The Seeds of Change project will support the development of the Scottish Seed Hub; a co-operative of growers aiming to increase the production and dissemination of locally-adapted, open-pollinated seeds grown using optimal agroecological practices. By improving access to seeds suited to this country’s climate, the Hub hopes to enhance the biodiversity, and resilience of Scotland’s food system.

The lead investigators, in collaboration with colleagues at Sustainable Kirriemuir, Lauriston Farm, Earth in Common, and Cree Valley Herbs will use a participatory action research approach by engaging growers, seed savers, and community stakeholders as co-researchers. Through surveys, focus groups, collaborative workshops, and learning from similar initiatives—such as the Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty Programme, Seeds of Scotland, and Wales Seed Hub—the Hub’s project will explore effective organisational structures, governance models, and strategies for sustainable growth.

Outputs of the research will include the development of a flexible organisational framework, insights into the systemic opportunities for Scotland-based agroecological seed producers, case studies, and resources for use among wider seed networks, and a validated pathway for scaling the Hub’s work across Scotland.