Salish Seed Guild Co-founder Brian Kerkvliet on Seed Saving
By We are Whatcom
TL;DR: The Salish Seed Guild fosters biodiversity and sustainable agriculture through community seed saving, offering workshops and events for local growers.
- Community seed guilds promote local food sovereignty.
- Seed saving adapts crops to local conditions.
- Biodynamic farms can serve as community hubs.
- Educational programs support permaculture practices.
- Seed swaps are vital for sharing diverse seeds.
Why it matters: Community seed initiatives are crucial for building resilient food systems and preserving agricultural biodiversity against industrial uniformity.
Do this next: Find or start a local seed saving group to share knowledge and resources.
Recommended for: Anyone interested in practical steps for local food sovereignty, agricultural biodiversity, and community engagement in sustainable farming.
Brian Kerkvliet is a co-founder of the Salish Seed Guild, a community organization in Whatcom County, Washington, dedicated to promoting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture through seed saving and permaculture practices. For over 25 years, the guild has evolved from informal gatherings of local growers exchanging seeds and knowledge into a structured group offering memberships, annual seed swaps, and educational workshops. Kerkvliet operates a biodynamic homestead farm called Inspiration Farms in the unincorporated community of Laurel, which serves as a hub for community interaction. The farm hosts educational workshops for students from early education to university levels, garden clubs, and others interested in biodynamics and seed saving techniques. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the guild initiated the Salish Seed Garden at Inspiration Farms as a community garden project, though interest has waned over time as participants aged. The guild emphasizes non-GMO, chemical-free seeds adapted to local soils and changing weather conditions, creating what Kerkvliet describes as a 'living seed library.' Their activities include seed swaps held before the spring planting season, with the upcoming event scheduled for Saturday, February 7, at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship from 12 to 3 p.m., expecting several hundred attendees. Early entry at 11:30 a.m. is available for guild members and those bringing seeds to share. The organization also provides seed cleaning equipment and runs programs like 'Adopt a Seed' to encourage participation in seed stewardship. Historically, the first seed swap occurred in the fall as a way for growers to share information on sustainable food production in the region. The guild's mission aligns with permaculture principles, focusing on long-term, sustainable farming practices that differ from mainstream industrial agriculture. Inspiration Farms features a farm stand and nursery, contributing to local food sovereignty. While the community seed garden project faced challenges, the guild continues to foster genetic diversity by selecting and storing seeds from plants showing strengths in local conditions or unique heirloom qualities. This effort strengthens community ties, improves produce adaptability, and educates participants on hands-on seed saving. The Salish Seed Guild's work underscores the importance of local seed networks in building resilience against climate variability and supporting regenerative farming. By distributing locally grown and donated seeds through various channels, including food banks and share spots during periods like 2022 when in-person swaps were limited, they ensure access to seeds for those in need. Donations support the ongoing community seed garden, aiming to grow more locally-adapted varieties and share knowledge widely. Kerkvliet's leadership has been pivotal in sustaining these initiatives, making the guild a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture in Whatcom County.