Can I request seeds from the Millennium Seed Bank?

One of the purposes of seed banks is that seed is used either now or in the future. In this way, new information may be found out about species that increase their likelihood of conservation in the wild. Obviously, users could swamp the bank with requests, so it has been necessary to limit distribution to organisations carrying out specific research or restoration programmes. We are thus unable to accept seed requests from private individuals and will not normally be able to reply to such enquiries.

Seeds are send out to registered customers for use in research or restoration.

Small seed samples will be made available free of charge for non-commercial study where agreements with the country of collection allow. The seed-lots available for use are in our seed list. Those wishing to use the list will need to subscribe (free of charge) stating their institute's name and address. Before seed is sent out, the intended user will be asked to sign (on behalf of their institute), a legally-binding Material Supply Agreement (MSA) detailing intended non-commercial use. This agreement maintains rights over the material on behalf of the country where the seed was collected.