Semillas de Estrella, ‘Seeds of Stars’, is a US-Based 501(c)3 non-profit, formed in 2019 out of the realization and understanding that Ecuador and organizations within the country were offering the world a new direction for agriculture, re-forestation, and an alternative way to participate with the community and Mother Earth.

The potential stemmed from the understanding that the US agricultural system and, by association, the world agricultural system has come to a critical juncture; the current farming practices and access for farmers around the world to healthy, organic, open-pollenated heirloom seed varieties is scarce, limited and running out.

It is the goal of Semillas de Estrella to help facilitate relationships throughout South and North America. To increase awareness of issues, provide access to now rare, secluded varieties of crops with the intention to increase seed availability and seed access to local, indigenous, and community-based farmers and to develop an exchange of information based on rebuilding, repurposing and repairing the current agricultural system. By working closely with Red de Guardianes de Semillas of Ecuador we will continue to establish a network and exchange of information and seeds that is truly one of a kind.

We picked Ecuador as the hub of our South American operations due to several factors. First and foremost, Ecuador has a very active indigenous community that has retained its’ independence both politically and economically; the latter being sustained by their personal subsistence farming practices. The second reason is the land. The biodiversity, the robust access to various micro-climates, and year-round sunlight allow for the development of multiple agricultural capabilities that cannot be had anywhere else in the world. Thirdly is the amazing network that is Red de Guardianes de Semillas. This organization has been working since 2002 to develop a connection with the indigenous communities, farmers, and chefs not only in Ecuador but throughout South America. Their network allows access to over 3,000 seed varieties in the field that have yet to be seen outside of Ecuador. Not only do they provide first time access to amazing seeds with unlimited potential but the infrastructure of persons and groups directly involved with them is extensive.

Semillas de Estrella is excited to continue the work it has started in 2019 and is working closely with all of its partners to ensure that we maintain a community minded, environmentally friendly, consciously aware approach to our endeavours.