FREE US SHIPPING ON SEED ORDERS $25+!

30% OFF COUPON CODE WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE!

Welcome to our store Learn more

Support Our Growth! 🌱

We're raising funds to expand and better serve our community.

Get In Touch

At Alliance of Native Seedkeepers - Bertie County Seeds, community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re curious about our heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, seeking guidance on gardening, or want to dive deeper into our workshops and educational offerings, we’re here to connect. If you’re passionate about indigenous land rights, food sovereignty, or other collaborative initiatives, we’re eager to explore how we can work together to create lasting, impactful change.

Your inquiries, ideas, and feedback are important to us. Together, we can cultivate not only gardens but also a future rooted in sustainability, tradition, and shared growth. Reach out—we’re ready to listen and engage.

Quick answers for quick questions that may help before you reach out.

Shipping, Delivery & Tracking

When will my order be shipped?

We aim to ship orders within 1 to 2 business days, though this is not guaranteed. During peak seasons (October-April) or special sales, processing times may extend to 5 to 7 business days. If there are any significant delays, we will display a notification banner on our website to keep you informed.

Once your order ships, you’ll receive tracking information via email. Most orders within the U.S. arrive within 5-10 business days. For larger orders, we may use FedEx or UPS depending on the shipment size.

How will my order ship?

Most orders are shipped via USPS, with larger orders sometimes shipped via FedEx or UPS. We use recycled or Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)-approved or similar certified mailers, and for larger shipments, we opt for sustainable, recycled, or repurposed boxes. In line with our commitment to reducing waste, we also repurpose materials whenever possible. For example, you may receive a note written on the backing paper of a shipping label—an otherwise discarded byproduct that we reuse to minimize waste.

We constantly seek ways to lower our environmental impact, reduce shipping costs, and deliver your seeds sustainably while maintaining our high-quality standards.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Orders within the U.S. generally arrive within 5-10 business days after shipment. Please note that delivery times may vary depending on your location and the carrier’s performance. During peak seasons, there may be slight delays, but rest assured we strive to get your order to you as quickly as possible. Tracking information will be provided once your order ships so you can monitor its progress.

How can I track my package?

Tracking information is automatically sent to the email address you provided during checkout as soon as the shipping label is created. If you don't see the email in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder.

For faster updates, if you have an account with us, simply log in and navigate to your order status page to get the latest tracking information. We recommend checking these options first before contacting us for support.

Do you ship internationally?

We do ship internationally with some exceptions and guidelines:

  • Temporary Suspension: International shipping is currently suspended (except to Canada) while we move into our new location. We expect to resume international shipping in Winter 2024-2025.
  • Shipping Time: When international shipping resumes, orders may take 6-8 weeks to arrive due to customs delays, over which we have no control.
  • Customs and Fees: You are responsible for all customs, importation fees, and taxes. Please check your local regulations regarding the importation of seeds.
  • Shipping Fees: A flat fee of $25.00 applies to all orders outside the USA, except for Canada, where the flat fee is $20.00.
  • Phytosanitary Certificates: We do not currently offer phytosanitary certificates but plan to provide them in the near future.
  • Shipping Restrictions: We cannot ship garlic, live plants, tubers, or bulbs outside the U.S. Additionally, we do not ship to the European Union, Chile, New Zealand, or Australia.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we make these adjustments.

Can I change my shipping address after placing an order?

If you need to update your shipping address, please contact us immediately. Since we strive to ship orders quickly, we recommend reaching out as soon as possible. While we’ll do our best to change the address before the order ships, we cannot guarantee the update will be made if the picking process has already started.

If the incorrect address was provided and the package is returned, we may either refund the items or resend them to the correct address, granted the customer has provided us with updated information. Please note, additional shipping costs may apply depending on the order value and the cost of reshipping.

My package says delivered, but I can't find it. What now?

We're sorry you're having trouble locating your package. Here are some steps you can take to try and find it:

  1. Check all delivery spots: Look around all possible areas like doorways, driveways, postal boxes, porches, or garages.
  2. Ask around: Check with other household members to see if anyone has picked up the package, and ask neighbors if it may have been mistakenly delivered to them.
  3. Give it some time: If you still can't find your package, wait 3 normal business days. In many cases, packages show up within this time frame.

If your package still hasn't arrived after 3 days:

  • Contact your local post office: Take your tracking number and ask the post office to investigate. USPS uses GPS to scan packages and can often pinpoint the exact location of the delivery within a 6-foot radius.
  • Reach out to us: If the post office cannot help, contact us, and we’ll file a missing package claim. USPS will provide us with the location data for the delivery.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to resolve the issue.

Can I add to my order after placing it?

As we strive to ship orders as quickly as possible, once an order is placed, we are unable to add additional items to it. However, you can place a new order for the additional items you need. Please note that the shipping fees for the new order will still apply.

Returns and Refunds

What is your warranty/returns policy?

