What We Do

Our primary work is to facilitate the online seed exchange and seed the exchange through the mail among seed-savers, and create seed stewardship. With around 200 current seed listings, we aim to offer a level of biodiversity beyond that is found in most seed catalogs and grocery stores!

We make rare and heirloom seed varieties available to home gardeners, and want the choice of what varieties thrive and survive to be in all kinds of family farm and gardener hands, rather than the exclusive hands of big seed companies.

We also aim to facilitate the preservation of these seeds in many other ways; by awarding small grants to people who are stewarding large collections, listing their varieties, and teaching seed-saving methods. We also connect Aging Seed Stewards with enthusiastic young seed   curators, botanists and farmers.

JOIN GSN!

We are a democratic, lister-governed organization, and we value member feedback. Become a Member by listing seeds you steward. Seed listers vote to elect our Board of Directors and approve GSN’s Bylaws.

There is a noteworthy concentration of listers in Maine and the Northeast, and also some listers across the United States. We hope to expand to better represent the various regions of the US, and to include international members.

Though founded on a model of Membership & Dues, the GSN board has decided to highly prioritize expanding our Membership. Thus we currently are not charging membership dues.  So do join us!