Seed School

Seed School

with Bill McDorman and Guests

"Regional, Sustainable, Diverse.
Inspiring Gardeners to Think Seeds First"

"I learned more about what is real in a week at
Seed School than four years in college!"
Jesse DeMoss, LocalMotive, LLC
New Meadows, ID
Seed School grad. March 2011

Next Seed School - Tucson, Arizona
Native Seeds/SEARCH Conservation Center
October 30th - November 4th 


Seed School Dates, Locations & Payment Bottom of Page

The "F-1 Generation" of Seed Schoolers -- our inaugural graduating class!

Scroll down the right column to sign up for the Seeds Trust Newsletter, and stay up to date on Seed School events!

     Think seeds first! Seed School is an innovative 6-day school designed to help participants create new regional and sustainable seed production and distribution systems. The workshop trains gardeners, farmers, seed savers, entrepreneurs, NGOs, policy makers and anyone interested in turning the tide on the industrialization of our food and agriculture.

     Many growers are still purchasing one-size-fits-all seed every year. They could (and should!) be saving seeds they grow selected for the qualities and characteristics that work best for them. Those seeds get planted the following year increasing regional adaptability and true sustainability. This is diversity at its best. And we all know the saying: The strength of any ecosystem is a function of its diversity.

     Classroom time in this permaculture inspired program ranges from an introduction to genetics to modern database management (for those wishing to start a seed business or add a seed component to an existing organization). It is balanced with hands-on activities including harvesting, processing, germination testing and packaging seeds. Special guest presenters from permaculture and the seed industry as well as field trips round out your Seed School experience. Seed School takes place in the gorgeous Verde Valley in Arizona and on-location.

     This first-of-its-kind school inspires and teaches the practical, detailed information necessary to recreate the genetic foundation for a truly sustainable agriculture. Its focus is to dissect the current world seed situation, take a hard look at its implications, and then help students gain the skills necessary to reconstruct practical, new models for both profit making and non-profit institutions. Those attending are encouraged to bring their personal projects. Group work and consulting time will provide the necessary feedback for the success of any given venture.

     This groundbreaking course inspires local foodies, gardeners and community leaders to think seeds first when focusing on regional autonomy and sustainability. Those concerned with food security, diversity and better tasting food will revel in the opportunity to celebrate and learn about the magic of seeds. Seeds adapted to specific micro-climes—with characteristics suited to where people actually live and grow—simply work better.

     Teaching Seed School is our response to the monopolization of our seeds and our food. It is taught by Bill McDorman, President of Seeds Trust, founded in 1984.  He has over 30 years experience in the bioregional seed business and has started 3 seed companies and 2 non-profits.  Mr. McDorman is author of Basic Seed Saving.  His curriculum is taught in 10 parts:

(1) Structure and History of the Seed Industry
(2) The Magic of Seeds
(3) Intro to Mendel's Genetics
(4) Selection and Evaluation
(5) Pollination
(6) Breeding
(7) Harvesting
(8) Germination
(9) Wild Seed - Production, Collection, Cleaning
(10) Seed Exchanges, Libraries, Businesses

A $200 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot. Non residency course in Tucson, AZ at Native Seeds/SEARCH - $700 tuition, $600 early bird discount.  THANKS.
Stephen Thomas's Blog after Seed School 1.  Thanks Stephen.

Milo Mitchel's Blog after Seed School 2.  Thanks Milo.

Testimonials

Final Seed School Class (2011):

October 30 - November 4, 2011  (Tucson, AZ)
$700 tuition, $600 early bird discount (by Fri. October 7)
LUNCH PROVIDED.
$200 deposit to reserve spot.  PLEASE REGISTER AT: NATIVESEEDS.ORG
OR CALL: 520.622.0830 EXT 100

Space limited. You are encouraged to sign up early since this is the last Seed School scheduled in 2011.  

Each class requires a $200 deposit to secure your spot. Full payment is due 2 weeks prior to the starting date.

 To register and submit your deposit for an upcoming Seed School, go to:

NATIVESEEDS.ORG/SEEDSCHOOL
OR CALL: 520.622.0830 EXT 100

Make Donation to Seed School Scholarship Fund

Seed School Resources

After payment, please fill out Seed School registration form here.