Success StoryAppalachian Heirloom Seed Swap



Appalachian Heirloom Seed Swap

Author: Deborah Stumbo

Planning Unit: Pike County CES

Major Program: Horticulture, Commercial

Plan of Work: Agri-tourism and Promoting Commodities

Outcome: Initial Outcome

April 2, 2022 was the renewal of the traditional Heirloom Seed Swap in Pikeville, Kentucky.  The activity had been postponed for 2 years due to Covid and group was in rebuilding mode.  There were just over 400 participants (403 to be exact) attending from 15 states, along with multiple local heirloom seed fanatics.  Swap started with the Cushaw cutting at 9 am.  Cutters presented had all 3 been with us from the first seed swap 12 years ago and cut some rare varieties of Cushaw.  The Heirloom Seed Swap is one of few that offer educational classes along with traditional buy/sell/trade of seed.  Renowned Seed Savers offered classes in History of Seed Saving - Bill Best, Seed Saving Stories - John Coykendall, Seed Saving 101 -Lisa Bloodnick, Making Herbal Salves - Ben Cohen, & Homesteading with Foraging - Rhonella Chaffin.  Multiple regular Farmers Market participants offered spring plants for sell as well as valued added products they normally sell at various FM Activities. Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky State University, Pike Conservation Office, and Pike County ANR Extension Office also had tables to present information to the public.  Pike County Appalachian Heirloom Seed Swap brings in tourists from 15 states and multiple local fanatics.






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