Seed
South East Eco Diversity (SEED)
Sowing the seeds for change begins with having the actual seeds. The Abundance Foundation is proud to announce the generous donation from Margaret Jemison that is creating the Piedmont Biofarm SEED program. Across the country other regions have already established projects for maintaining seeds and plants for their developing climates. South East Eco Diversity will create seeds designed to germinate in the southeast. As we move through the transitions of climate change, our agricultural base is evolving. By cultivating seeds we are able to grow in our region, the diverse varieties adjust heartily to our new conditions.
The program embodies two more components important to maintaining a healthy agricultural base: Variety Trials and Plant Breeding. Variety Trials are experimental practices with various stocks to determine potential for our climate and soil. Plant breeding improves varieties to better adapt to conditions and specific needs of local growers.
Piedmont Biofarm is housed at the Piedmont Biofuels Industrial Plant and operated by Doug Jones. Farmer Doug attended Harvard, lived at the Famous Farm and has practiced his art with food production for 35 years.
