Crowd Breeding Project 2025, aims to facilitate collaborative plant breeding of diverse populations. Utilising the method of crowd breeding, we hope to inspire collaboration and explore how we can collectively curate locally adapted, resilient and diverse crops.
Building on the success of the pilot in 2024, we are opening the project up to more applicants for 2025. As a group, we have been working collaboratively to curate several ‘flocks’ of veg crops. As a participant in year two you’ll be joining the Broad Bean population trial, and have the opportunity to grow at least one other diverse population as a group. You will be provided with seed, and guided through the process of these adaptive breeding processes and facilitating promiscuous pollination!
We are seeking a maximum of 10 UK or Ireland-based commercial and community market gardeners and seed growers to join this next stage of the Crowd Breeding project starting early 2025. It is expected that participants will have completed the Seed Sovereignty Programme year-long seed production training or have commensurate experience. Community and collaboration are at the heart of this project, places are limited to keep the group intimate, and applicants must have a specific interest in plant breeding, and in bringing diversity back to our seed system through evolutionary populations.
To apply, please click on the below link which will redirect you to the project outline for further information and commitment requirements:
Project outline, including link to application form
If you would like to participate, please apply by midnight on Friday 29th November 2024. We will select participants by the end of December. If you have any questions feel free to email me at holly@gaianet.org
Good luck!
