023, the inspiring ‘Rizzi Softball’ tomato story was one such example of stories shared, resulting in increased public awareness and interest in unique varieties. Regina Santore recounted how her family has stewarded this Italian plum tomato for more than 100 years at the annual SSE conference. Michael Washburn, SSE’s preservation director, also shared this tomato’s story with gardeners at the 2023 PBS Wisconsin Garden and Landscape Expo.
Watch NowFind additional information including financial information and recognition, membership highlights, and more in the 2023 Impact Report, PDF Version.