Growing the Midwest Farming Network and Increasing Food System Strength Through Seed Production

Commodities

Practices

The vast majority of seeds sold globally are controlled by a small handful of multinational corporations, resulting in expensive monopoly pricing, seed shortages, lack of local food availability, and a sharp decline in global crop supply. A particular casualty of this consolidation is farmers' struggle to find seeds that grow regionally adapted, real, and nutritious foods. This leaves millions of people without foods that connect them to their preferred diet. Researchers and health providers including the NIH and CDC agree that diets that consider social position can significantly improve health outcomes and well-being. This project chooses a list of crops that have limited availability in the North Central region. We propose building the region's capacity to grow these crops, produce these seeds, and make networks of affordable and regionally adapted seeds. A coordinated effort to teach farmers about growing and seed-saving important crops is needed, alongside the development of a network of farmers, seed-keepers, distributors, and consumers.

In order to build food supply and increase farmer and consumer wellness, we must build regional seed networks with many types of crops. Our goals are as follows:

1. Demonstrate growing and seed-saving crops using regenerative agricultural practices:

In 2026, we will grow and seed-save four crops: bitter melon, long bean, celtuce, and cilantro. This builds on previous years of seed-saving bitter melon and long bean at Zumwalt Acres.

Seed saving is a key regenerative agricultural practice because it promotes strength and adaptability within unpredictable economic and growing conditions. At Zumwalt Acres, all crops are managed regeneratively, including application of compost and other organic soil amendments, Integrated Pest Management, biointensive planting, and minimal soil disturbance. Target population size for genetic preservation of each crop is based on recommendations from Seed Savers Exchange. Qualitative observations about fruit size, disease resistance, weather hardiness, maturity, and bolting will be made weekly to select the best plants to save seed from. Fact sheets and guides will be developed and serve as specific guidance for growers cultivating these crops, as well as a model for farmers interested in developing any small-scale seed saving operation.

1. Educate farmers about growing food regeneratively, with a focus on saving seeds:

In summer 2026, four seed crops will be stewarded by a cohort of fellows. This cohort will learn to care for, grow, and seed save from these plants. This will include information on plant taxonomy, botany, distinguishing fresh market vs seed maturity, isolation methods, and seed processing.

1. Develop a network of growers, distributors, and consumers:

Regional seed networks are strong, flexible, and adapted to local geography and pest pressures. We will cultivate this network by meeting with farmers, distributors, and consumers to learn about barriers to finding seed for bitter melon, long bean, celtuce, and cilantro. We will discuss capacity to build a seed network. We will share plants with stakeholders throughout the year and host regular community dinners. We will also host a seed exchange in February 2027 with farmers from across the region to share the seeds we saved, discuss best practices, and learn from others.

As we grow and seed save throughout 2026, we will develop the infrastructure and processes to continue a multi-year process of seed-saving and regional adaptation, with a long-term goal of becoming a seed hub. This work will be a model for other regions to develop thriving, adaptable, local seed networks.

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Objectives (100 words): Objectives are the major things you plan to accomplish during the project by carrying out research activities or demonstration / education activities. Focus on what you can complete during the 23 months of the grant, even if major objectives will take longer than 23 months.

• Grow and distribute Celtuce, cilantro, smooth bitter melon, and long bean as both produce and seed
• Equip five farmers with expertise in seed-keeping, regenerative agriculture, and farming practices
• Support 10+ local growers to begin growing crops and seed-saving
• Host one field-day, one retreat, and three community dinners to bring stakeholders together to learn about seed-saving and growing food
• Meet with 10+ stakeholders to discuss barriers and opportunities of building a regional seed network
• Build a network of 30+ farmers and seed-keepers, connected via a Whatsapp group