Who We Are

Irish Seed Savers Association is the leading non-governmental organisation working for the conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in Ireland.

Our Association comprises a supporter base of over 1700 individuals; a network of seed and apple tree growers; pomologists; orchardists; conservationists; academics, researchers; educators; community gardens and orchard groups. We are a social enterprise, employing 26 staff, and numerous contractors, seasonal and casual workers.

Our Mission

Addressing the challenge of protecting Irelands food crop heritage for future generations, we ConserveProtect and Utilise Ireland’s diverse genetic food crop heritage, safeguarding food crop biodiversity for present and future generations, and we Educate in the sustainable and ethical use of these precious resources.

Conserve

We locate and collect Ireland’s heritage apple trees and seeds, conducting research to fulfil international obligations under the Food Crop Genetic Resources Treaty.

Protect

We oversee Ireland’s Heritage Apple Tree Collection, manage the nation’s sole living seed bank, and contribute to a global genebank network for food crop biodiversity.

Utilise

We support ‘Conservation Through Use’ by selling Ireland’s heritage apple trees and open-pollinated seeds to the public, promoting food security, sustainability, and community resilience.

Educate

We focus on agro-ecology, biodiversity, and regenerative farming, educating on sustainable food systems and traditional practices like seed saving, orchard management, and biodiversity protection.

Get Involved

Why We Do It

Climate change, biodiversity loss and the crisis within our food systems present the most significant challenges of the twenty-first century on a global basis. All are interconnected, with each providing the preconditions to advance the detrimental impact of the other.

Agriculture plays a key role, dominating 40% of the Earth’s surface and contributing significantly to biodiversity loss, including the depletion of ecosystem diversity, of species diversity and of genetic diversity within
species.

Changes in land use, increased urbanisation, land degradation, the use of chemicals, the availability of high yield varieties, changes in market preference and the impact of climate change are increasing the risk for loss of crop diversity. It is estimated that 60% of the world’s traded seed is owned by four agri-chemical giants.

The loss of genetic diversity or genetic erosion, within our food crop varieties increases vulnerability and is a threat to food security. Our systems are broken…..…but nature has an elegant way of adapting to changes in the environment, including changing climates: genetic diversity.

The genetic diversity of cultivated plant species and their wild relatives provide the building blocks of our future food systems. At Irish Seed Savers Association, we work to ensure that the genetic diversity contained in our heritage food crops remain available for use.

How it all began

In 1991, on a small farm in Co. Carlow, Anita Hayes sowed the seeds of a vision that would blossom into Irish Seed Savers Association. Founded with a deep reverence for the disappearing agricultural heritage of Ireland, this initiative stands as a living testament to the agricultural richness passed down by our ancestors.

Anita orchestrated the project’s growth and sought expertise from individuals who shared her dedication, including Dr Keith Lamb and Dr Michael Hennerty, who lent their invaluable wisdom to the cause. In 1996, Irish Seed Savers found a new home in Capparoe, Scariff, marking a pivotal moment in its journey and the creation of the Irish Heritage Apple Tree Collection onsite.

The year 1997 witnessed the implementation of a Fás Community Employment Scheme, spearheaded by Bridget Carlin, providing employment to the volunteers who formed the backbone of Irish Seed Savers original workforce. Bridget’s determination and passion were instrumental in shaping the early years of the organisation.

The momentum continued to build, thanks to support from Clare Local Development Company and The Jackson Foundation. In 2013, Irish Seed Savers achieved a significant milestone with the opening of the countrys first living seed bank, seed processing, and drying facility. The opening ceremony was graced by President Michael D. Higgins, highlighting the national importance of the organization.

Through the collaborative efforts of staff, volunteers, and the unwavering support of subscribers, Irish Seed Savers has flourished since the early 1990s. What began as a small farm in Co. Carlow has evolved into a thriving 20-acre organic farm, a testament to the enduring spirit of preserving and propagating Irelands agricultural legacy. Today, Irish Seed Savers stands as a beacon of sustainable agriculture, safeguarding the diversity of seeds and Irish heritage apple trees and ensuring the conservation of Ireland’s food crop heritage for now and for generations to come.

Meet our directors