About Us

First the Seed Foundation (FTSF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2008 by the American Seed Trade Association, one of the oldest trade associations in America, to inform and educate tomorrow’s workforce about the importance of the seed industry.

Our Mission

To create and provide educational and informative materials and resources, on the science and value of crops and food produced from seed, and to encourage the younger generations to become more involved with agriculture.

Our Goals

• To attract the best and brightest minds to agricultural fields of study.
• To teach students, communities, and teachers about the impact that seed-derived crops and food have on their daily lives.
• To increase awareness among American teachers and students about the science and technology being employed by the seed industry and how changing needs in agricultural must be met with education programs in plant breeding, genetics, and seed science if we are to keep pace with global demands in a sustainable manner.
• To create new avenues, materials, and tools for learning to enable teachers and communities to bring meaningful impact and understanding of the seed industry to students and consumers.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion complement our organizational values and encompass the way we work, the work environment, and respect for all people and their ideas.
• Work collaboratively with other organizations to position the seed industry for a sustainable future.