Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Seed Programs Building Food Security From The Ground Up ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://seedprograms.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Resources](https://seedprograms.org/?page_id=18) - [Take Action, Plant Hope](https://seedprograms.org/take-action/) - This year marks a turning point in the landscape of global and local aid and SPI is stepping up to fill the gap or shrinking humanitarian aid. - [Growetry - Cultivating Creativity](https://seedprograms.org/growetry/) - Students wrote and recited their original poems to strengthen their creativity and deepen their understanding of farming and community resilience. - [Cultivating Future Leaders](https://seedprograms.org/cultivating-future-leaders/) - SPI and NAIMUN have joined forces to package seeds and raise funds. We are united in the mission to achieve Zero Hunger (SDG 2). - [Support for Ukraine](https://seedprograms.org/support-for-ukraine/) - As we approach the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the challenges faced by displaced families remain immense. - [World Soil Day](https://seedprograms.org/world-soil-day/) - Happy World Soil Day! Today we celebrate the significance of soil and the importance of taking good care of it. - [Hunger Action Month](https://seedprograms.org/hunger-action-month/) - September is Hunger Action Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging action against hunger in the USA. - [International Youth Day](https://seedprograms.org/international-youth-day/) - We are sharing 5 points of interest about today’s global youth, a summary of selected SPI projectsfocused on youth, and some things you can do to help. - [Climate Resilience in Ethiopia](https://seedprograms.org/climate-resilience-in-ethiopia/) - Farmers in Ethiopia are experiencing years of drought, followed now by excessive rain. SPI is partnering with Grow East Africa to build agricultural resilience. - [Sprouting Together in the US](https://seedprograms.org/sprouting-together-in-the-us/) - Last year we launched our first Seed Library program, with Henderson County Public Health Department and one of their local library branches. - [Mother's Day Spotlight](https://seedprograms.org/mother-s-day-spotlight/) - This Mother's Day, we celebrate the incredible women who nurture not just their families, but entire communities throughout the world. - [2023 Impact](https://seedprograms.org/2023-impact/) - 2023 was a fruitful year, full of impactful stories and growth. We are proud of the great work we accomplishe with our partners around the globe. - [Update on Ukraine Programs](https://seedprograms.org/update-on-ukraine-programs/) - Time for another update about our work to support Ukrainians as they continue to experience the hardships of war being fought in their country. - [Listening matters](https://seedprograms.org/listening-matters/) - SPI uses QuestionPro - a high-quality survey software that enables our partners to tell their story in their own words and photos to celebrate their triumphs. - [Vegetable Gardens for Mayan Children in Guatemala](https://seedprograms.org/vegetable-gardens-for-mayan-children-in-guatemala/) - SPI partnered with Amachajul, a grassroots, community organization run by local Guatemalans to support holistic development for rural, indigenous communities. - [Poetry for School Gardens](https://seedprograms.org/poetry-for-school-gardens/) - Do you like poetry? Do you appreciate its ability to create multisensory meaning of issues and challenges? Join us for our Poetry for School Gardens event! - [Planting Season in Ukraine and Poland](https://seedprograms.org/planting-season-in-ukraine-and-poland/) - The planting season is underway in Ukraine and Poland and our partners are creating school and community gardens throughout the two counties. - [Uganda Visit 2023!](https://seedprograms.org/uganda-visit-2023/) - SPI Board of Directors member, Ton Van Der Velden, traveled to Uganda to visit with our partners SCINE and Lawrence Okettayot, inventor of the sparky dryer. - [Senegal Visit in 2023!](https://seedprograms.org/senegal-visit-in-2023/) - SPI Board of Directors member, Ton Van Der Velden, traveled to Senegal to attend the African Seed Trade Association and visit Taaru Askan Farms. - [Kenya Visit in 2023!](https://seedprograms.org/kenya_visit_in_2023/) - SPI Board Member, Ton Van Der Velden, had an opportunity to travel to Kenya to visit with our partners AMPATH