Episode Details

A Seed Chat with Bill McDorman

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In This Podcast: Greg Peterson and Bill McDorman explore why building a local seed economy is essential for resilient food systems. They share the origin story of the Great American Seed Up, how communities can distribute seeds affordably, and why seed diversity matters in the face of climate change and fragile global supply chains. The discussion highlights grassroots strategies—from seed libraries to neighborhood seed events—that empower communities to grow their own food. They also dive into the science of epigenetics and local adaptation, explaining why saving seeds from your own garden improves future crops.

Key Topics & Entities

1. Local seed economies
2. The Great American Seed Up
3. Seed Up in a Box
4. Community seed distribution models
5. Seed libraries and the Seed Library Network
6. LocalSeeds.org
7. Regional seed companies and seed exchanges
8. Climate change and food system resilience
9. Seed saving and landrace gardening
10. Epigenetics and plant adaptation
11. Joseph Lofthouse’s Landrace Gardening
12. Barbara McClintock and epigenetics research
13. Community gardening and food security
14. Cowpeas and volunteer plants

Key Questions Answered

What is a local seed economy and why does it matter?

A local seed economy means seeds are produced, saved, and shared within a region. This strengthens food resilience because local varieties adapt to local conditions and communities are not dependent on global supply chains.

Why isn’t storing seeds in one “seed bank” enough?

A centralized seed bank doesn’t build resilience. The real solution is thousands of people growing and saving seeds. When many gardeners are involved, knowledge spreads and communities collectively maintain crop diversity.

How did the Great American Seed Up begin?

The idea emerged from a conversation about getting seeds into as many homes as possible. Inspired by a community seed distribution organized by a church group in Idaho, Greg Peterson created a large event where gardeners scoop bulk seeds into their own packets—dramatically lowering costs and increasing access.

How can communities distribute seeds affordably?

Buying seeds in bulk eliminates most packaging costs. At seed events, participants scoop seeds from bowls into small bags, often receiving 3–10× the amount found in retail packets for less money.

What is Seed Up in a Box?

Seed Up in a Box is a packaged kit that enables small groups to run their own mini seed distribution events, making it easy for neighborhoods, libraries, and community groups to shar