Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) turns ten this year and invites you to commemorate the milestone with a celebratory dinner, art show, and fundraiser to support our work on October 26, 2013, at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend at 6:00 p.m.
The event will celebrate OSA’s roots and the advancements made since its launch. After ten years, OSA has established itself as the leading organic seed institution in the U.S.
OSA was formally known as Abundant Life Seed Foundation, a non-profit established in 1973 with the mission of acquiring, propagating, preserving, and distributing native and naturalized seed. The foundation managed its seed through a network of growers and distributed the seed through a catalogue.
On August 4, 2003, a fire consumed the offices of Abundant Life Seed Foundation in Port Townsend, destroying more than 2,300 seed varieties.
Following the fire, Abundant Life Seed Foundation changed its name to Organic Seed Alliance. The founders rebuilt the organization with a new mission to advance the ethical development and stewardship of seed. This included changing the emphasis on collecting, preserving, and distributing seed to delivering research and education to growers, and engaging in advocacy efforts that supported their vision. They ultimately sold the catalogue component of their operations.
“After ten years, OSA has already established itself as the leading organic seed institution in the U.S.,” says Executive Director Micaela Colley. “We’re proud of our accomplishments, which include teaching more than 100 courses, publishing more than a dozen professional seed guides, hosting the nation’s only organic seed conference, and influencing critical seed policy.”
OSA recently unveiled a new website at www.seedalliance.org. Visitors will find free educational seed resources, a list of regional and national events, seed policy positions, a timely blog, and more.
You can also find an anniversary timeline detailing some of the organization’s milestones at the OSA website.
The anniversary dinner and art show on October 26, 2013, in Port Townsend will include local food and live music. Purchase your ticket at www.seedalliance.org.
The organization has also just completed a strategic plan for the next ten years.
“We are excited to execute our new plan for the next ten years,” says Colley. “Our board and staff are more confident than ever in our innovative approach to seed research, education, and advocacy that supports the success of farmers and the communities and markets they serve.”
