Seed Farming 101: Economics and Production

Seed Farming 101 will introduce farmers to producing seed as an agricultural enterprise and explore how seed production could become another source of farm income.

The free workshop will be held Thursday, October 8, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Appalachia Service Project’s new Highland Volunteer and Training Center, 4505 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, Tennessee. Lunch will follow the morning session and is included with registration.

The Appalachian Resource Conservation and Development Council, or ARC&D, is partnering with the Utopian Seed Project for the workshop. Chris Smith of the Utopian Seed Project will lead the program.

Seed Production as a Farm Enterprise

Seed Farming 101 is designed specifically for farmers interested in learning more about seed production, including the economics behind growing seed for sale.

For diversified farms, producing seed may offer another way to generate income while helping strengthen the supply of seeds grown and adapted within the region.

The Utopian Seed Project promotes crop diversity, regional food systems, and seed sovereignty. Its Appalachian Growers Seed Collective brings together regional farmers who grow, share, and sell seeds, emphasizing varieties adapted to Southern Appalachian growing conditions.

Workshop participants will learn the practical side of seed production, including techniques for collecting, cleaning, drying, and storing seed. The program will also address the economic considerations farmers should understand when evaluating seed production as part of their farm operation.

ARC&D describes seed farming as a possible way for producers to diversify farm income.

Part of an All About Seeds Day

Seed Farming 101 is the first of two seed-focused workshops scheduled for October 8.

The farmer-focused morning session runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon, followed by lunch. A separate Seed Saving 101: Backyard Seed Saving for Gardeners workshop will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. that evening.

Farmers interested primarily in commercial or farm-scale seed production should register for the morning Seed Farming 101 session.

Registration for Seed Farming 101 is Free!

Seed Farming 101 is free to attend, and registration includes lunch. Space is limited, so we recommend registering in advance.

Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m.-noon, with lunch to follow
Location: Highland Volunteer and Training Center, 4505 Bristol Highway, Johnson City, TN 37601
Cost: Free
Presented by: Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council and Utopian Seed Project
Instructor: Chris Smith, Utopian Seed Project

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