The Ajinomatrix Foundation is proud to champion the preservation of biodiversity, including the extraordinary variety of heritage apples that have graced tables and orchards for centuries. These apples are more than just fruit—they are a testament to our shared cultural and agricultural heritage.

In our ongoing efforts, we had the pleasure of exchanging ideas with Tom Brown, the founder of AppleSearch.org, whose tireless work in discovering and conserving rare apple varieties has become an inspiration worldwide. Tom's efforts to preserve heritage apples in the United States have rescued many varieties from obscurity, bringing their flavors, history, and cultural significance back to life.
Tom Brown's Incredible Journey of Apple Conservation
Tom’s passion for apple conservation started with a simple curiosity and a love for heritage fruits. As he recounts in his early experiences, his fascination began with visits to farmers' markets, where he encountered a variety of apples he had never seen before. A single encounter with a farmer who shared rare apple varieties sparked what would become a decades-long mission to search for and save endangered apples.
One of Tom’s most memorable discoveries was the Harper’s Seedling Apple, a variety originating in Forsyth County, North Carolina, which was once considered lost. His journey to rediscover this apple involved tireless research, interviews with local communities, and even archival dives into historic nursery catalogs. These efforts eventually led to its reintroduction, preserving an important piece of agricultural history.
Tom’s methods have always been community-centric, relying on local knowledge, oral histories, and collaborations with residents who remember and value these old apple varieties. His work extends to hosting outreach initiatives, involving communities in preservation efforts, and sharing the stories behind these fruits.
A Call to Action: Preserving Apple Biodiversity in Europe
Inspired by Tom's work, the Ajinomatrix Foundation is amplifying his message and issuing a call to action for apple conservation in Europe. As Tom highlighted in our discussions, the key to success lies in leveraging local preservation orchards and their scionwood to promote and propagate heritage varieties. This approach ensures adherence to agricultural regulations while fostering the biodiversity and sustainability of European orchards.
Here’s how you can join the effort:
Engage with Local Preservation Orchards: Identify and connect with orchards in your region that specialize in conserving heritage apple varieties. These organizations are custodians of biodiversity and an invaluable resource for scionwood and knowledge.
Collaborate with the Community: Partner with local communities, farmers, and conservationists to document, share, and propagate these rare apple varieties. Oral histories and collective efforts are powerful tools in rediscovering lost treasures.
Advocate for Biodiversity: Raise awareness about the importance of preserving heritage apples, not just for their culinary and cultural value but also for their role in creating resilient ecosystems.
Remarkable Lessons from Tom’s Story
In Tom’s early days of apple hunting, his determination and creativity stood out. By utilizing local newspapers to share his search for lost varieties, he not only found new leads but also connected with individuals who were equally passionate about preserving these fruits. His strategy of integrating media outreach with on-the-ground searches is a powerful model for anyone interested in biodiversity conservation.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Tom’s work is his belief in the power of collaboration. He often emphasizes the importance of local knowledge in uncovering hidden treasures like the Vandever June Apple or the Potts Yellow Apple, both thought to be extinct. His story underscores the fact that the key to preserving heritage lies in community-driven efforts.
Join Us in Preserving Apple Heritage
The Ajinomatrix Foundation is committed to fostering a network of apple conservation enthusiasts across Europe. Inspired by Tom Brown's incredible journey, we aim to bring together local preservation orchards, conservationists, and communities to protect the diverse and rich legacy of apples.
If you are passionate about biodiversity, have access to local orchards, or simply want to learn more about heritage apple conservation, we invite you to join this initiative. Let’s work together to ensure these treasures are not lost to history.
Contact Us:
Email: heritage@ajinomatrix.org
For U.S. conservation inquiries, connect directly with Tom Brown: heritageapples@gmail.com
Together, we can honor and preserve the sensory heritage that connects us to the land, our history, and each other—one apple variety at a time.
Learn More: Visit www.applesearch.org to explore Tom Brown's incredible work and find inspiration for your own conservation efforts.
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