Irish Seed Savers Association (ISSA) is the leading non-governmental organisation working for the conservation of Ireland's plant genetic resources for food an agriculture. Our mission is to Conserve, Protect and Utilise Ireland’s diverse genetic food crop heritage, safeguarding food crop diversity for present and future generations, educating in their use and preservation for sustainability and resilience. Based in East Clare where we are one of the largest employers, we operate as a social enterprise.
Conserve: We find and collect Ireland’s heritage apple trees and open-pollinated seed; we conduct scientific research and contribute to knowledge nationally and internationally in fulfilment of Ireland’s obligations under the International Treaty on Food Crop Genetic Resources (https://www.fao.org/plant-treaty/overview/en/)
Protect: We curate Ireland’s National Heritage Apple Tree Collection; manage Ireland’s only living seed bank comprising heritage and locally adapted open-pollinated seed; and we maintain a conservation seed bank that is part of a global network of Seed Banks protecting food crop biodiversity.
Utilise: We practice ‘Conservation Through Use’ by making the Irish national collection of heritage apple trees and the open-
pollinated heritage seeds widely available to the general public through retail sales - promoting and enhancing food security, sustainability and community resilience.
Educate: Our core work is located within a wider constellation of skills and practices including agroecology, biodiversity and regenerative farming. We seek to educate and raise awareness of the art and science at the heart of sustainable food systems in the interest of resilience and food security.
Our Values: Integrity, Accountability, Professionalism, Environmental Responsibility, Social Justice, Equity and Respect for Diversity
