The future of Ireland's native wildflowers, fauna and future generations ecological security needs YOUR help!

True Harvest Seeds, a vital Seed Bank Conservation Charity, is facing jeopardy. This petition is being used to help demonstrate to our planning department the level of public support behind our conservation work and the need to keep True Harvest Seeds and the new building planning operations on-site.

Situated at Debbie's Farm (Farm number: 660732) on 36 Ardglass Road, this essential facility has been operating sustainably since September 2016. On its 3.73-acre site, the charity grows, processes, and distributes over 200 types of seeds and plant materials, supporting biodiversity and food security. It also employs 4 staff members, 5 trustees, and 8 regular volunteers, contributing significantly to the local community.

Additionally, the farm collaborates with SERC to offer educational programs, benefiting students and various groups. The facility is home to the most comprehensive collection of indigenous Irish flora in the world, including over 350 high-quality seed collections of 290 species, many of which are endangered.

What is at stake?
The potential loss of this facility threatens our ability to rollout our seed conservation and collection programme, and also the ground-breaking DNA research of indigenous Irish wildflowers set to begin in September 2024, further jeopardizing the future of our native flora conservation.

The continued operation of True Harvest Seeds at 36 Ardglass Road, is critical for protecting almost 8 years work of restoring and maintaining the native biodiversity of the area. 

If the facility is unable to secure planning permission (LA07/2023/2993/F) for a replacement farm building, it risks losing its ability to preserve these vital seed collections and will loose the invaluable Soil Seed Bank, which already contains established endangered species. This would be a significant blow to the preservation of native Irish plant species and the charity's efforts to enhance the local environment through employment, volunteering, education, and biodiversity. 

Why is now the time to act?
The planning decision is currently pending and we need your support to safeguard True Harvest Seeds and its mission.

The planned replacement farm building, designed with sustainability in mind, will support local wildlife and ensure the charity's operations continue.

By signing this petition, you are helping to secure the necessary planning permission, ensuring that True Harvest Seeds can continue protecting and preserving native Irish plant species. This is about the vital provision of the seed bank, conserving biodiversity, supporting food security and educating future generations.

Your support is essential to keep this unique and vital conservation effort open. Sign the petition today to help True Harvest Seeds continue its invaluable work.