Seed Savers Exchange says a decade of support from an anonymous donor helped its farm team improve efficiency, strengthen conservation work and achieve a 90-percent crop success rate across 86 varieties in 2025.
The donor’s strategic gifts provided more than general operating support. According to Seed Savers Exchange, earlier contributions funded DNA testing for its historic apple orchard and supplied flexible resources for essential farm infrastructure and staff. In 2025, that support helped Farm Director Corbin Scholz add specialized equipment, repair high tunnels and reorganize production areas.
Tools, staffing and a more efficient farm layout
The investment supported skilled year-round staff members as well as new equipment. Seed Savers Exchange said the changes reduced the time and resources required for its conservation work while allowing the farm team to focus more directly on crop success and seed preservation.
“The donor’s support allowed us to acquire specialized tools and repair our high tunnels, improvements that make our work more efficient,” Corbin explained.
Production areas were moved closer to roads and water access. The organization said the revised layout made field checks and crop maintenance more efficient and productive. The result, according to Seed Savers Exchange, was the preservation of more rare varieties, the distribution of more seeds to members and stronger protection for agricultural heritage.
“This kind of flexible funding lets us focus our energy on ensuring crop success and directing resources where theyʼll have the greatest impact on seed conservation.”
Fencing project planned for 2026
Seed Savers Exchange said donors and grants will support the installation of permanent fencing in high-production areas in 2026. The fencing is intended to protect crops from deer and small mammals, which can threaten rare varieties and create additional work for the farm team.
“We will save time, prevent frustration, and, most importantly, prevent catastrophic losses of rare crops thanks to the support we’ve received for the fencing project,” Corbin said.
The organization also described a community benefit connected to its farm work. In 2025, Seed Savers Exchange donated more than 51,050 seed packets through the Herman’s Garden program to 1,021 community gardens and schools. The program provides seeds for food production and educational opportunities.
Heritage Farm also donated more than 700 pounds of fresh produce to local food banks in 2025. Seed Savers Exchange said those donations are part of its broader effort to give back to communities while preserving rare seeds and agricultural heritage.
The supplied report does not specify the farm’s city or identify the anonymous donor. It does, however, outline the next phase of the work: permanent fencing in 2026, alongside continued support from donors and grants.