OSSI Open-Source Seeds

Varieties Pledged to the Open Source Seed Initiative

In memory of Jonathan Spero, who did so much to make this vision a reality. The varieties pictured below are all pledged to OSSI, to remain in the public domain forever.

Most people know about GMO seeds. Far fewer people realize the threat to our food system from seed patenting and privatization. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that lifeforms and seed varieties can be patented, corporations have rushed to patent their new varieties, public domain varieties, and even separate traits, like "good taste in melons."

If you grow a variety that is patented, it is illegal to grow seed for sale, to use it in breeding, or even to save seed for your own use. The Open Source Seed Initiative was formed to counter this threat by ensuring that at least some varieties are preserved in the public domain.

By pledging a new variety to Open Source, the breeder of that variety gives up the right to patent the seed, and puts it--and all varieties bred from it in the future--in the public domain.
The OSSI Pledge ensures the Four Open Source Seed Freedoms for this and future generations:

The freedom to save or grow seed for replanting or for any other purpose.
The freedom to share, trade, or sell seed to others.
The freedom to trial and study seed and to share or publish information about it.
The freedom to select or adapt the seed, make crosses with it, or use it to breed new lines and varieties.

To find out more, go to the OSSI website