January 18, 2008

To friends and members of Seed Savers Exchange

On the morning of January 15, 2008, I arrived at work to find several e-mails from concerned friends and members of the Seed Savers Exchange, who were responding to Kent Whealy’s recent letter. I cannot and will not attempt to comment on everything in that letter. But, there are two issues I feel compelled to address, which include Kent’s repeated statements of crisis and lost vision at SSE, and misinformation about SSE’s current Board of Directors.

SSE was founded in 1975 by Kent and me, as a not-for-profit organization committed to collecting, conserving, and sharing heirloom seeds and plants, and providing education about the value of genetic diversity. SSE was born in that spirit and has prospered because of the creative energy, hard work and dedication of thousands of people who believe in the value of our mission. This mission remains unchanged and I am confident that it continues, stronger than ever, as the heart and soul of SSE today.

As co-founder of the Seed Savers Exchange, I have been involved with the day-to-day operations every day since 1975. I have shared my home, family, telephone, kitchen, garden and good will with staff, funders and visitors from all over the world. I did whatever needed to be done to advance SSE’s cause, and I continue to do so today. For the past 20 years I have been privileged to live at Heritage Farm and in the middle of SSE’s preservation projects. I have walked and admired the peaceful Twin Valleys long before that farm became a part of SSE. My responsibilities have been varied and challenging over the years; I have initiated numerous projects that have benefited SSE and which in many ways are the cement that holds things together. I will never have any regrets about my decision to create and nurture SSE, nor do I expect any extraordinary reward for doing my job. Any suggestion that I would cause damage to this precious gift that I, and so many others, have nourished is offensive and unthinkable.

I also would like to address the statements in Kent’s letter that attack the integrity of SSE’s Board of Directors. After reading their bios, you will recognize that the Board members have accomplished careers and full lives. Everyone on this Board has given freely of themselves. The professional guidance they have selflessly provided was instrumental to SSE’s maturity. To insinuate that this Board of Directors needed or used SSE to advance personal agendas is incorrect. Kent and I selected these Board members because of their professional qualifications, and we were delighted and proud to have them agree to join us. SSE has been enhanced and has benefited from these Board members’ valuable experience, talent, time and commitment to SSE. This Board views the seed collection as a sacred trust and would never act irresponsibly or use SSE for any personal agenda. I do not believe that any Board member has a personal agenda to change the direction of SSE or dismantle any projects.

Amy Goldman has been a member of the Seed Savers Exchange since 1991 and has written two books featuring heirloom vegetables. In 2001, Kent and I traveled to New York to visit Amy when she was beginning the process of writing a book about melons. We were both excited and obviously thrilled that someone had taken a serious interest in SSE’s melon collection. We had sent her two boxes of seeds, realizing that their contents contained much history, diversity and beauty. We knew that, through Amy’s book, the seeds would be transformed into beautiful fruits that would be photographed, documented, and described. We also knew this book would create new interest in growing and maintaining unique varieties of heirloom melons. All of Amy’s publications were encouraged by Kent Whealy and SSE who willingly provided support and seeds. In 2004, Kent wrote the forward for Amy’s The Compleat Squash. Both Kent and I were grateful and enthusiastic about the exposure SSE received from each publication and we visited Amy’s garden on many occasions. In my opinion, this was a positive and fair exchange. SSE has encouraged and assisted many members, breeders and scientists to use its seed collection as a resource for their projects.

Neil Hamilton, currently Chair of the Board for Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF), introduced SSE to the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program that created the permanent conservation easements between SSE, the USDA and INHF. I firmly believe the resources of Twin Valley Farms will be protected and maintained by SSE and through this easement.

Together we have created the Seed Savers Exchange, and it is my sincere hope that together we will find a proper way to support Kent, while at the same time continue to support SSE, and its Board of Directors, staff, Advisors, donors, and members. SSE has been in my life since 1975 and you have my commitment to continue working for the mission of the Seed Savers Exchange and to protect what has been created by so many.

My present involvement, and my history, with SSE provide valuable experience and insight into SSE’s future. I hope you are reassured by my commitment to the future of our organization, which has never been stronger. SSE is operated today by extremely dedicated and talented staff members, who are directed and assisted by active and engaged Directors and Advisors. The SSE members remain at the core of our mission; you are important and we are grateful for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Diane Ott Whealy Vice President of Education