Project Invitation: One Seed, One Wisconsin

Amended January 3, 2023

Per a follow-up communication from Tovah Anderson on January 3, 2023:

"It was brought to my attention that Wisconsin requires seed (re)labelers to be licensed and that seed libraries may fall under this requirement. I spoke with Greg Helmbrecht at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Greg responded: 'Several years ago, we evaluated the need to license “seed libraries” and decided it wasn’t something we needed to do as long as commerce wasn’t affected. This was an exemption to licensing but the idea was that there wasn’t “bulk” seed involved.
 
Jung is a licensed and reputable seed labeler and one that would be directly affected by your “give away”. I think that if they are aware of your plans and don’t have a problem with it, you shouldn’t need a license. Full disclosure with Jung is advised and they could probably do your labeling for you.'
 
Upon his suggestion, I reached out to Jung Seed to see if this project was okay. I shared with him how Prairie Lakes Library System was planning to run this project in our area. Brian Isaacs at Jung Seed responded: 'It was a pleasure speaking with you this morning.  When you are wanting to do this again, just let me know ahead of time and we can package them up for you and even add library information to the package.  For this round, Jung Seed does not have any issues with the way it was handled.'

It sounds like we have the go-ahead with the understanding that seed libraries are not meant to take business away from the seed sellers and that the planning committee will approach this project differently next year.

Each library is free to order their seeds from any seller they like. There is no formal “oversight" of this project so you can run your program as you like."

(Note: Tovah is interested in how many libraries think they will participate. As a courtesy, please email her at tanderson@prairielakes.info to let her know.)

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"Hello All,

You are invited to bring this project to your library – One Seed, One Wisconsin is a loosely defined seed giveaway and programming project spearheaded by Kirsten Almo, director emeritus of Edgerton Public Library.

2023’s seed variety is the Wisconsin 55 Tomato, which has a fascinating history! Please use #1Seed1WI when promoting or posting about this project so everyone can see what the participants are up to!

Original post: December 29, 2022

Participating libraries can dive as deep as they like or just skim the surface of this project. More details are available in the. . . Guide for Librarians. This guide as well as a promotional toolkit is available free for your use at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zdgj4BtiNicindzirSXGw_rxb2-AvBYO?usp=sharing

In the Google Drive, you will find a:

• Guide for Librarians offering preparation steps, seed ordering information, programming ideas, and resource information.
• A fillable 8.5x11 poster template
• Digital graphics in various sizes
• Printable info tag to accompany seed packs
• One Seed, One Wisconsin logo

Tovah Anderson
Public Information Coordinator
Arrowhead Library System
430 E. High Street
Milton, WI 53563
Ph: 608-868-2872
Fax: 608-8682875
www.als.lib.wi.us"