Native Seeds/SEARCH

Native Seeds/SEARCH is a nonprofit conservation organization based in the United States. Founded in 1983, it is dedicated to conserving, distributing, and documenting the diverse varieties of agricultural seeds from the Southwest American region and northwest Mexico.

Mission

The mission of Native Seeds/SEARCH is to conserve and share the seeds of the people of the desert Southwest and Mexico, ensuring these arid-adapted crops benefit communities and nourish a changing world. It supports traditional, native farmers and gardeners by maintaining a seed bank and a Conservation Farm. The organization prioritizes the well-being of the food supply and community health by distributing seeds, native food products, and indigenous arts.

History

Native Seeds/SEARCH was established by Gary Paul Nabhan, Karen Reichhardt, Barney Burns, and Mahina Drees. It originated from a Meals for Millions gardening project in cooperation with the Tohono O'odham Nation. The organization's founders aimed to curate, collect, and distribute seeds of traditionally grown crops in the Southwest. Notably, Dr. Nabhan received a MacArthur Foundation grant in 1991 to study the agronomic characteristics and health value of desert food plants.

Programs

• Community Seed Grants: Native Seeds/SEARCH offers grants to organizations in the Greater Southwest region, supporting educators and underprivileged groups while preserving locally adapted crop varieties.
• Native American Seed Request: The organization provides limited free or reduced-cost seeds to Native American individuals in the Southwest, ensuring access to their traditional seed varieties.
• Partner Farmer Program: Participants receive bulk seeds and are asked to return a portion of their harvest to support future seed exchanges.
• Rematriation: A process aimed at returning seeds to communities with historical ties to them, supporting seed sovereignty.
• Seed Donations: Organizations focused on improving seed security within their communities are invited to apply for seed donations.

Seed Bank and Collections

Native Seeds/SEARCH conserves over 1,800 regional seed varieties in a climate-controlled seed bank. These seeds are adapted to arid landscapes from southern Colorado to central Mexico and are integral to the cultural heritage of more than 50 Indigenous communities.

Products and Services

The organization sells heirloom seeds, native food products, and indigenous arts. It also runs a conservation farm where seeds are regenerated through partnerships with regional farmers. Native Seeds/SEARCH emphasizes the importance of corn, beans, and squash in Southwestern Indigenous food systems and also conserves chiles, melons, amaranth, and other traditional crops.

Vision

Native Seeds/SEARCH envisions a future where arid-adapted crops are abundant in the region's gardens, farms, and kitchens. It seeks to ensure Indigenous seeds are in the hands of Indigenous growers, supporting all communities in preserving their unique seeds and agricultural heritage.