What vegetables are you working on adapting? 
We currently focus on adaptation of leafy greens from Africa. See our Focus Species page for more information.

Do you work with other groups?
Yes! We collaborate with several different groups around the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. If you're interested in collaborating with the CPBT, please contact us at [email protected].

Will you patent the seed? 
No, there is no intention of patenting the seed. We have singed a pledge to OSSI, and we want the seed to be as affordable and available to farmers as possible. If there is a future need for a patent, input will be requested to determine the best course of action. 

What does OSSI mean? 
OSSI stand for Open Source Seed Initiative. The OSSI pledge is "You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict others’ use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this Pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives." For more information, please go to https://osseeds.org.

What kind of breeding techniques are you using? Are you creating GMOs? 
We are not creating GMOs. We’re using classical breeding techniques, meaning we make crosses between plants and select progeny with farmer and consumer-chosen desirable traits (participatory plant breeding). 

Can the group provide any seed? 
Our goal is to provide seed of improved varieties to as many farmers as possible. We can provide existing varieties on a limited basis, however, we are unable to provide greenhouse space for increasing or storing your seed. Please contacts us at [email protected] for more information.

Can you help me improve my methods for growing this species? 
While we may be able to provide some management practice discussion, we are currently focusing on varietal improvement.