On this episode, we’re taking a look at how farmers and gardeners are helping maintain the region’s biodiversity. Our first stop? A seed swap.

With the summer gardening season at its end, many growers throughout Appalachia are turning their attention to seed saving. It’s a practice where gardeners select the seeds from their best crops, and then save them over winter to plant the following spring. This past April, we visited the annual Appalachian Seed Swap in Pikeville, Kentucky.  We learned how important seed saving and swapping are for maintaining Appalachia’s biodiversity. And for creating a tasty meal.

Next, we travel to Richmond, Kentucky where Brian Chadwell is growing something unexpected. He’s a fourth generation farmer and he’s using his family's land to grow rice.