The disappearance of many of the heirloom varieties of seeds, is a concern for many.  Anyone from professional plant breeders to the local enthusiast's find heirlooms fascinating.  Because of the isolating mountains of eastern Kentucky, many of the heirlooms varieties have been preserved.  The heirlooms are bred for taste and specific topography/weather, while most of the more recent varieties are bred for storage, long life, or even mechanical picking not taste.  For multiple years, the Pikeville Farmers Market has hosted an Annual Appalachian Heritage Seed Swap.  The event draws people from 11 states, even New York, Florida, Alabama, for a total of 11 states & Canada participating, as well as many local enthusiasts.  The Appalachian Heritage Seed Swap is set up a little differently, in that, we have training sessions by experts, throughout the day as well as seed swappers & Book writers on heirloom topics.  This year the swap had 58 vendors and 602 buyers of heirloom seed and signed books.  This year, we included a Heirloom Quilt show which brought in some new participants.