Global Seed Savers transitions to full Philippines operations

From international partnership to Filipino-led mission

MANILA, Philippines — Global Seed Savers, a nonprofit organization that has partnered with Filipino farmers for over 16 years to preserve heirloom seeds, protect agricultural biodiversity and strengthen local food systems, is transitioning all its operations to the Philippines, positioning it as a fully Filipino-led and Philippine-based organization.

Founded in 2010, the organization has trained over 5,000 farmers through its Seed School program, established six community seed libraries, and built a network of farming partners committed to seed sovereignty and food security.

Its US office will close on July 31, 2026, with a small group of board members remaining available to oversee final governance matters, as it continues to be supported by donors and foundations in the US.

Under the leadership of executive director Hal Atienza and the Philippine board of directors, Global Seed Savers will continue its mission to foster sustainable communities and drive seed sovereignty. All programs, partnerships and community initiatives will continue without interruption.

“For more than 16 years, Filipino farmers have been at the heart of everything Global Seed Savers does,” said Atienza. “Now, the leadership of this organization fully reflects that reality. We will continue to train farmers, protect heirloom seeds, and strengthen the communities that sustain us — and we will do it from right here, alongside the people we serve.”

As part of this transition, founder and CEO Sherry Manning will step down from the organization, having spent more than 16 years building Global Seed Savers from a small initiative into a nationally recognized force for seed sovereignty. Manning will continue to support the organization as an advisor and financial donor.

“Building Global Seed Savers has been the privilege of my lifetime,” said Manning. “What started as a small initiative in 2010 has grown into something far bigger than any one person — it belongs to the farmers, the communities, and the team in the Philippines who have made this work possible. I am proud of what we have built together, and I have complete confidence in Hal and the team to carry this mission forward.”

Existing partnerships with farmers, indigenous communities, local governments and donors remain fully in place. US-based donors and foundations remain committed supporters of Global Seed Savers, and the organization is actively strengthening its Philippine donor and partnership base.