Seed Swap Returns To Tech’s Oakley Farms In Livingston

The annual Seed Swap is making its return to Tennessee Tech’s Oakley Farms in Livingston on Saturday, October 2nd.

Professor of Agricultural Economics Michael Best said that the swap is a chance for people to both trade and purchase heirloom seeds. He said that heirloom seeds are those which you can grow the same variety of plants each year. He said some varieties of seeds can be decades old.

“There are thousands of varieties of green beans out there,” Best said. “And there are thousands of varieties of tomatoes and each has its own characteristics. If we don’t continue to grow them and share them with other people they’re going to do die out.”

Best said there will be some 10-15 farmers there with seeds from all over the country, ranging from North Carolina to Michigan. He said that it provides a place where people with similar interests can share what they’ve grown over the year and bond over their craft.

Best said that even though it’s called a swap, you don’t have to bring seeds to attend. He said that are all welcome to come purchase, swap, and see what everyone has to offer.

“When I was growing up we used to grow 250 to 300 different tomato varieties every year to sell at the farmer’s market. And each year we would kind of kick out 20 and bring in 20 new varieties just to try them and see how the customers like them. So it’s the same kind of thing at the seed swap. The customers have a reason to come back because there are so many different varieties that they have not tried yet. ”

Best said that though they’ve previously had produce, this year’s swap will be with seeds only. The event starts at 9 a.m. Best said the event will run until the last person leaves, which is typically before 4 p.m.