Annapolis Valley family keeps century-old seed tradition alive

In a remote corner of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Ken and Kathy Byrka, along with their daughter Mallory, are carrying on a century-old family tradition by operating Revival Seeds. This family-run business focuses on saving and selling heritage seed varieties, a practice that has been passed down through generations of Ken’s family.

The Byrka family’s seed-saving tradition dates back to their roots in western Ukraine, where seeds were carefully preserved and brought to Manitoba when they immigrated to Canada in the early 20th century. By the 1920s, the family had established a successful seed-saving business in Manitoba, which continued as a local tradition even as commercial agriculture expanded.

Ken’s uncles and aunts continued the seed-saving legacy into the 1990s, preserving approximately 40 regional heirloom varieties that originated in western Ukraine. When daughters Victoria and Mallory decided to attend university in Nova Scotia in 2016, Ken and Kathy made the decision to relocate and start the groundwork for their seed-saving business.

After researching and planning, Revival Seeds officially opened its doors in 2020 in Moshers Corner near Middleton. The isolated location ensures there is no risk of cross-pollination from nearby crops, allowing the Byrkas to maintain control over their seeds’ purity and quality.

Today, Revival Seeds offers a wide selection of seed varieties through their mail-order business, shipping seeds across North America. Customers also contribute seeds from around the world, allowing the Byrkas to expand their collection and revive rare varieties, such as the Dead Viking Pea from Norway.

Ken emphasizes the importance of seed security in promoting food security and sustainability. By encouraging individuals to grow their own food and reduce dependence on commercial sources, Revival Seeds plays a crucial role in preserving heirloom varieties and promoting self-sufficiency.

The farm’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of solar-heated greenhouses, grow rooms, and an electric vehicle. Mallory, a partner in the business and fourth-generation seed saver, shares her passion for continuing her family’s legacy and passing it on to future generations.

As the Byrkas work to uncover and preserve rare seed varieties from around the world, they recognize the significance of their mission. Ken emphasizes the importance of preserving heirlooms, stating, “Once we’ve lost an heirloom, we’ve lost it forever.” Through their dedication to seed saving and sustainability, the Byrka family is ensuring that these valuable heritage seeds continue to thrive for years to come.