AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO GERMPLASM PRESERVATION

Abstract

Seed Savers Exchange (SSE), founded in 1975, is a grassroots network of nearly 1,000 amateur growers who are working together to save heirloom vegetables and fruit varieties from extinction. In 1986 SSE purchased a 140-acre farm near Decorah, Iowa. Major projects either in place or under development at Heritage Farm include large Preservation Gardens where the seeds of 1,200 rare vegetables are multiplied each summer, Historic Apple Orchard of 600 old-time varieties, and endangered breeds of livestock and poultry. This talk will focus on the history and development of SSE, differences in the user groups serviced by the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) and SSE, the differing problems faced by both systems, and specific ways that NPGS and SSE can compliment each other's efforts.