Highlights from the 2024 Midwest Organic Seed Summit
Guest Article by April Jones
Editorial Contributions by Michael Lordon, Organic Seed Alliance
Communities across our vast country, a constellation of localized seed economies, are expanding into new heights. They are discovering new varieties of seeds to be planted that will create beauty and economic vibrancy, and educating our neighbors about the benefits of local and regional seed networks. Seed growers are exploring the expansive specialization of seeds, selecting the best seeds for flavor, color, hardiness, and health, so that each community can seek out and grow their own hand crafted paradise. These seed growers are grounding and steeping themselves in Indigenous and ecological seed knowledge, growing out both traditional and experimental varieties. The seed movement is focused on building partnerships, creating a legacy of seed leaders who like perennial crops can be bountiful year after year, crafting well adapted seed varieties that, like cover crops, will replenish the land and create bountifulness.
The Midwest Organic Seed Summit was a great time of fellowship, and leadership in the seed community. Participants were able to discuss, learn and grow in their own seed knowledge and share their expertise with others. The regional summit brought together organic producers and other key stakeholders to identify ways of promoting and advancing the seed network in the Midwest region. Michael Levine owner of Nature and Nurture Seed company stated, “As the only seed business company attending, it was a great time of connection to the seed community. The location was excellent, as was the food and venue, it was a great time to communicate with others about our seed company, Nature & Nurture Seeds. As a seed business owner, I was able to make a lot of great connections at the Seed Summit.”
Growers shared their perspectives on the newest advances in seed development, and funding partnerships across the region. Attendees discussed how they were using different marketing and sales strategies to communicate with their consumers or partners, a process of educating consumers about the seed and its direct connection to high quality food. The group also explored strategies for how to transition to organic production and how to keep your organic certification.
The Pre-Summit Zoom call was an outstanding opportunity for participants to share future seed projects, opportunities to bring about regional seed independence, and how to create and buy within regional markets. Groups within the region are working to create direct markets for growers, and exploring how to coordinate large seed orders. As seed growers, it is important to focus on seed education for the consumers, and how we can market effectively and create outreach campaigns around regional and culturally-meaningful seeds.
An exciting conversation revolved around diversifying production by growing specialty crops that thrive in small-scale farms across the Midwest. One popular food trend of 2025 is using edible flowers as a garnish on a meal, soup, appetizer, or drink. These flowers add a visually appealing element, and also add subtle flavors like citrus, floral notes and spicy flavors depending on which flower is obtained. Food and Wine Magazine predicts that edible flowers are a food trend that will grow and expand in 2025 and grow year upon year. They predict that the more vibrant the color of the flower the more popular it will be. Flowers like calendula, nasturtium, lavender, and violets are excellent choices to add as a special garnish. Nature & Nurture Seeds of Ann Arbor, Michigan is leaning-in to this segment of seeds, with a beautiful selection of vibrant colored flowers. The organic borage, common chamomile, amaranth, and sunflowers all are excellent options to explore the beauty and vibrancy of nature and to add that beauty to your food. Edible flowers sold fresh to chefs and restaurants are a unique opportunity for the seed movement to expand and partner with the restaurant industry.
Perennial plants can be an excellent option for growers that have stability in their land access. These seeds allow for continued growing success year after year and can be more pest and drought resistant than annual plants. Perennial seeds meet the needs of the growers having a positive sustainable, environmental and economic impact, as it allows for more economic success of the grower. Helping the grower to protect water sources, increase carbon retention in the soil, and reduce the expenses for weed control, tillage and fertilizer costs. Look for sources of seed that are local to you to find varieties that will be more likely to thrive in your environment.
Another discussion at the summit focused on the health and spiritual benefits of working outside in the garden at all ages, along with how to take proper care of our bodies and minds while we work. The benefits of gardening include not just the physical activity, but also the vitamins and minerals that fresh produce adds to our diets. Seeds that produce fruits and flowers with vibrant colors have more antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which help keep our body strong and functional.
In addition to nutrition and connection to our history, seeds have the power to add joy, beauty and wonder to our plates. By thoughtfully selecting seeds to grow on our land, we can assist in the restoration and maintenance of diverse and resilient ecosystems. Carefully selecting seeds to plant can be a way to holistically improve the health and resilience of our communities. Seeds are a truly powerful way to implement positive change in our landscape and communities.
* April Jones is the founder of the Pinehurst Farmers Market, and is originally from Akron, Ohio and advocates for her community as part of the food justice and food sovereignty movement. She is passionate about community gardens, and farmer markets. She is a writer, public speaker, consultant, blogger, recipe developer, book reviewer, event planner and more. She contributes content to her blog Frolicking Americana, and to national and international magazines, Mother Earth, Country Lore, The Natural Farmer, Grit, Growing for Market, Ark Republic, Ecoparent Magazine, Growers and Co., Farmers Market Coalition writer, An Emerging Leader in food and agriculture nominee.
Support for this event was provided by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program – Midwest Region (TOPP-MW). TOPP-MW is a program of the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, National Organic Program. Additional support was provided by the Blooming Prairie Foundation.
