Summary
Seed Savers Exchange, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds, celebrates over 50 years of operation. Founded in 1975 by Diane and Kent Whaley, the organization has grown into one of the largest non-governmental seed banks globally, focusing on maintaining open-pollinated seeds and fostering community connections among gardeners. Executive Director Mike Bollinger emphasizes that the mission of Seed Savers is not just about seeds but about nurturing relationships between people, plants, and the land.
Bollinger reflects on his journey to Seed Savers, which began with a background in psychobiology and a transformative experience in West Africa that shifted his perspective on agriculture and community. He joined Seed Savers in 2003, eventually taking on the role of executive director in 2022 after a brief hiatus from farming. Under his leadership, the organization has adapted to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased demand for seeds by 70%. This surge highlighted the importance of community and the need for effective seed conservation practices.
The organization continues to evolve, now managing over 20,000 varieties of seeds and expanding its outreach through educational programs and a new podcast, "Sowing Connections." Bollinger encourages everyone, regardless of expertise, to participate in seed saving and gardening, emphasizing that even small efforts contribute to the larger goal of preserving biodiversity and fostering community resilience.
Show Notes
Seeds are essential not just to our gardens but to life on this planet across time and space. Seeds and humans have partnered since humans have walked on two feet.
This week on Cultivating Place, we are in conversation with Mike Bollinger, Executive Director of Seed Savers Exchange, celebrating the history and agency of individuals saving seeds.
Founded in 1975 by Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy, SSE is one of the largest non-governmental seed banks in the world, focused on preserving open-pollinated, heirloom crop seeds and education, and Mike shares so much more about SSE moving forward and all that we save and grow when we steward seeds well! PS: Mike is also host of Seed Savers Exchange’s new podcast, Sowing Connections. Listen in!
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