Who we are

By Hand Seeds is a growers collective and public benefit organization in the Portland, OR metro area that operates a Seed Hub to build resources, training pathways, and cultural context for local seed growers and their food communities.

We are Portland-area small-scale seed growers and cultural stewards, often growing on land we do not own, in solidarity with all farmers, farm workers, and essential workers.

What we believe

We believe in the power of work done by hand, slowly, without rushing, alongside community.

We believe that local seed keeping is essential to food sovereignty, sustainability, cultural food ways, and climate resilience.

We believe that seeds belong in the hands of communities, farmers, and their traditional stewards, and must be ethically embraced by the next line of seed keepers. 

Our Work

We seek to promote cultural connection with local seeds and to increase access to local seed keeping knowledge and cultural food ways. We seek to support both beginning and experienced seed keepers in achieving their goals.

By stewarding a local seed collection, developing a cultural memory bank, operating a seed training program, and empowering local BIPOC farmers as leaders, we contribute to food sovereignty and seed sovereignty.