Open Source Seed Initiative

We are thrilled to be able to encourage open access to biodiversity as a partner seed company and participating breeder with the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI). OSSI is dedicated to maintaining fair and open access to plant genetic resources worldwide by offering a new way to save and exchange seed that ensures the seed will remain free of patents, licenses, and other restrictions.

Varieties that are registered as OSSI seed are accompanied by the pledge, which prohibits the varieties or their derivatives from being patented or licensed in ways that can restrict use. The OSSI Pledge also requires that any subsequent distributions of OSSI seed, or of derivatives bred from OSSI seed, be accompanied by the pledge. In this way, OSSI intends to develop an expanding pool of genetic resources that are available now and in the future for unrestricted use by scientists, farmers, and gardeners. This pledge is a commitment to foster unfettered exchange of germplasm and the freedom to use the material for any purpose, with the single proviso that by accepting the pledge the user commits to allowing others freedom to use the material or derivatives of the material.

The OSSI Pledge: You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict others’ use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives.

Varieties listed in our catalog with the OSSI logo have been designated open source by the people who bred them and are registered as OSSI-Pledged seeds. Breeders such as Carol Deppe, Frank Morton, and us here at Adaptive Seeds. Free the seed! For more information osseeds.org.