b'HOW 1,500SeedLinked, USDA and Seed Savers Exchange are using crowdsourcing to lower trial costs, tap genetic diversity and EVERYDAYto put data power in the hands of growers worldwide. GROWERS AREBy Kristi Cox, Seed World ContributorTHE SEED INDUSTRYhas access to a vast resource through global gene banks. These collections safeguard HACKING THEgenetic diversity across thousands of crop varieties and provide options when new varieties are needed. However, to fully realize the benefits of these collections, phenotypic characterization is essential.SEED DATAThe challenge has been that it is expensive and time-con-suming to grow thousands of accessions in field trials to see how traits like vigor, stress, and flavor express themselves under varying conditions. Many remain a mystery, leaving this valuable BOTTLENECK resource functioning below its potential.In response, SeedLinked, in collaboration with the USDAs National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) and Seed Savers Exchange, is piloting a new approach. The Community-Supported Germplasm Initiative, funded by a $100,000 ASRX grant, uses digital tools and the power of crowdsourcing to scale up data collection and accelerate the evaluation of underutilized genetic material.This is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in seed system innovation, SeedLinked CEO Nicolas Enjalbert says. For the first time, we can unlock the full potential of genetic resources by putting powerful digital tools in the hands of every-day growers.A New Model for TrialsSeed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization maintain-ing a seed bank of more than 27,000 heritage and open-polli-nated plant varieties, enabling direct seed exchanges between growers. They have over 100 accessions being trialed in the Community-Supported Germplasm Initiative and have recruited volunteer growers and facilitated the mailout of seed packages to participants.The USDAs NPGS includes 22 gene banks that collect and preserve more than 600,000 crop cultivars, wild relatives, and landraces. One of the most important parts of the systems work is evaluating this genetic material so it can be used by breeders and researchers.This is by far our most resource-consuming activity, Marilyn Warburton, research leader at the USDA ARS Plant Germplasm Introduction and Research Testing Unit in Pullman, WA, says. We do a lot of that with our collaborators, with university partners, with other USDA ARS partners, and with private companies.DECEMBER 2025SEEDWORLD.COM /13'