Learn about Driftless Seed Supply
Through their experience working as fresh market producers and contract growers, Driftless Seed Supply founders Dylan Bruce and Cody Egan came to realize that most seed sold in the U.S. is produced overseas or in west coast mechanized operations. Additionally, research and development and plant breeding work was focused on what grew well in larger production regions of the country, such as California and Florida. There was a missing link between Midwest growers and Midwest seed producers focused on serving the unique needs of the region. No one seemed to be producing high quality seed developed to excel in our particular climate. With these motivations driving them forward, Driftless Seed Supply was born.
While producing untreated, non-GMO seeds—with a majority focus on locally produced, certified organic seed—was a main tenet of Driftless’ founding, it was also important to Dylan and Cody to operate collaboratively and transparently. Driftless has prioritized visibility for seed producers, including QR codes on the back of their seed packets for growers to scan so they can learn who the seed came from. 85% of Driftless seeds are grown in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan.
“Seed stewards, farmers, gardeners, and eaters seamlessly connected, nourishing each other in community.” This is the internal vision statement that drives the decisions Driftless Seed Supply makes in all aspects of their work. For them, a healthy community is held up by resilient systems, both environmentally and socially. Not only does locally produced seed contribute to sustainable regional agriculture, it also has the opportunity to preserve and promote access to culturally relevant foodways and seed traditions. Driftless strives to name their seeds in ways that are inclusive of others and representative of their beliefs, while also promoting seed sovereignty and access.