and Shisaba Water Resource Initiative. - [Growing gardens in South Sudan](https://seedprograms.org/growing-gardens-in-south-sudan/) - Across East Africa the first growing season of the year is well underway. In South Sudan specifically, vegetable seeds were recently sewn in nurseries - [Fighting Drought and Famine in Ethiopia](https://seedprograms.org/fighting-drought-and-famine-in-ethiopia/) - Seed Programs International (SPI) is continuing to partner with Grow East Africa (GEA) to improve food security and household income in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's (SNNP) region of Ethiopia. SPI has partnered with GEA since 2016 to support internally displaced families that fled their home due to intertribal conflict. The Horn of Africa, - [Healing Jars for Ukrainians](https://seedprograms.org/healing-jars-for-ukrainians/) - Students at a school in Kyiv are making “healing jars” of viburnum jam to lift the spirits of the students and teachers in Ukraine. - [9,274,140 Vegetable Servings in 2022 Thanks to You!](https://seedprograms.org/9-274-140-vegetable-servings-in-2022-thanks-to-you/) - As 2023 begins, we’re gearing up for spring gardens across the US. But before we dive into that, let’s reflect on the impact we had this past year. - [Planetary Pulse Project](https://seedprograms.org/planetary-pulse-project/) - February 10 is World Pulses Day! To celebrate, SPI is partnering with A Well Fed World to launch the Planetary Pulse Project. - [Food Preservation and the Hunger Season](https://seedprograms.org/food-preservation-and-the-hunger-season/) - Food preservation can aid farming families in reducing food waste and maintaining food supplies and income through the hunger season. - [Resiliency Gardens to Support Ukrainian Displacement](https://seedprograms.org/resiliency-gardens-to-support-ukrainian-displacement/) - Greetings from SPI! We are excited to share with you some updates about our programs in Poland and Ukraine. Sadly, Russian hostilities continue in Ukraine, causing close to 1.4 million Ukrainians to seek refuge in Poland and 7 million Ukrainians to be internally displaced and away from their homes within Ukraine. SPI is currently working - [Community Gardens Across the Country](https://seedprograms.org/community-gardens-across-the-country/) - Greetings from SPI! We are happy you’re here and want to support community gardens across the US. With 13.8 million Americans struggling with food insecurity, and roughly 39.5 million Americans living in food deserts, supporting and spearheading community gardens has never been more important. If you know us at Seed Programs International, you know we’ve - [School gardens in the slums of Kampala, Uganda](https://seedprograms.org/school-gardens-in-the-slums-of-kampala-uganda/) - Connecting kids to where their food comes from hosts a myriad of benefits–cultivating a sense of place, curiosity and discovery, getting them engaged with the outdoors, and promoting health eating habits. This is even more impactful and important for kids who do not have access to adequate nutrition, or even three meals a day. With - [Vegetables and Nutrition](https://seedprograms.org/our-donation-is-hope-for-poor-childrens/) - The Role of Vegetables in Good Nutrition “Diversifying consumption to include nutritious fruits, vegetables, and nuts can greatly enhance the quality of predominantly grain-based diets that otherwise are unable to sustain a person in good health.” Dr. Fred Bliss, University of California Vegetables provide substantial amounts of nutrients important for human health, and are particularly - [Adaptation of Vegetable Crops in Climatic Regions](https://seedprograms.org/education-for-poor-children/) - Vegetable crops come from a wide range of plant families and regions of origin, so it is natural that some vegetables are better suited to a given location than others. Adaptability is affected by when the crop can be planted, temperatures during the growing season, andthe length of the growing season. The attached table lists - [Seed Saving](https://seedprograms.org/fundrising-for-early-childhood-rise/) - Saving Vegetable SeedsJulian HoyleSeeds of some vegetables can be saved. If the seed packet is labeled as “Hybrid”, seed should not be saved, because crops grown from those saved seeds will not always be the same as the hybrid [parent plant], and may even be very different. If the seed packet is labeled as “open - [Saving Seeds: Factors to