2026 Gulf South Heritage Seed Conference

A symposium dedicated to preserving the knowledge of our elder seed savers and celebrating the Gulf South Heritage Seed Project!

Kurt Bridges and J.C. D'arbonne were prolific seed collectors in communities near Opelousas, Louisiana. Sprout purchased this extensive seed collection to preserve and promote this rare find in our community. Over the multi-year process of cataloging the collection, the Gulf South Heritage Seed Project (GSHSP) formed to organize and document this treasure trove of local seed. The GSHSP is led by 6 core stewards: August Green (Lead), Anna Timmerman, Angie Comeaux, Maggie Kaiser, Blaise Pezold, and Margee Green. We are also thankful for the many people from Louisiana and the greater Gulf South who have volunteered their time to help organize the collection. These folks represent a deep cultural connection that we wish to foster with the GSHSP.

We are proud to debut this collection of rare landrace and heirloom seeds to people in Louisiana and across our country at the Gulf South Heritage Seed Symposium! This event will showcase how to recognize heirloom and landrace seeds in your communities, seed saving, and seed trialing. The seed symposium will feature expert speakers John Coykendall, August Green, and many more. Please join us for this wonderful day of seeds and fellowship!