Success StorySeed Swap



Seed Swap

Author: Amanda Sears

Planning Unit: Madison County CES

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Plan of Work: Encourage and Promote Sustainable Agriculture Practices

Outcome: Initial Outcome


Our community wants to be more resilient and sustainable. One way to promote that is by offering a seed swap.

Having seeds to swap was not a requirement to attend. In addition to the seeds brought by clients, seed packets were available that had been donated by the local Ace Hardware.

Before the swap began, seeds were placed on tables according to type of plant. Then the Agent gave a brief presentation on how to save and store seeds, as well as guidelines on how to proceed with the swap. Once the presentation was complete, participants were able to go table to table and collect the seeds they wanted. 

Nearly 85% of participants planned on saving seeds during the coming growing season. Over 90% of participants said the program presented, as well as the handouts given, would be helpful when they tried to save seeds. When asked what plant or type of plants they were going to save seed from the most common answers were tomato, beans, squash and flowers.









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