Consider](https://seedprograms.org/school-counseling-for-children/) - Saving vegetable seeds: Factors to considerDavid A. Bender, Ph.D.The development of agriculture from prehistoric times to the present was built on theselection, collection, and replanting of seeds from superior plants. Even in a time ofspecialized commercial seed production, advanced plant breeding, and emergingbiotechnology, farmer-saved seed may be the least expensive alternative for producingsome crops. These - [Vegetable Seed Supply and Selection in Humanitarian Response](https://seedprograms.org/why-is-it-important-to-support-them/) - Vegetable seeds are increasingly used to advance nutrition and income goals in humanitarian response. Understanding crop choice and how seeds aresourced and supplied can support these interventions. 1 Seed Supply: Commercial Worldwide, commercial vegetable seed supply is narrow, with few primary producers servicing a large downstream distribution network. Seed traders frequently experience this effect. For - [Simple Self-sufficiency: Garden lessons from abroad](https://seedprograms.org/a-place-where-start-new-life-with-peace/) - As the pandemic continues to disrupt the ways we’re accustomed to bringing food into our homes, we’ve seen a big increase of interest in home gardening. For those new to growing vegetables, it can be tempting to overdo it by spending $500 on ‘stuff’ to grow $200 worth of food. Gardening can be simpler! In - [We all know about food waste. What about seed waste?](https://seedprograms.org/new-post-for-blog/) - Which came first, the vegetable or the seed? Regardless of how we answer this question, without seeds, our grocery stores would have barren produce aisles. We have all heard about food waste. According to the USDA, between 30 and 40 percent of our food supply is wasted each year in the USA. This includes food ## Pages - [Home One](https://seedprograms.org/) - Non-profit organization that works to improve food security, strengthen communities, and cultivate sustainable livelihoods through agriculture. - [Webinars](https://seedprograms.org/webinars/) - SPI's webinar series to support agricultural skills and knowledge. Join us throughout the year for virtual webinars or view these videos of past webinars. - [Ways to Donate](https://seedprograms.org/ways-to-donate/) - There are several ways you can donate to SPI such as through our website, DAFs, mail-in check, workplace giving, or through GlobalGiving. - [Non-Cash Donations](https://seedprograms.org/non-cash-donations/) - Seed Programs International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Our most recent audited financial statements and IRS tax form 990 are available to view. - [Ways to Support SPI](https://seedprograms.org/ways-to-support-spi/) - There are several ways you can support SPI and our programs. Contact us at getinvolved@seedprograms.org for more information. - [Apply to be a Partner](https://seedprograms.org/apply-to-be-a-partner/) - Want to work with us? We are always looking to launch and expand garden and agricultural programs with community-led organizations around the globe. - [Annual, Impact, and Program Reports](https://seedprograms.org/reports/) - Check out Seed Programs International's annual reports, impact reports, and program specific reports from the last few years. - [Our Team](https://seedprograms.org/our-team/) - Our Team of staff and Board of Directors is well equiped to support our program partners with their programatic needs and empower their leadership. - [Donate Now](https://seedprograms.org/donate-now/) - Donate to Seed Programs International to provide quality seed, agricultural training, and resources to reduce hunger and poverty around the world. - [Thank you for Packaging Seed!](https://seedprograms.org/spe/) - Seed Packing Event page to provide more informaiton about Seed Programs International, seed packing events, and how you can stay involved.. Thank you! - [Support For Ukraine](https://seedprograms.org/ukr/) - SPI is working with several organizations in Ukraine and Poland to support communities experiencing the effects of Russian hostilities. - [Seed Packing Events](https://seedprograms.org/seed-packing-events/) - Looking for a fun and engaging service opportunity? Host a Seed Packing Event! We provide the seed, envelopes, and guidance. You host the event! - [Attend an Event](https://seedprograms.org/events/) - Join us for one of our upcoming events or contact us if you would like to collaborate on an event - [Become a