VARIETY SHOWCASE
Variety Showcase is a vibrant annual event that brings together plant breeders, seed growers, farmers, chefs, bakers, produce buyers, and food lovers to explore and celebrate the incredible diversity of vegetables and grains. Designed to spotlight the intersection of flavor, agriculture, and innovation, the event creates a rare and meaningful space for direct connection between the people who breed crops and those who cook, sell, and enjoy them.
At the heart of the Variety Showcase is tasting. Attendees sample a wide range of crops—many of them brand new or still in development—and share feedback directly with breeders. These conversations help shape future varieties, ensuring that flavor, texture, and culinary performance are valued alongside yield and resilience in the field.
Since its start in 2014, Variety Showcase events have been hosted in cities across the U.S., including Portland, Oregon; New York City; and Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. Each edition reflects its local food culture while fostering regional connections and strengthening relationships across the seed-to-table continuum.
The impact of the Variety Showcase extends well beyond the event itself. By bringing together diverse voices from across the food community, it raises awareness about the importance of biodiversity, regional adaptation, and flavor-forward breeding. The event continues to inspire collaboration, spark innovation, and help shape a more resilient, delicious, and diverse food future.
