Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, Inc., dba Seeds in Common

Overview

Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, now operating as Seeds in Common, is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on promoting and preserving seed biodiversity. Originally founded in 2014 by John Caccia, Bill McDorman, and Belle Starr, the organization aims to support and educate seed keepers and food growers across the Colorado and Rio Grande watersheds[1][3].

History

Founded as Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance (RMSA), the group initially concentrated on creating a network to connect communities with regionally adapted seeds. Key milestones include the establishment of Seed School programs and the launch of the Heritage Grain Trials Program in 2016. This program involved trialing over 250 varieties of ancient and heritage grains across diverse locations, leading to the development of more resilient and culturally relevant crops[2][3].

Mission and Programs

The mission of Seeds in Common is to nurture healthy communities by supporting seed diversity and advocating for seed and food justice. The organization offers educational courses, including Seed School 101 and Grain School 101, to equip individuals with skills in seed saving and heritage grain preparation. Additionally, it raises awareness about the dangers of corporate seed patenting and supports community initiatives like seed libraries[1][2].

Organizational Change and Restructuring

In 2022, the organization underwent significant changes, rebranding as Seeds in Common with a new name, mission, and vision. The restructuring included a new board and staff to better align with the communities it serves, focusing on justice and equity through leadership and resource distribution[1][2].

Community Impact

Seeds in Common engages in collaborative projects, such as installing water catchment systems for Indigenous farmers through a Native American Agriculture Grant. It also supports diverse educational initiatives, including in-person seed-saving events and international partnerships to share knowledge on seed biology and genetics[1][2].

Former Programs and Legacy

Former directors, including Bill McDorman and Lee-Ann Hill, continue to offer some discontinued RMSA programs under a separate initiative known as the Heritage Grain Alliance. These efforts focus on preserving and distributing heritage grains and maintaining seed libraries and exchanges established during the RMSA era[5].