Partner](https://seedprograms.org/become-a-partner/) - Interesting in partnering with SPI? We offer partnership grants for small organization and self-funded partnerships for large organizations. - [Resources](https://seedprograms.org/resources/) - Links, resources, and reports for those using or considering using vegetable seed and agriculture in international hunger relief and development work. - [Our Approach](https://seedprograms.org/our-approach/) - We work with seed companies to put quality seeds in the hands of local organizations that run gardening programs to improve food security. - [Programmatic Focus](https://seedprograms.org/programmatic-focus/) - SPI works internationally and domestically to improve food security and household income by enabling access to seed, training, and agricultural resources. - [Our Story](https://seedprograms.org/our-story/) - John Batcha founded SPI in 1998 when he noticed that large quantities of high-quality vegetable seed were being discarded by seed companies each year. - [Our Partners](https://seedprograms.org/our-partners/) - Since 1998, we have partnered with organizations, individuals, and communities in 94 countries. We catalyze local change makers to build local capacity. - [Corporate Giving](https://seedprograms.org/corporate-partnerships/) - Join our team as a financial or logistical partner. SPI can enhance your business strategy through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership. - [Finances](https://seedprograms.org/finances/) - Seed Programs International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Our most recent audited financial statements and IRS tax form 990 are available to view. - [2025 SPE - AORN](https://seedprograms.org/2025_spe_aorn/) - Seed Packing Event page for Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). Thank you AORN for packing seed for educational and food security programs. - [Hurricane Helene Recovery](https://seedprograms.org/hurricane-helene/) - SPI is based in Asheville and is working to help farmers recover after the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina. - [Learning Center](https://seedprograms.org/learning-center/) - A hub for learning to share educational resources about gardening and agriculture to support programs around the globe. Check back regularly for updates. - [FAQs](https://seedprograms.org/faqs/) - Do you use GMO seed? Most of the countries we work in do not accept GMOs and there are only a few vegetables for which GMO varieties are available (e.g. sweet corn, squash, pumpkin, papaya). As such we do not work with GMO seed. Do you use treated seed? We prefer to use untreated seed - [Our Mission](https://seedprograms.org/our-mission/) - At Seed Programs International, we enable access to quality seed, agricultural training, and resources to reduce hunger and poverty. - [Fabric Gives](https://seedprograms.org/fabric-gives/) - Donate to Seed Programs International to provide quality seed, agricultural training, and resources to reduce hunger and poverty around the world. - [Blog](https://seedprograms.org/blog-grid/) - Check out our blog for updates about projects, news about gardening and agriculture, opportunities to get involved, and exciting intiatives! - [Contact Seed Programs International](https://seedprograms.org/contact/) - Contact Seed Programs International and let us know how if you have any questions or would like to get involved. - [Donor Dashboard](https://seedprograms.org/donor-dashboard/) - [Donation Confirmation](https://seedprograms.org/donation-confirmation/) - [Donation Failed](https://seedprograms.org/donation-failed/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support. - [Donor Dashboard](https://seedprograms.org/donor-dashboard-2/) - [Donation Failed](https://seedprograms.org/donation-failed-2/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support. - [Donation Confirmation](https://seedprograms.org/donation-confirmation-2/) ## Donation Forms - [Donate Now](https://seedprograms.org/donations/donate-now/) - Donate to enable access to seeds, training, and agricultural resources to improve food security worldwide. - [Donate to Seed Programs](https://seedprograms.org/donations/donate-to-seed-programs/) - [] - [Helene Response](https://seedprograms.org/donations/helene_response_fund/) - Donate here to support our Hurricane Helene Recovery efforts in Western NC. Funds will help local farmers, farm workers, and food access organizations. - [Fabric