Keshtyar Seed

Climate-Adapted Agriculture through Regional Seed Stewardship.

Keshtyar Seed is co-managed by Leila Rezvani and Brooke Bullock. We produce open-pollinated seeds and organically grown vegetables using low-till practices. Our goal is to help enhance regional agricultural resilience by providing high-quality, locally adapted seed to growers throughout the Northeast.

We achieve this through contracted partnerships with organizations such as True Love Seeds, Experimental Farm Network, and Fedco, and a budding retail seed cooperative located right here in the Hilltowns. These partnerships facilitate the distribution of seed specifically suited to the unique growing conditions of the Hilltowns and the broader Northeast region. We believe locally sourced seed is essential for climate resilience and fostering collaborative agricultural networks.

Beyond regional seed, Keshtyar is dedicated to the preservation of agricultural heritage crops. Keshtyar is a part of the Iraqi Seed Collective, which actively conserves the cultural and genetic diversity of crops originating from the SWANA region, safeguarding heirloom varieties for future generations. Leila, as an Iranian-American, is passionate about stewarding crops from their cultural heritage. Brooke, drawing on her family's immigrant farming heritage, is developing her skills in propagating basket willow and growing out flaxseed for fiber.

The funding from Sky High Farm has enabled us to purchase a high tunnel, significantly enhancing our seed production capabilities. This investment allows for extended growing seasons, improved seed crop establishment, and the ability to mitigate risks associated with seed production such as cross-pollination and adverse weather.