In 2024, Irish Seed Savers received funding from The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Genetic Resources Grant Aid Scheme (GRGAS) to expand the National Heritage Fruit Tree Collection. This project focuses on finding rare varieties of plums, damsons, gages, bullaces, and pears. We need your help to preserve these valuable fruit tree varieties!
How You Can Help:
- Contact Us: If you have or know of any unique fruit trees, such as plums or pears, email us at info@irishseedsavers.ie. Your information could help identify significant fruit trees through DNA testing and add unique varieties to the National Heritage Collection.
- Spread the Word: Share our project with friends, family, and on social media. The more people we reach, the better our chances of discovering and conserving these rare fruit trees.
- Stay Updated: Follow Irish Seed Savers on social media for updates on our conservation efforts.
Your support helps secure genetic diversity in our food systems. New varieties discovered will be added to the National Inventory on the Eurisco database and propagated at Irish Seed Savers for conservation and distribution, promoting ‘Conservation Through Use.’
The Search for Landrace Irish Hops:
In collaboration with Canvas Brewery, we’re launching a pilot project to uncover and preserve wild or landrace Irish hops. We need your help to identify these hidden treasures.
How You Can Help:
- Identify Hop Plants: If you’ve seen hop plants growing in gardens or hedgerows, contact Irish Seed Savers or Canvas Brewery.
- Share Local History: Information about historical hop-growing sites or local breweries is invaluable. Your knowledge could help uncover a piece of Ireland’s brewing heritage.
Contact Us:
- Irish Seed Savers: info@irishseedsavers.ie
- Canvas Brewery: info@canvasbrewery.com
Join us in preserving Ireland’s horticultural and brewing heritage—your contribution is invaluable!
