Iowa Organic Association Announces Seed Saving and Heirloom Crops Field Day at Seed Savers Exchange

Be the reason future generations know what mattered in Decorah. Fund Decorah News today. DECORAH — Farmers, gardeners, seed enthusiasts and anyone interested in preserving agricultural biodiversity are invited to join the Iowa Organic Association (IOA) and Seed Savers Exchange for a free educational field day Monday, Sept. 21, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Seed Savers Exchange near Decorah. The field day will provide participants with a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation's leading organizations dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds and protecting the genetic diversity of vegetable and food crops. Attendees will tour the Seed Savers Exchange farm while learning about the organization's mission, seed-saving process and the vital role genetic diversity plays in creating a resilient food system for future generations. Throughout the afternoon, participants will hear from Seed Savers Exchange staff about the history of the organization, the importance of preserving heirloom varieties and the work being done to collect, regenerate and share seeds with gardeners, farmers and communities across the country. The tour also will provide insight into the organization's efforts to conserve rare and culturally significant food crops while inspiring future generations to become stewards of agricultural heritage. Time will be available for questions and discussion. Founded in 1975, Seed Savers Exchange has become a nationally recognized leader in preserving America's culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy. Through its seed collections, educational programs and global network of seed savers, the organization continues to safeguard thousands of heirloom varieties while connecting people through shared traditions of gardening, farming and storytelling. Whether participants are home gardeners, commercial growers, organic farmers or simply passionate about food and agriculture, the field day offers an opportunity to experience firsthand the work of Seed Savers Exchange and learn why preserving seed diversity is essential for the future of farming and food production. For more information or to register for the Seed Saving and Heirloom Crops Field Day at Seed Savers Exchange, visit www.iowaorganic.org or contact Ethan Book, education and outreach coordinator, at ethan@iowaorganic.org or 641-321-3352. Event details: Date: Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 Time: 2-4:30 p.m. Location: Seed Savers Exchange, 3074 N. Winn Road, Decorah, Iowa 52101 Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the event are encouraged to contact info@iowaorganic.org. Funding for the 2026 Field Day Series has been provided, in part, through the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). This material is based upon work supported by the USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of TOPP or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. About the Iowa Organic Association Since 2006, the Iowa Organic Association has advanced organic agriculture and food systems across Iowa by providing farmers, businesses and consumers with the expertise, resources and support needed to succeed in the organic industry. IOA's membership represents a diverse community of stakeholders committed to strengthening and growing organic agriculture throughout the state. For more information, visit www.iowaorganic.org. Fresh stories, delivered! Sign up for the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve.