Norwegian Seed Savers (KVANN)

The Norwegian Seed Savers (KVANN) is an independent non-profit member organization established in 2016, into which several former ‘plant clubs’, originally initiated by the Norwegian Centre for Genetic Resources, were integrated. KVANN has a cooperation agreement with the Centre and receives annual grants from the Norwegian Agriculture Agency. The overall objective is to promote sustainable use of plant diversity for private use in Norway and to enhance public awareness and knowledge about plant breeding, conservation and sustainable use of domestic crops and plants. Main activities include distribution of seed and plant catalogues through which members can exchange breeding material among themselves. These catalogues also include plant genetic resources held by the Nordic Genebank (NordGen) and research stations of the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) system. KVANN also puts emphasis on raising knowledge and awareness about the need to protect traditional plant varieties and seeds, and organizes regular training courses and seminars on seeds, plant diseases, fruit grafting, potato seedlings etc. In addition, the association currently has the national responsibility to manage the distribution of potato seedlings to hobby growers in Norway. It engages with museum gardens and other public and private gardens for demonstration and awareness creation purposes.