At Alliance of Native Seedkeepers, we stand firmly behind the quality of our seeds and products. We guarantee that:

  • Seeds: When properly stored, planted, and cared for, our seeds will germinate at reasonable rates and grow true to type for one year from the date of purchase.
  • Non-Seed Products: Our non-seed products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of shipment.

We pride ourselves on thorough testing and quality control measures, ensuring that every seed and product you receive meets our rigorous standards. Should you encounter any issues, please contact us, and we will work to resolve the situation promptly.

Our warranty is designed to offer peace of mind, but it does not cover issues beyond our control, such as extreme weather, pests, or gardener error.

We are committed to ensuring your satisfaction and will do everything within our power to provide a solution—whether that means a replacement, repair, or refund.

How do I file a return or request a refund?

To file a return or request a refund, please follow these steps:

  1. Contact Customer Service: Reach out to us at seeds@allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com or use our contact form within 30 days of receiving your product for authorization. Returns will not be accepted without prior authorization.
  2. Follow Return Instructions: Once you receive return authorization, follow the provided instructions to return your items. Ensure that returns are shipped within 2 weeks of receiving the authorization.
  3. Refund Options: We offer two options:

We aim to resolve returns and refunds quickly and efficiently, ensuring your satisfaction every step of the way. Before contacting us about your refund or return, please have your order number, contact information and shipping address ready, along with any additional relevant issue about your order.

What happens if my product arrives damaged?

If your product arrives damaged, please contact us immediately at seeds@allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com or use the contact form on our website. Be sure to have your order number and any relevant information ready before reaching out.

Steps to take:

  1. Document the Damage: Take clear photos of the damage, including both the product and the packaging. Attach these to your email or contact form submission.
  2. Keep the Packaging: Please retain any damaged packaging until we provide further claim instructions from the shipping company. This may be necessary to process a claim.
  3. Receive Replacement or Refund: After reviewing your case, we may offer a replacement or a refund, depending on the damage and product availability.

We are committed to resolving damaged product claims as quickly as possible to ensure your satisfaction.

What should I do if my order is lost or stolen?

If your order has been marked as delivered but you cannot find it, please contact us within 2 weeks of placing your order at seeds@allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com or via our contact form on our website. Make sure to have your order number and any relevant information ready before reaching out.

Steps to take:

  1. Check for Delivery:
  2. Contact Your Local Post Office: Provide your tracking number and check if they can offer additional information. USPS uses GPS to record delivery locations and may be able to provide you with the precise drop-off point.
  3. Keep us Informed: If your package still hasn’t surfaced after checking these options, we will assist in filing a missing package claim with the carrier. The shipping company may also request further details from you during the investigation.

Your patience is appreciated as we work with the carrier to resolve the issue.

What if I want to cancel my order?

If you need to cancel your order, please contact us immediately at seeds@allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com or through our contact form on our website. Be sure to have your order number and any relevant information ready.

  • Cancellation Fee: Orders can be canceled with a 10% cancellation fee if the request is made before the order is shipped.
  • After Shipment: If your order has already been shipped, it cannot be canceled. In such cases, you can follow our return process to receive a refund, subject to the terms of our return policy.

We process orders quickly, so please reach out as soon as possible if you need to make changes.

What if I received the wrong item?

If you received the wrong item in your order, we apologize for the mix-up and will resolve it as quickly as possible. Please contact us at seeds@allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com or via our contact form on our website within 7 days of receiving your package. Make sure to have your order number and any relevant information ready when reaching out.

Steps to resolve:

  1. Document the issue: Take photos of the incorrect item and include them in your message.
  2. Return or Replace: We will arrange for a return or replacement, depending on the circumstances. If a return is necessary, we will provide you with the appropriate instructions.

We aim to ensure you receive exactly what you ordered and appreciate your understanding as we resolve the issue.

Do I have to pay for return shipping?

If you are returning an item due to an error on our part, such as receiving the wrong product or a damaged item, we will cover the return shipping costs. For other returns, such as changing your mind about a product, you are responsible for covering the return shipping fees.

Please contact us at seeds@allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com or via our contact form on our website to begin the return process. Be sure to have your order number and any relevant details ready when reaching out.

Seed Quality and Sourcing

Are your seeds non-GMO?

Yes, all of our seeds are non-GMO. GMO seeds are tightly regulated and not available for purchase by home gardeners or small seed companies, as they require contracts with the companies that own their patents. It’s nearly impossible for a small, independent seed company to offer GMO seeds, as they are typically only accessible through these controlled agreements.

However, fear marketing has led some to believe that any small seed business could potentially source and sell GMO seeds. We don’t engage in this kind of marketing, but we understand that customers have concerns about GMOs. Along with not offering GMO seeds, we make a concerted effort to source our seeds from suppliers who also do not participate in genetic modification. This helps ensure that our seeds are not only non-GMO but also aligned with our values of transparency, sustainability, and integrity.

What are hybrid, heirloom, open-pollinated, and GMO seeds, and what are the differences between them?

