John Navazio, PhD, 1955–2024
Plant breeder and author, John Navazio MS’94, PhD’94 devoted his life to the advancement of open-pollinated, organic vegetable varieties developed through the model of Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB), a process that brings farmers, breeders, grocers, and eaters together, in the spirit of stewardship. Among his many accomplishments, John was a senior breeder at Johnny Selected Seeds, Garden City Seeds, Alf Christianson Seed Co., Seed Movement (a company he founded), the Organic Seed Alliance (an organization he cofounded). Many of John’s varieties have become staples for organic growers around the country like Shiraz and Touchstone Gold beets, Dark Star zucchini, Peppermint swiss chard, Cool Customer cucumber, and Dragon carrot.
Dr. Navazio worked as an educator/professor at the College of the Atlantic, Evergreen State College, and Prescott College. Within and beyond these professional positions, he was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge as a dedicated mentor to many aspiring growers and breeders across the country. John also authored, The Organic Seed Grower, which has provided a blueprint for countless farmers in their pursuit of building sustainable food systems through plant selection and seed saving. Most of all John will be remembered as a bright spirit with an infectious enthusiasm for life — a man with a heart as big as his booming voice. He was a colleague, teacher, husband, father, and friend who served as an inspiration to many.
More Alumni Notes
Plant breeder and author, John Navazio MS’94, PhD’94 devoted his life to the advancement of open-pollinated, organic vegetable varieties developed ...