Inspired by the free and open source software movement that has provided alternatives to proprietary software, the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) was created to "free the seed"--to make sure that the genes in at least some seeds can never be locked away from use by intellectual property rights. In other words, Open Source varieties and any varieties bred from them are part of a protected public commons, free for all to grow and breed with as they see fit. Since so many varieties nowadays have been patented or otherwise protected by intellectual property rights (removing them from the pool of breeding stock), Open Source seed has become a critical tool for ensuring that public plant breeders have the genetic resources to continue developing new varieties. To this end, the OSSI Pledge asks breeders and stewards of crop varieties to pledge to make their seeds available without restrictions on use, and to ask recipients of those seeds to make the same commitment. High Mowing has been a proud partner of OSSI in developing the framework for Open Source seed. We strongly support the work they’re doing to create a pool of Open Source varieties, to connect farmers and gardeners to suppliers of Open Source seed, and to inform and educate citizens about seed issues. To support OSSI, High Mowing is proud to launch our NEW Open Source Seed Collection! By purchasing these or any other Open Source seeds, you are agreeing to the OSSI Pledge:
You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict others’ use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives.

* * *

The High Mowing open source seed collection includes:

stocky red roaster sweet pepper - OPEN-POLLINATED Open Source Seed · Italian-type · 4-6" long fruits Outstanding variety with juicy, sweet fruit; competes well with hybrids. Among the best-tasting peppers in our trials! Attractive, smooth-skinned fruits with thick walls. Tall plants with upright habit are covered in fruit. Italian peppers are delicious traditionally fried in olive oil and sprinkled with shredded parmesan cheese. Open Source variety bred by Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seeds in Philomath, OR.

Days to maturity: 65 days green, 85 red

abundant bloomsdale spinach - OPEN-POLLINATED Open Source Seed · Spring/fall crop · Ideal for full-sized leaves Delicious glossy, dark green leaves with the most savoyed texture we've seen! Thick, sweet-tasting leaves with rounded shape and juicy, succulent texture. Slow growing with very large, upright leaves in the mild Pacific Northwest and slightly more compact habit in our Northeast trials. Ideal for spring plantings and overwintering for full-sized leaves. Started at the Abundant Life Seed Foundation in 2002; breeding finished by a team of organic farmers with support from organic seed alliance (OSA) and released under the Open Source Seed Initiative. A portion of sales from this variety supports OSA's breeding program. Days to maturity: 45 days emerald oak lettuce - OPEN-POLLINATED Open Source Seed · Compact An all-time favorite in our trials thanks to its crisp, buttery heart and sweet flavor! Rounded leaves are thick and tighten to form compact, striking dark green heads. From a cross between Blushed Butter Oak and Deer Tongue bred by Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seeds and released under the Open Source Seed Initiative. Tom Stearns' mother loves this little lettuce! Days to maturity: 60 days Disease Resistance: Tip Burn siber-frill kale - OPEN-POLLINATED Open Source Seed · Specialty variety · Cold-hardy · 24" tall Intensely cut and curled, lacy blue green leaves with tender texture. A standout in our extensive 2015 kale trials, with stunning leaves so frilly they barely require chopping. Sweet flavor; delicious cooked, as a beautiful garnish or for adding loft to raw salads. Eye-catching frills increase with age; use row cover to reduce flea beetle feeding. Bred by Jonathan Spero at lupine knoll farmin Oregon and released under the Open Source Seed Initiative. Days to maturity: 60-70 days midnight lightning zucchini - OPEN-POLLINATED Open Source Seed · PM tolerant · Harvest at 7-8" Extra long and slender zucchini with dark green, almost-black coloring. Single-stemmed plants are sturdy and stems have few spines. Plants produce quickly and have good field resistance to disease. Midnight Lightning is the first variety bred by High Mowing on our organic seed farm in Wolcott, Vermont and was released through the Open Source Seed Initiative. Days to maturity: 55 days To learn more visit osseeds.org