Native Seeds/ SEARCH

Specialties

Native Seeds/​SEARCH is a small non-​profit organization in Tucson, AZ. We work to conserve the rich agro-​biodiversity of the arid southwestern U. S and northwestern Mexico — much of it is considered rare or endangered — to strengthen regional food security.

We distribute seeds to traditional communities and gardeners worldwide, but many of them are also available at our one-​of-​a-​kind store. The store offers an unparalled selection of indigenous heirloom vegetable and wildflower seeds for farming and gardening. We also have a mouthwatering variety of Southwestern foods, including native chile powders, savory mole sauces, locally grown beans, and much more.

Looking for the perfect gift to capture the spirit of the Sonoran Desert? Come browse our delightful array of local Native American and artisan crafts alongside a stunning collection of books on Southwestern cooking, gardening, seed saving, and plants of the region.

Don’t forget to check out our pioneering Seed Library located in the store, the first to open in Arizona! Seed libraries are an exciting new trend in the local food and seed movement where users can freely check out seeds, just like with books at a public library. After planting the seeds and enjoying the fruits of your labor, just leave a plant or two in the ground to go to seed. The resulting seed can the be harvested and returned, helping the library to grow abundant with seeds that are increasingly adapted to local conditions.

History

Established in 1983.

Our story began when co-​founders Gary Nabhan and Mahina Drees worked on a food security Meals for Millions project to assist the Tohono O’odham Nation in establishing gardens for their sustainable food needs. In discussions with tribal elders they were told «What we are really looking for are the seeds for the foods our grandparents used to grow.» This sagely remark inspired the formation of Native Seeds/​SEARCH as a collector and preserver of these endangered traditional seeds.

Since its founding, Native Seeds/​SEARCH has been dedicated to this calling to conserve the rich agro-​biodiversity of the arid Southwest because of its genetic and cultural importance. What began as a humble operation with seeds stored in chest freezers has grown to a state-​of-​the art conservation facility, a host of innovative programs and educational initiatives, and an organization recognized as a leader in the heirloom seed movement.