Seed Co-operative

At the Seed Co-operative, our mission is to cultivate a thriving agroecological food system that prioritizes health, resilience, and equity. We believe in the power of seeds to transform how we grow, share, and relate to our food. By promoting diversity, democracy, and a deeper connection to the land and those who tend it, we envision a future where agroecology is at the heart of our food systems. Seeds are the foundation of this vision, and we are committed to ensuring their role is recognized and celebrated in building a sustainable and just food future.

Our Agroecological Approach
Agroecology is more than a farming method—it’s a way of life that harmonizes with nature’s rhythms and respects the interconnectedness of all living systems. At the Seed Co-operative, we champion diversity in every sense: diversity of ownership, knowledge, genetics, and ecosystems. By focusing on open-pollinated seeds adapted to organic growing systems, we support farming practices that regenerate the soil, protect biodiversity, and strengthen local food sovereignty. Our work in organic plant breeding ensures that farmers and growers have access to seeds that thrive in agroecological systems, empowering them to produce food that nourishes both people and the planet.

Our Commitment to Agroecological Principles
We reject the industrial model of agriculture that relies on exploitative seed biotechnology and corporate control. Instead, we are dedicated to breeding open-pollinated seeds that are resilient, adaptable, and accessible to all. These seeds embody the principles of agroecology—they can be saved, shared, and grown year after year, fostering self-reliance and community resilience. By prioritizing transparency, we ensure that everyone knows where their seeds come from, who grew them, and how they were bred. This connection is vital to building trust and fostering a food system rooted in equity and sustainability.

Our Agroecological Journey
Since our founding in 2014 as an initiative of the Biodynamic Association, the Seed Co-operative has grown into a vibrant Community Benefit Society, uniting farmers, growers, gardeners, chefs, and food enthusiasts in the pursuit of agroecological transformation. In 2016, we took a significant step forward by acquiring Gosberton Bank Nursery in Lincolnshire, a 24-acre site that had been abandoned for years. Through the hard work of our staff and volunteers, we revitalized the nursery, creating a hub for agroecological seed production, research, and education. Recognized as a finalist in the 2017 BBC Food and Farming Awards and achieving organic certification in 2018, we have continued to expand our impact. Today, under the leadership of Sharn Jones and with the support of our skilled Board, shareholders, and volunteers, we remain steadfast in our commitment to agroecology. We welcome new collaborators and ideas as we work together to grow a food system that is just, regenerative, and rooted in the wisdom of nature.

Find out more at
https://seedcooperative.org.uk/pages/our-story