The Living Seed Ark

Did you know that Clemson has a creative research project that focuses on genetically diverse crops?  I have been working with Zack, who currently runs the Living Seed Ark and conducts these experiments.  He does all sorts of testings at the organic farm and I have been lucky enough to photograph the progress these last couple of months.  

 There are 120 different tomatoes, 116 selections of peanuts and 119 varieties of okra down at the organic farm being tested for growth.  The Living Seed Ark strives to connect with farmers and chefs in the area to promote diversity and great tasting products with the varieties that they grow.  The varieties are maintained in a USDA certified organic environment located at the Student Organic Farm in Clemson.  Sometimes during the summer, you can drive by and see hoards of sunflowers growing in the field next to the organic farm!  

Here are some of the neat images that I have gotten over the past few months!