The article interviews various individuals involved with raising seed crops for small-to-medium operations. Chaotic weather patterns have had a major impact on their seed production. The article notes that it takes longer to produce seeds for many plants than it takes to produce food from them, and that weather conditions must remain appropriate through their entire life cycle. It briefly discusses adapting plants through hybridization and open-pollination to make them more resilient against growing threats.
It’s very cool to see so many of our local (PNW) seed farmers quoted in this article! It’s true that they are doing incredible work. Some of our farm friends are growing seed, sourcing heirlooms from other countries to trial them here (including all the customs logistics involved), and saving their own mutants. Some great companies to support for your winter seed buying:
Osborne Seeds Wild Garden Seed Uprising Seeds Baker Creek Seeds High Mowing Johnny’s Seeds