Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is a wonderful source for heirloom seeds and other open-pollinated (non-hybrid) seeds especially of vegetables, flowers, and herbs that grow well in the Mid-Atlantic region. Although we emphasize varieties adapted to the Mid-Atlantic region, we serve gardeners throughout the United States and Canada. We avidly support seed saving and traditional seed breeding. Committed seed savers and traditional breeders are to thank for the rich selection we offer and we will do whatever we can to support and encourage our customers and associates in carrying on this noble tradition.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is located near Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in the gently rolling foothills of Central Virginia. Our seed company started in 1982 as an outgrowth of one man’s love affair with heirloom varieties and seed saving. We had our beginning in a small family garden and a kitchen co-opted for seed processing. In 1999 the worker owned cooperative at Acorn Community Farm assumed stewardship of Southern Exposure and it’s mission and the kitchen garden has since expanded to numerous growing areas supplemented by a nationwide seed grower network. Now the seed company has its own office, germination testing facility, and environmentally controlled seed storage areas. From the beginning we have believed that the mission for our seed company is to serve: (1) as a source for new, high performance varieties, and (2) most importantly, as a preservation tool for collecting and distributing varieties with notable qualities: varieties with heritage, flavor, disease resistance, or other attributes of interest to gardeners. Throughout it all we have a strong commitment to quality in all aspects of our service to our customers.

Buy Fresh Buy Local

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is a proud sponsor of the Piedmont Environmental Council’s Charlottesville Area Buy Fresh Buy Local Guide. The Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign helps consumers find local products while building relationships between growers, food artisans, farmers’ market retailers, restaurants, and institutions. We urge you to support your local farmers and to grow your own food. To learn more visit: www.buylocalvirginia.org

Our GMO Policy: The Safe Seed Pledge
Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners, and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we will not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities.