Overview

Farmers who grow seeds for distribution are often left with perfectly edible and healthy produce in the process. MASA Seed Foundation in Boulder, Colorado, attempted to sell squash halves at a farmers' market after scooping out and saving the seeds. Because people didn’t want to buy a pre-cut squash, Guckenheimer purchased squashes and peppers, served this produce in our kitchens, and returned the seeds back to MASA, who strives to grow and distribute diverse, open-pollinated, regionally adapted seeds to create new landrace varieties as the climate changes.

Guckenheimer served nearly 800 pounds of fresh produce from MASA Seed Foundation’s 2024 harvest, which was purchased at a discounted price. This produce would have otherwise been composted by the farm after saving the seeds, providing them with no income.

Alignment with the EAT-Lancet Commission 

This story is a great example of regenerative, circular food systems in action. By rescuing edible produce that would have otherwise gone to compost due to market rejection, post-harvest food waste has been taken out of the supply chain and Guckenheimer has supported small-scale, climate-resilient agriculture to help maintain seed diversity in the face of climate change. This circular partnership between MASA and Guckenheimer strengthens the local ecosystem both ecologically and economically.