We’re happy to showcase the work of business member Sow True Seed this month, a small but growing company that was founded in 2008 by lifelong gardener and food activist Carol Koury. The mission of Sow True Seed is to preserve our shared botanical heritage by providing open-pollinated, heirloom and organic vegetable, herb, and flower seeds to gardeners and small-scale farmers.
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Sow True Seed is operated by a staff committed to selling high-quality seed that supports a more sustainable food system. They work with seed growers in their region to ensure the survival of heirloom varieties that would otherwise become extinct (check out this story about Cocke’s Prolific corn) as well as with growers across the US, from Tennessee to Kansas to Oregon. All of their seed is open-pollinated to support self-sufficiency through seed saving, since OP varieties adapt faster to their growing region and climate. The seed they offer is also non-GMO and much of it is certified organic.
“We consider seed saving and seed preservation our core mission at Sow True Seed,” says Communications and Marketing Manager Chris Smith. “Everyone who works here is committed to the knowledge that seed equals food and that a secure and sovereign seed system is a foundational pillar to a sustainable food system.”
“Big picture stuff is important but can be pretty intimidating,” says Smith. “We like to remind ourselves on a daily basis that seeds are fun, seeds have great stories, seeds are beautiful, seeds are tasty, seeds are diverse, and seeds should be celebrated. I think that’s what we really do at Sow True Seed — we celebrate seeds and encourage everyone to join the party.”
Learn more about Sow True Seed and the varieties they sell here.