Gives](https://seedprograms.org/donations/fabric-gives/) ## Teams - [ROBYN LOVE](https://seedprograms.org/team/robynlove/) - Robyn Love is CEO and President of Seed Programs International with a background in ecology and over 15 years of experience. - [MILCAH KIGONI](https://seedprograms.org/team/milcah-kigoni/) - Milcah Kigoni is Programs and Partnerships Director of Seed Programs International with experience in agricultural improvement, operations, and management. - [BRIAN LOVE](https://seedprograms.org/team/brianlove/) - Brian Love is the Strategy and Operations Director of Seed Programs International with a background in plant breeding. ## Tabs - [Full Inspiration](https://seedprograms.org/tab/full-inspiration/) ## Footers - [Footer Main](https://seedprograms.org/footer/footer-main/) - Seed Programs International is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates globally. - [No Footer](https://seedprograms.org/footer/no-footer/) ## Headers - [Header Main](https://seedprograms.org/header/header-main/) - SEED PROGRAMS INTERNATIONAL 125 S Lexington Ave, Suite 101 - 11, Asheville, NC 28801 info@seedprograms.org Home Who we are Mission Our Team Our Partners Our Story What We Do Our Approach Programmatic Focus Annual, Impact, and Program Reports FAQs Learn Blog Finances Learning Center Resources Webinars Become a Partner Get Involved Apply To Be A - [Header Two](https://seedprograms.org/header/header-two/) - [Header Three](https://seedprograms.org/header/header-three/) - [Header One Page 01](https://seedprograms.org/header/header-one-page-01/) - Welcome to Pifoxen Charity WordPress Theme 88 broklyn golden street. New York needhelp@company.com - [Header One Page 02](https://seedprograms.org/header/header-one-page-02/) - [Header One Page 03](https://seedprograms.org/header/header-one-page-03/) ## Testimonials - [Farmer, Kaalmo Relief and Development, Somalia](https://seedprograms.org/testimonial/farmer-kaalmo-rd-somalia/) - Our children have full bellies for the first time in months. - [Sarah, SCINE, Uganda](https://seedprograms.org/testimonial/sarah-scine/) - My garden has continuously provided vegetables for my family. It has also enabled me to sell some vegetables to my neighbors in the community. - [Batykul, PF AVEP, Kyrgyzstan](https://seedprograms.org/testimonial/batykul/) - Thanks to SPI, we grow a variety of vegetables, supplement our daily diet with fresh vegetables, and increase immunity. - [Jean Marie Sambou, Taaru Askan Farm, Senegal](https://seedprograms.org/testimonial/jean-marie-sambou/) - Thanks to this project, women in the villages are producing more income for their families, independent of the men in their households - [Yeshi Chute, Grow East Africa, Ethiopia](https://seedprograms.org/testimonial/yeshi/) - Thanks to GEA and SPI, I can feed my family nutritious harvest and buy other materials using the revenue. - [Buzunesh, Grow East Africa, Ethiopia](https://seedprograms.org/testimonial/buzunesh/) - Since joining SPI, I have learned new skills in vegetable growing, market development and bookkeeping. ## Event - [Webinar: Grow, Replicate, Share](https://seedprograms.org/event/webinar-grow-replicate-share/) - Join us on June 11 for an online discussion about the ability of many vital food crops to self-replicate, which allows them to scale rapidly through markets. - [Webinar: Tomato Breeding](https://seedprograms.org/event/webinar-tomato-breeding/) - Join us on September 30 for an online discussion about how and why new tomato varieties are developed for diverse growing environments around the world. - [Webinar: Improved Crop Varieties](https://seedprograms.org/event/improved-crop-varieties/) - Join on May 30 for an online discussion about improved crop varieties - what are they, why are they important, and the approaches that are used to create them. - [Poetry for School Gardens](https://seedprograms.org/event/poetry-for-school-gardens/) - Join us on September 23 from 4:00-5:30 pm EST for a free online event for Hunger Action Day! Listen to original poetry and learn about zero hunger initiatives. ## Categories - [Без рубрики](https://seedprograms.org/category/bez-rubriki/) - [Charity](https://seedprograms.org/category/charity/) - [Donations](https://seedprograms.org/category/donations/) - [Food & Water](https://seedprograms.org/category/food-water/) - [Fundraising](https://seedprograms.org/category/fundraising/) - [Kids Education](https://seedprograms.org/category/kids-education/) - [Food