ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Sow True Seed outgrew their little building on Church St. a good few years ago, but it can be hard to find the right place at the right price in Asheville NC. After reaching a critical growth point, Sow True Seed have now moved to a larger building, with better parking, at 243 Haywood St, Asheville NC 28801. It’s a mere 1.1 miles from their old location, but the potential for increasing seed diversity is huge.
“The biggest reason for needing more space is our seeds,” says Angie Lavezzo, STS General Manager. “We currently have 545 varieties of seed available to buy with 150 varieties awaiting trialing and seed grow out!”
That’s an important figure in an industry that is rapidly consolidating and reducing the amount of seed diversity available. Sow True Seed wants to see a dramatic increase in seed varieties that are publicly available, which is why they aim to build a climate controlled seed storage facility that is twice as large and more efficient than their old seed storage.
Janisse Ray, a seed activist and author, writes, “Our seeds are disappearing. When seed varieties vanish from the marketplace, they evaporate not only from collective memory but also from the evolutionary story of the earth. Seeds are more like Bengal tigers than vinyl records, which can simply be remanufactured. Once gone, seeds cannot be resurrected. Goodbye, cool seeds. Goodbye, history of civilization. Goodbye, food.”
Sow True Seed have launched a campaign to raise $35,000 via the popular crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter. This money will fund the custom construction of a large seed storage facility that will support their continuing mission of seed preservation and diversity. Watch their video and read more about their campaign: http://kck.st/2w1McfO
“We had the option of a conventional loan,” says Chris Smith, STS Community Coordinator. “But, besides wanting to avoid corporate debt, we have the poetic dream that a diversified funding base can help support diversified seeds and food security for all.”
Sow True Seed have a wide range of fun seed-based rewards on offer to thank the people who pledge money to the campaign. Everything from seed packets and t-shirts, to scarecrows and a visit to Martha’s Vineyard (limited!). They will also be playing their promotional video at this year’s WNC Garlic Fest on Oct 7th at their new location.
Kickstarter Campaign Link: http://kck.st/2w1McfO
— Sow True Seed
For more news from North Carolina, click here.
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