Impact Report

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.

A Letter From Our Executive Director

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

Seed Savers Exchange stewards America’s culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations. We educate and connect people through collecting, regenerating, and sharing heirloom seeds, plants, and stories.

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.

A Record Year for Seed Donations

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.

Testimonials

“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.

Measuring Availability of Biodiversity Through the Seed Trade Census

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.

2023 SSE 990 Signed