MOTHER EARTH NEWS

Why Is There Still a Seed Shortage?

This article is available online in audio form at MotherEarthNews.com

Ever since 2020, I’ve found that buying seed for my garden is significantly harder. Many times, I’ve called a company with my order only to hear, “Sorry, that’s out of stock.” Many times, the seed catalog has shown up in my mailbox telling me I could no longer purchase as much ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ lettuce as I’d like. Now, I could only buy two packs instead of my typical four.

I’ve even had friends tell me some seed companies refused to sell to them because they were now only selling to farmers! All of this has resulted in significant stress for those seeking to plant their “usuals” when nobody has them.

The seed racks at the stores are empty, the catalogs are hollow, and it makes one wonder: What’s happening to the American seed supply?

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