Abundant Life Seed Foundation - fire

The following message was received by us today, and we felt it should be shared with the DG members:

Fire Damage Update - August 14, 2003

On Monday August 4th a fire destroyed Abundant Life Seed Foundation's offices. Our catalog seed inventory, World Seed Fund seed inventory, computers and other administrative systems were lost. We have some offsite backup of seed archives and electronic data. Seeds were also salvaged from the fire - some stored in file cabinets inside tins - and we will be examining their viability. Nearly 200 varieties are in production with our Seed Growers Network. These varieties will form the core of the 2004 catalog. Over the coming weeks we will assess the total damages to our operations and keep you updated on this web site.

On Tuesday August 10th the fire investigators announced the cause as arson. Four juveniles were arrested after one confessed. Although there is no "good" cause of such a tragedy, this announcement brings us great sadness. Our hearts go out to the families of those involved.

We may request seed samples from customers for varieties that were not in backup. At present, please do not send us seed. We lack the means for processing seed and are not yet clear as to our needs. Sending a list of what you would be willing to return, including quantities and date purchased would be of assistance.

Donations for rebuilding the World Seed Fund and the education and research programs are appreciated and may be sent to: ALSF, Box 772, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Donations are tax-deductible.

Abundant Life was in the process of an organizational change when this tragedy struck. In the days after the fire, we have reaffirmed our commitment to this process. Our programs will focus on professional seed grower education, collaborative research and public breeding of open-pollinated varieties for organic agriculture, distribution of seed to those in need via the World Seed Fund, and stewarding seed germplasm for future generations by supporting bioregional seed production and distribution.

This fire clarifies that the healthiest model of stewarding seed is by entrusting it in the hands of the farmers and gardeners who grow and save them each year. Our particular focus will be working with farmers, regional seed companies, universities and other nonprofits to responsibly steward this seed by actively working with it season after season. We will help build a healthy, regional and sustainable seed systems. Our catalog will be run as a for profit entity that interfaces with the education and research charity. We are examining several proposals from Abundant Life members, seed growers, and staff who are interested in running the catalog. We are confident that a 2004 catalog will be a reality.

We do not yet have an active office phone, but you may leave a voice mail message at (360) 385-5660. If you have an urgent call, or are press covering the fire, please call Matthew Dillon on our temporary cell phone at (360) 301-0393. Emails can be sent to alsf@olypen.com.

We appreciate your support, kind words and considerations at this difficult time.

Thank you
The Staff and Board of Abundant Life Seed Foundation

Matthew Dillon, Executive Director
Abundant Life Seed Foundation
Box 772, Port Townsend, WA 98368
www.abundantlifeseed.org
alsf@olypen.com
(360) 385-5660

Oh dear Lord, what a tragedy. Thanks for letting us know Terry! I will do what I can to help these folks.

Terry, that's awful. Why would these boys do such a thing? Thanks for letting us know.

Any chance of them posting a list of what they will need seed wise? I have tons of seeds stock piled and could save tons more if I knew what they needed. I don't bother collecting some anymore because I have many plants or really don't find them interesting anymore. LOL

I think when they get back up and running, they'll communicate their needs. At this point, I'm sure it sounds like they're just trying to get their basic infrastructure (office, phone, computers, etc.) replaced.

Thanks Terry for letting us know, I have ordered a few things from them over the years and usually end up enjoying the free samples as much as what I've ordered.

Thanks for posting that Terry