At Heritage Farm, seeds are planted with both the past and the future in mind. Some varieties carry stories that stretch back generations. Others are being grown, evaluated, and shared with gardeners for the first time. For 50 years, Seed Savers Exchange has worked alongside a community of seed savers to ensure these varieties continue to be grown, shared, and stewarded for the generations that follow.

In 2025, that work continued thanks to the dedication of our staff, members, donors, and partners. Through seed donations, trials, and community programs, thousands of gardeners participated in preserving and growing heirloom crops. More than 51,050 seed packets were donated to community gardens and schools through the Herman’s Garden program, while our national network of seed sharers continued to steward more than 14,000 unique varieties through the Exchange.

The year also marked several important milestones for the organization. In August, more than 500 people from across the country gathered at Heritage Farm to celebrate Seed Savers Exchange’s 50th anniversary and to share knowledge, seeds, and ideas for the future of seed stewardship. The organization also launched the Seed Savers Exchange Endowment Fund, creating long-term financial support for the ongoing care of the seed collection. In addition, Seed Savers Exchange partnered with the Crop Trust to conduct a comprehensive external assessment of our seed bank—the first review of its kind for a nonprofit genebank in the United States.

Seed saving has always been a shared effort. With the support of our community, the work that began 50 years ago continues to grow—ensuring that these seeds, and the knowledge needed to grow them, remain available for generations to come.