security](https://seedprograms.org/category/food-security/) - [Sustainability](https://seedprograms.org/category/sustainability/) - [Ukraine](https://seedprograms.org/category/ukraine/) - [Food waste](https://seedprograms.org/category/food-waste/) - [Women in agriculture](https://seedprograms.org/category/women-in-agriculture/) - [Refugees](https://seedprograms.org/category/refugees/) - [Sparky Dryer](https://seedprograms.org/category/sparky-dryer/) - [Zero hunger](https://seedprograms.org/category/zero-hunger/) - [International Development](https://seedprograms.org/category/international-development/) - [Agriculture](https://seedprograms.org/category/agriculture/) - [Food Preservation](https://seedprograms.org/category/food-preservation/) - [Pulses](https://seedprograms.org/category/pulses/) - [Legumes](https://seedprograms.org/category/legumes/) - [school gardens](https://seedprograms.org/category/school-gardens/) - [Poland](https://seedprograms.org/category/poland/) - [Community Gardens](https://seedprograms.org/category/community-gardens/) - [Poetry](https://seedprograms.org/category/poetry/) - [Event](https://seedprograms.org/category/event/) - [Indigenous](https://seedprograms.org/category/indigenous/) - [Measurement and Evaluation](https://seedprograms.org/category/measurement-and-evaluation/) - [Corporate Giving](https://seedprograms.org/category/corporate-giving/) - [Mothers](https://seedprograms.org/category/mothers/) - [Seed](https://seedprograms.org/category/seed/) - [Seed Library](https://seedprograms.org/category/seed-library/) - [Climate Change](https://seedprograms.org/category/climate-change/) - [Resilience](https://seedprograms.org/category/resilience/) - [Soil](https://seedprograms.org/category/soil/) - [Seed Packaging Event](https://seedprograms.org/category/seed-packaging-event/) ## Tags - [CHARITY](https://seedprograms.org/tag/charity/) - [DONATION](https://seedprograms.org/tag/donation/) - [EDUCATION](https://seedprograms.org/tag/education/) - [FUNDRAISING](https://seedprograms.org/tag/fundraising/) - [Kids](https://seedprograms.org/tag/kids/) - [WATER](https://seedprograms.org/tag/water/) - [food security](https://seedprograms.org/tag/food-security/) - [school gardens](https://seedprograms.org/tag/school-gardens/) - [urban gardening](https://seedprograms.org/tag/urban-gardening/) - [climate resilience](https://seedprograms.org/tag/climate-resilience/) - [ukraine](https://seedprograms.org/tag/ukraine/) - [refugee](https://seedprograms.org/tag/refugee/) - [human rights](https://seedprograms.org/tag/human-rights/) - [food waste](https://seedprograms.org/tag/food-waste/) - [food preservation](https://seedprograms.org/tag/food-preservation/) - [sustainability](https://seedprograms.org/tag/sustainability/) - [Uganda](https://seedprograms.org/tag/uganda/) - [Legumes](https://seedprograms.org/tag/legumes/) - [Pulses](https://seedprograms.org/tag/pulses/) - [zero hunger](https://seedprograms.org/tag/zero-hunger/) - [world pulses day](https://seedprograms.org/tag/world-pulses-day/) - [Domestic](https://seedprograms.org/tag/domestic/) - [Poland](https://seedprograms.org/tag/poland/) - [school garden](https://seedprograms.org/tag/school-garden/) - [community garden](https://seedprograms.org/tag/community-garden/) - [Poetry](https://seedprograms.org/tag/poetry/) - [Event](https://seedprograms.org/tag/event/) - [Vegetables](https://seedprograms.org/tag/vegetables/) - [Youth](https://seedprograms.org/tag/youth/) - [gardening](https://seedprograms.org/tag/gardening/) - [agriculture](https://seedprograms.org/tag/agriculture/) ## Form Categories - [Education](https://seedprograms.org/donations/category/education/) - [Environment](https://seedprograms.org/donations/category/environment/) - [Food](https://seedprograms.org/donations/category/food/) - [Food Security](https://seedprograms.org/donations/category/food-security/) - [climate resilience](https://seedprograms.org/donations/category/climate-resilience/) - [disaster response](https://seedprograms.org/donations/category/disaster-response/) - [refugees](https://seedprograms.org/donations/category/refugees/) - [Women's empowerment](https://seedprograms.org/donations/category/womens-empowerment/) - [Schools](https://seedprograms.org/donations/category/schools/) ## Event Categories - [Health](https://seedprograms.org/event_cat/health/) - [School Garden](https://seedprograms.org/event_cat/school-garden/) - [Food Security](https://seedprograms.org/event_cat/food-security/) - [Seed](https://seedprograms.org/event_cat/seed/)