On August 1, 2025, Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) hosted its Quarterly Advocacy Call, bringing together seed stewards, researchers, and advocates for a rich discussion on the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) and related seed policy efforts. The call served as a platform to share updates, exchange insights, and activate advocacy in support of public seed systems.
A Closer Look at the National Plant Germplasm System
The National Plant Germplasm System is a network of gene banks managed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service. It houses more than 620,000 accessions representing over 16,000 plant species, preserving critical diversity for food, farming, and future resilience. The August call highlighted NPGS’s pivotal role in protecting genetic resources amid climate change, pests, and shifting agricultural needs
Highlights from the Call
“The time to revive the Seeds & Breeds Coalition is now. We need coordinated advocacy to secure public plant breeding in the next farm bill—and beyond.” – Cathleen McCluskey (OSA)
“The NPGS isn’t static—it’s dynamic, and your input helps shape how it’s resourced and accessed.” – Sarah Dohle (USDA)
“Public trust and use of the NPGS depends on our ability to be open-source, inclusive, and equipped for climate adaptation.” – Jim McFerson (National Genetic Resources Advisory Council)
“Community involvement in genebanks helps root these collections in use—not just preservation.” – Mike Bollinger (Seed Savers Exchange)
“We can’t afford to treat germplasm as something we only pull out during a crisis. Let’s crowdsource data and connect farmers directly to characterization.” – Nico Enjalbert (SeedLinked)
Want to stay involved in future policy calls or deepen your advocacy around public seed systems? Sign up for our Monthly Advocacy Office Hours first Fridays at 9 am. Together, we can protect and expand the systems that protect our seeds.