Each type of seed—hybrid, heirloom, open-pollinated, and GMO—has their own unique characteristics. Here’s how they compare:

  1. Hybrid Seeds: Hybrids are created by cross-pollinating two specific parent plants to produce offspring that combine desired traits, such as disease resistance or higher yields. Known as F1 hybrids, these seeds exhibit qualities like uniformity and vigor. However, if you save seeds from hybrids, they usually won’t produce plants with the same traits in subsequent generations. Hybridization is a controlled, natural process of breeding and differs from genetic modification.
  2. Heirloom Seeds: These are open-pollinated varieties that have been passed down through generations, often within families or communities. Heirlooms are valued for their unique flavors, colors, and adaptability. Although definitions vary, heirlooms are generally open-pollinated, non-hybrid, and non-GMO, which allows gardeners to save seeds that will reproduce consistently over time. Heirlooms support biodiversity by preserving rare plant varieties.
  3. Open-Pollinated Seeds: Open-pollinated seeds are naturally pollinated by wind, insects, or other means, which allows for seed saving. Plants grown from these seeds will typically retain similar characteristics to the parent plants. While by most definitions all heirlooms are open-pollinated, not every open-pollinated seed is considered an heirloom. Open-pollinated seeds offer genetic diversity and adaptability to various growing conditions.
  4. GMO Seeds: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) seeds involve lab-based genetic engineering, where genes from other species are inserted into a plant's DNA to create specific traits, such as resistance to pests or herbicides. This definition of GMO, which refers specifically to gene insertion, is the one most commonly understood. Unlike hybrids, GMOs are not accessible to home gardeners and are patented, requiring licensing agreements for use. We do not participate in these types of licensing agreements to provide GMO seeds

In summary, hybrids are valued for specific traits but don’t grow true to type; heirlooms offer historical significance and consistency for seed saving; open-pollinated seeds ensure adaptability and genetic diversity, while GMOs involve direct gene editing and are not commonly available to the general public. At Alliance of Native Seedkeepers, we focus on heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, providing quality and reliability through traditional breeding practices that support sustainability and biodiversity.

  1. Generational Passing: Heirlooms are often described as varieties passed down through one or more generations, cherished for their consistent traits and adaptability to specific regions or climates.
  2. Time Period: Many define heirlooms as varieties that predate World War II, marking a period before commercial agriculture prioritized uniformity and hybrids. Some use a minimum age of 50 years as a benchmark for heirlooms.
  3. Open-Pollination: Heirloom seeds are almost always open-pollinated, meaning they naturally pollinate through insects, wind, or other means. This allows for seed saving, and the resulting plants will retain the traits of the parent plants.
  4. Region-Specific Adaptation: Some heirloom varieties have been preserved within specific regions and have traits well-suited to local conditions, making them valuable for regional gardening.
  5. Non-Commercial Heritage: Heirlooms are sometimes defined as non-commercial or traditional varieties, originating before mass-market seed production became the norm.

Our heirloom seeds may align with one or more of these definitions, depending on the variety. While definitions vary, we take care to select heirloom seeds that embody high standards of quality, resilience, and reliability. Each seed is tested to ensure it meets our criteria for productivity and adaptability, regardless of how it fits within any one definition of “heirloom.”

How long will my seeds last, and how should I store them?

Seed longevity varies widely depending on the type of seed and storage methods. With the right conditions, many seeds can last several years. Here’s what to consider for optimal seed storage:

  1. Expected Seed Lifespan:
  2. Proper Storage Techniques:
  3. Viability Tips:

At Alliance of Native Seedkeepers, we take extra precautions to store seeds under controlled conditions, ensuring their quality and longevity for your garden.

Other Common Questions

Do you offer a catalog?

At this time, we do not have a physical or digital catalog. As a growing small business, our focus has been on reinvesting in essential areas to sustain our growth. Recent investments, like purchasing our new storefront for increased storage and acquiring our first seed packing machine, are steps that help us keep up with demand. Currently, all our seeds are packed by hand, which makes it challenging to maintain inventory for a catalog—many items could sell out before a catalog even reaches you.

While we understand that catalogs are a popular option for browsing, our primary goal is to ensure we have the capacity and infrastructure to meet customer needs first. As we continue to expand, we’re aiming to introduce a catalog in the near future. Stay tuned as we grow and work toward making this option available!

Where is my coupon code after signing up?

Once you subscribe to our newsletter, your coupon code should arrive via email within a few minutes. Occasionally, email filters may send it to your spam or junk folder, so please check there first. If you’re still unable to locate it, just contact us, and we’ll happily resend your code.

How can I request a seed donation?

We currently donate seeds primarily within our immediate communities. While we’re developing a system to handle donation requests and training someone to coordinate them, you’re welcome to reach out to us directly. Please include as much information as possible about your growing location, project details, and nonprofit status (if applicable).

As a small business, we have limited resources and may not be able to meet every request. For the best chance, we recommend reaching out in June or July, which aligns with our donation planning cycle. We appreciate your understanding as we work to expand our ability to support more community projects in the future.

Contact Us