Independent Seed Companies Cooperate in Wake of Paradise, California Wildfire

Jordan Freytag + photo

Jordan Freytag

Aug 31
2 min read
bubble 0
Man driving a forklift in a warehouse

True Leaf Market Seed Company is happy to announce a cooperative synergy with Sustainable Seed Company (SSC), whereby True Leaf Market will manage all operations for Sustainable Seed Company for the foreseeable future.

Sustainable Seed Company has endured some real challenges in the past 9 months. Based in Chico, California, many of SSC’s employees (including owners) lived in nearby Paradise, California, and lost their homes in the tragic fire that ravaged Paradise in November of 2018. Despite the near impossible challenge of operating a business under those conditions, Sustainable Seed Company has continued to offer customers and community support during that time. However, the compounding challenges precipitated by the fire, including many key employees relocating from the area has made continuing operations increasingly difficult.

In August of 2019, Sustainable Seed Company and True Leaf Market entered into an agreement whereby True Leaf Market would relocate and manage the operations of SSC. John Fendley, Founder, of Sustainable Seed Company and better known as “Farmer John” commented: “We are grateful for the arrangement with the team at True Leaf Market. It keeps our customers taken care of with same great products and fulfillment service they have come to expect, and we are thrilled that the Sustainable Seed brand will live on.” True Leaf Market Partner, Robb Baumann, commented: “It may seem unusual for competitors to work together but there are not many independent seed companies left and we have to stick together. Farmer John has maintained some really great heirloom seed varieties and we look forward to working with him to continue those lines.”

True Leaf Market is a full-service seed and garden supplies company, offering a wide selection of non-gmo seeds including conventional and organic options for gardening, sprouting and microgreens.

You can visit both company websites at https://www.trueleafmarket.com and https://www.sustainableseedco.com/

Our Recommended Picks

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Comments

No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation

  1. November Gardening Guide: 5 Tasks to Prepare Your Garden for Wintergardener adding mulch to fall perennials

    November Gardening Guide: 5 Tasks to Prepare Your Garden for Winter

    Written By Lara Wadsworth November is a key transitional month in the garden. Most zones are gathering in their last rounds of harvests, but the entire garden isn’t quite dormant yet. Even if the frost has arrived in your growing location, there’s stil...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-11-03
    6 min read
    bubble 0
  2. How to Choose the Right Tobacco Seed Variety for Your GardenFlorida Sumatra tobacco seed packets

    How to Choose the Right Tobacco Seed Variety for Your Garden

    Selecting the right tobacco seed variety can make or break your growing season. For experienced gardeners, this choice isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about matching your growing environment and goals with the perfect plant genetics. Whether you’re gr...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-10-29
    4 min read
    bubble 0
  3. Everything You Need to Know About Tobacco SeedsField of young tobacco plants

    Everything You Need to Know About Tobacco Seeds

    Growing tobacco seeds is an art form for seasoned home gardeners. Whether you’re intrigued by the plant’s ornamental qualities, want to harvest for fresh processing, are curious about heirloom varieties, or simply love the challenge of nurturing delica...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-10-29
    7 min read
    bubble 0
  4. Mild Climate Winter Gardening Guide for Zones 9 & 10: What to Plant and Whensouthern raised bed vegetable garden

    Mild Climate Winter Gardening Guide for Zones 9 & 10: What to Plant and When

    Coming soon!


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-10-17
    1 min read
    bubble 0