Based on a conversation with Holly Silvester
May 2025
What is your personal connection to seed saving and local seeds?
The biggest threat to agriculture today is the loss of diversity, and alongside that, our disconnection from seeds. Seed has become a commodified input rather than something we are in relationship with. For centuries, humans were responsible for seed stewardship, but that relationship has broken down. Many growers now expect seeds to arrive in the mail, without any personal involvement. This disconnection is deeply troubling.
At the same time, I want to move away from the romanticized view of seed saving. It can seem complex at first and that can be a barrier. But once you begin, it becomes natural and intuitive. We must reclaim seed saving as a serious, integral part of farming—not just a nostalgic or idealistic pursuit. Farmers need to engage with their plants, guide their performance, and maintain that reciprocal relationship.
How is your project structured?
I run a participatory breeding project called the Crowd Breeding Project through the UK Seed Sovereignty Programme. It brings farmers together to collaboratively breed seeds, sharing risks and experiences. It’s currently a voluntary project, but we’ve started offering a small participation stipend. However, we’re considering using that funding to bring everyone together in person, which I believe would have an even greater impact.
What successes are you most proud of? Or, what has worked well to engage your community?
One of the biggest successes has been the international collaboration and cross-pollination of knowledge. I’ve invited speakers from around the world, especially from my connections in the U.S. These shared conversations have been incredibly valuable for everyone involved. Bringing farmers together to breed collaboratively has also been powerful—it fosters community, learning, and resilience.
What are your biggest challenges in seed saving work and local seeds?
The main challenge is the economic reality of farming. Farmers are under pressure to produce food on tight margins, and adding seed saving can feel like just one more burden. Additionally, seed is often left out of key agricultural discussions, even in regenerative and organic spaces, which is always surprising to me. Normalizing seed conversations and making space for seed advocates within these movements is essential.
Another challenge is the fixation on purity. We often want to freeze a variety in time, name it, and define it as static. But seeds are alive and dynamic. The desire for purity in seed reflects broader societal issues of control and exclusion. If we resist change in seeds, we risk resisting diversity in all its forms. It’s crucial to embrace adaptability and evolution in our seed systems.
What resources or support would make your work more effective?
Compensation for experts and contributors would be helpful. Currently, many speakers volunteer their time. As our movement grows, we’ll need to support those offering their knowledge. Also, funding to bring participants together in person would significantly strengthen our collaborative work.
Tools like crop-specific seed-saving kits could become useful if we expand our projects. While our current participants are experienced seed savers, printed guides might help future newcomers.
What do you think is missing from the current local seeds / seed sovereignty space?
There’s a lack of communication and collaboration among organizations. Many groups are doing important work, but we aren’t always connected. This leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. We need dedicated spaces—like conferences and in-person meetups—where we can strategize and build real relationships. Everyone wants to collaborate, but daily responsibilities often get in the way.
If we’re successful, what has shifted and what does agriculture look like?
In an ideal movement, seed saving is normalized and integrated into all farming systems. It’s seen as essential, not optional. Farmers have reclaimed autonomy over their seeds and work in relationship with their plants. Diversity is celebrated and embraced, not frozen or constrained by outdated ideas of purity. And there are strong networks of collaboration where knowledge flows freely across regions and countries.
What would you do if you had a magic wand?
I’d use the money to bring farmers and seed workers together in person—nationally and internationally. That face-to-face connection is irreplaceable for building trust, sharing ideas, and forming lasting collaborations. I’d also invest in compensating speakers and contributors who share their knowledge.
How would you want to be involved?
I’m already deeply involved through the Crowd Breeding Project and my work with the UK Seed Sovereignty Programme. I’d love to continue building international bridges and expanding collaborative breeding efforts.
Summary:
- Holly leads the Crowd Breeding Project under the UK Seed Sovereignty Programme.
- It is currently volunteer-based, with some stipends introduced.
- She emphasizes the importance of bringing people together in person.
- Major challenges include the economic constraints on farmers and the lack of seed literacy in mainstream agriculture.
- Holly sees fixation on purity as a risk to both seed systems and societal dynamics.
- She highlights the Pacific Northwest as an inspiring seed-saving hub.
- Holly values international collaboration and sees potential in expanding these connections.
- Possible collaboration: connection to Rutgers via James White.
- Potential future resource use: printed seed-saving guides/kits if expanding to less experienced participants.
- Tags: UK, seed sovereignty, participatory breeding, international collaboration, economic barriers, purity narrative, community building