Seeds of Change (company) facts for kids
| Subsidiary | |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Gabriel Howearth |
| Parent | Mars, Inc. |
Seeds of Change is a company that sells organic seeds and food. It is owned by a bigger company called Mars, Inc.. For many years, until 2010, the company was located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They made organic foods like pasta sauces and salad dressings. Seeds of Change started in 1989. It was created by Gabriel Howearth and Kenny Ausubel, and it focused on organic seeds from the beginning. The company gives 1% of its sales to help support organic farming projects that are good for the environment.
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The Seeds of Change Farm
The Seeds of Change Research Farm was a special place where they studied plants. It started in 1989 in Gila, New Mexico, created by Gabriel Howearth. In 1996, the farm moved closer to the company's main offices in Santa Fe.
What the Farm Grew
This farm grew more than a thousand different kinds of plants on six acres of land. This land was once farmed by the Tewa people, near the Rio Grande river in New Mexico. The farm was officially certified as organic by a group called Oregon Tilth. This meant they followed strict rules for growing food naturally.
Why the Farm Closed
In August 2010, Mars, Inc. announced that the farm would close. They also moved some of the company's management to Los Angeles. A final tour of the farm was given on August 14, 2010. A spokesperson for Mars said the closure was due to a "strategic shift." This means they changed their business plans. Not all employees were able to keep their jobs.
The 1% Fund
Seeds of Change has a special program called the 1% Fund. This fund helps support important projects.
How the Fund Helps
In partnership with Conservation International, the 1% Fund helps protect traditional ways of growing cacao in Brazil. Cacao is the plant used to make chocolate. They focus on "cabruca" farming, which means growing cacao under the shade of other trees. This method is good for the environment.
Other Groups Supported
The 1% Fund also supports several other important groups. These include the Environmental Working Group, the Organic Trade Association, the Organic Center, and the Organic Farming Research Foundation. All these groups work to promote and protect organic farming and healthy food.
