'The heritage of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future.'
Inscribed on the National Archives building, Washington, D.C
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The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that 

75% of the worlds crop biodiversity has been lost.

Research by the Rural Advancement Fund Inc. suggests that

93% of vegetable varieties have become extinct.  

In popular seed catalogues, whereas once (1903) there were 285 varieties of cucumbers available to gardeners,
today only 16 remain; from 408 varieties of tomato only 79 remain.  Similarly, 95% of cabbage,
91% of corn and 94% of pea varieties have been lost. 
(Seeds of Diversity, 2018).   

In 2008 the top 10 seed companies accounted for two-thirds
(67%) of the global prioprietory seed market. (ETC Group, 2008) 

The Lost Seed began in 2002 in response to a need for keeping our heritage seed varieties alive.

Our Heritage Seed Bank is located within the grounds of 'Annsleigh Gardens' an historic,
five acres Olde World English garden situated in the north western part of Tasmania. 

Beautiful rich red volcanic soil, lush green pastures, rolling hills.....
an area known to have some of the purest air in the world. 

Just perfect for growing seed!