Strengthening Local Food Systems Through Production of Appalachian Seed Crops

Strengthening Local Food Systems Through Production of Appalachian Seed Crops Production of heritage seed crops is an important agricultural practice that provides a revenue stream and sustains the history and culture of community food systems. Goals of the Strengthening Local Food Systems Through Production of Appalachian Seed Crops project are to provide direct technical assistance to entrepreneurs and other stakeholders interested in seed production; transfer knowledge to improve practices and business profitability; and document existing practices and motivations of market gardeners and community members in the Appalachian region of Kentucky who regularly or infrequently practice seed saving. University of Kentucky Extension Specialists and project partners – Grow Appalachia, Community Farm Alliance, the Kentucky Horticulture Council, the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Organic Association of Kentucky – and collaborators will provide direct technical assistance to at least 150 prospective or existing small and medium-scale seed producers, with half (75) of the producers showing improvements; at least 12 new businesses will be created, with 12 new jobs created and at least 50 retained in the region. Growing, sharing, storing, and selling seeds are strategies to preserve the rich cultural history of Appalachian agriculture and genetic diversity of open pollinated crops adapted to the region. Project activities will also connect to at least 12,500 residents in the region, sharing the benefits of and increasing demand for locally-produced seed. Availability of these heritage seed kinds preserves cultural assets, promotes disaster preparedness and contributes to a more resilient food system while creating entrepreneurial opportunities.