Origins And
Early Vision
The Irish Seed Savers Association (ISSA) is Ireland’s leading non-governmental organisation working for the conservation of Ireland’s diverse genetic food crop heritage, safeguarding it for use by present and future generations. ISSA began with a simple but vital purpose: to protect Ireland’s rapidly diminishing food crop heritage from extinction. Founded in 1991 by Anita Hayes, the organisation emerged from a growing awareness that Ireland’s traditional, open-pollinated seed varieties and heritage fruit trees were vanishing — and with them, the genetic diversity, knowledge, flavour, and resilience they carried. From humble beginnings in a small farm in County Carlow, ISSA moved to its permanent home in Capparoe, Scariff, County Clare.
Seeds And
Heritage Trees
Today ISSA stewards over 20 acres of organically managed land. It is here that the organisation holds Ireland’s only living Seed Bank, housing over 800 rare vegetable, grain, herb, and flower varieties. It also curates the National Heritage Apple Tree Collection, with more than 200 unique Irish apple varieties.
Conservation Through
Community Action
Irish Seed Savers is more than a conservation body — it is a living resource at both community and national levels. Through the practice of ‘conservation through use,’ its education programme, growing networks, and public advocacy, ISSA empowers people to reconnect with heritage varieties and the tradition of growing their own food, supporting biodiversity, resilience, and food sovereignty.
Recognition And
Future Mission
Proudly recognised as Farming for Nature Ambassadors, our farm is a dedicated conservation site for the Native Irish Honey Bee. Featured widely in media and public discourse, ISSA has grown into a nationally important organisation. It plays a leading role in safeguarding Irish food crop heritage — from seed to plate, from heritage to hope.
Our mission is simple: to protect Ireland’s food future by saving its past — and making it grow again.
