Michael Washburn

Seed Savers Exchange

Heirloom Seeds: Biodiversity, Belonging, and the Seed Keeper's Role , Friday, December 5, 9:00 AM

Michael Washburn serves as the Preservation Director at Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah, Iowa, where they maintain a collection of 20,000-plus varieties of heritage garden seeds, historic apple varieties, and other living collections. The Preservation Department works to educate about the importance of preserving biodiversity through seed stewardship and provides programming and other opportunities that engage gardeners, farmers, seed savers, and breeders with their collection. 

Michael is a long-time seed saver who focuses on southern US and Middle Eastern varieties. With a background in anthropology and agronomy, much of his work through time has focused on diverse organic farming systems and traditional farming practices.