Emily Hoang, ADAPT program participant, with a variety she recently trialed for Seed Savers Exchange.

What is Seed Savers Exchange’s Community Science ADAPT program?

In short, it’s a fun and exciting way to get involved in SSE’s mission to preserve and share our food crop heritage. Participants in this program trial varieties from the SSE seed bank and send us feedback on their performance. This information helps us better understand the adaptability of these varieties to different environments and guides our selection process for new introductions into our seed catalog.

How does ADAPT work?
In early January each year, we release details on the trials we’re offering for the upcoming season. Participants select the crop(s) they want to trial and are then randomly assigned three varieties. In early March, we mail out kits containing your seeds, plant labels, a datasheet, and instructions for submitting your data. We ask that participants grow the three varieties side-by-side under the same conditions but do not require a minimum number of plants. Participants evaluate each variety on a handful of key characteristics, including yield, flavor, earliness, appearance, and disease resistance. Data is submitted via an easy-to-use web platform called SeedLinked, which we have partnered with since 2018.

Please note: The ADAPT program is closed for 2022, but you can sign up for the 2023 program by clicking the button below. Staff will be in touch in early January 2023 with more information on what trials we're offering and how to participate.