The Irish Seed Savers Association will host its annual community seed exchange event later this month (Saturday, February 22).

The event is open to the public with attendees encouraged to bring their spare seeds along, labelled with the crop type, variety, and year grown.

The organisers have said that the gathering offers a fantastic opportunity to explore new vegetable crops, promote biodiversity, and connect with a thriving community of growers and seed savers.

"Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, there's something for everyone," the group stated.

"Last year, we had our largest attendance ever. For 2025, we’re hoping to exceed that number as interest continues to grow around cultivating Irish heritage vegetable crops, saving seeds, and fostering stronger community connections."

The association has said that seed exchange events are crucial for preserving biodiversity and strengthening Ireland’s food system, with over 75% of edible plant varieties having been lost in the past century.

"By sharing seeds, attendees become part of a vital network protecting open-pollinated varieties for future generations."

The Irish Seed Savers Association is an environmental organization and social enterprise established in 1991.

The organisation finds and collects Ireland’s heritage apple trees and open pollinated seed and conducts scientific research.

The group says that it is committed to conserving, protecting, and utilizing Ireland's diverse genetic food crop heritage, and plays a vital role in safeguarding food crop biodiversity for present and future generations.

Irish Seed Savers has also said that it aims to educate and raise awareness of the holistic nature at the heart of sustainable food systems.

The body is made up of a supporter base of over 1,700 individuals; a network of seed and apple tree growers; pomologists; orchardists; conservationists; academics and researchers; educators; community gardens; and orchard groups. 

The event is ticketed, with tickets available on the Irish Seed Savers website. It is a park-and-ride event with a free shuttle bus running from Scarriff Mart, Co Clare.