This article highlights the work of Owen Taylor and his seed company, Truelove Seeds, located on 1.7 acres in Roxborough, Pennsylvania. Here are the key points:
Company Overview
- Co-founders: Owen Taylor and Christopher Bolden-Newsome.
- Focus: The company emphasizes food sovereignty, cultural preservation, and sustainable agriculture. The name “Truelove Seeds” honors Taylor’s great-great-grandmother, Letitia Truelove.
Upcoming Event
- Workshop Date: Sept. 19, from 1-4 p.m. at the Schuylkill Center, aimed at educating the public on the importance of seed keeping.
Background of Owen Taylor
- Began his career working with renowned food historian William Woys Weaver, involving himself in a renowned heirloom seed collection.
Seed Production Model
- Collaborates with approximately 70 small-scale farms across the country to source seeds, with a fair compensation model that pays farmers 30% of sales.
Differentiation
- Truelove Seeds operates on a radically different model compared to corporate giants like Monsanto and Bayer, promoting seed saving rather than patenting.
Community Involvement
- Engages in public programming, educational partnerships, and has an internship program with local high schools.
- Hosts a podcast titled “Seeds and Their People” to spread knowledge and appreciation for seeds.
Personal Connection
- Taylor has a personal investment in the seeds he grows, particularly those that reflect his Italian and Irish heritage.
For more information, visit Truelove Seeds and register for the workshop at the Schuylkill Center.
