Nov 13, 2024
New retail store and education center foster community engagement
Since receiving business support through HVADC’s Agribusiness Loan Fund Program last year, the Hudson Valley Seed Company (HVSC) has undergone a remarkable transformation. Building on its mission to preserve biodiversity and tell the stories behind heirloom seeds, HVSC recently opened a new retail store and education center at its new farm in Accord. The expansion has brought both its agricultural operations and community engagement under one roof, making the farm a true destination for growers, visitors, and those looking to learn.
What started as a seed library in the Gardiner Public Library in 2004, founded by Ken Greene, has evolved into a nationally recognized business that distributes open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds across the country. Greene and co-founder Doug Muller first gained attention with their artist-designed seed Art Packs, combining cultural storytelling with responsible seed stewardship. Now, the company offers more than 600 varieties of heirloom seeds, as well as potatoes, alliums, sunchokes, and dahlia tubers, all of which are tested in HVSC’s trial gardens to ensure they thrive in local conditions.
With the opening of the new location on Airport Road, the company has established a permanent base for its retail and agricultural operations. The former airstrip has been converted into Four Fold Farm, featuring greenhouses, demonstration gardens, and trial gardens, where HVSC tests new seed varieties. In addition to providing high-quality seeds, the company offers an immersive experience for visitors, with educational programs, events, and flower-picking. Workshops in October included “Natural Watercolor,” “Lasagna Bulb Planting,” “Planting Garlic and Shallots,” and “Memory Mask Making,” as well as a Mushroom Walk. Community involvement is important to Greene and Muller.
“Seeds are innately a shared resource,” said Muller. “Even for the most self-sufficient homesteader it’s virtually impossible to grow all the seeds you need, so seeds require working with others. We like to honor that reality and bring people together.”
The facility even has an art gallery to showcase the work that gets shrunk down to adorn the seed packages. On November 16 they hosted a release party to celebrate the newest Art Packs and newest seeds.
Two large greenhouses, integral to the company’s expansion, were made possible with the HVADC loan funding and business technical assistance was also provided through HVADC’s Incubator Without Walls program.
“The Greenhouses have been open to the public since August,” Muller said, adding that “when they close to visitors through the winter season they take on a second integral purpose as a space for the seed drying process. They will open again April 1.”
The company faced challenges like rising construction costs and inflation, but through their partnership with HVADC, Greene and Muller have been able to keep their vision on track. The result is not only a thriving seed company but a unique agritourism destination that reflects HVSC’s deep commitment to sustainability and community involvement.
“The Hudson Valley Seed Co. is more than a successful, thriving, agriculture business,” said HVADC Deputy Director Mary Ann Johnson. “It’s a vital resource for farmers of all sizes to grow their own food from local seeds they can trust. HVADC was thrilled to be able to help the company grow to where it is today and look forward to its increased positive impact on our community.”
Muller says HVSC’s future growth will focus on further expanding its capacity to serve gardeners, schools, and community groups. They intend to seed the trial garden with as many of their plants as possible next year to serve as a “living catalog.”
HVSC showcases how responsible farming, storytelling, and business development can come together to create lasting impact.
To learn more about the HVADC Agribusiness Loan Fund, visit https://www.hvadc.org/loans-and-grants-english.