Halifax Seed celebrates 160 years in business

Halifax Seed celebrates its 160th anniversary – as Canada’s oldest continually operating, family-run seed business.

A Nova Scotia business turns 160 years old this weekend.

Founded in 1866, Halifax Seed is Canada’s oldest continually operating, family-run seed business. They will celebrate with special guests, sales, a giveaway and local food vendors at their Halifax retail location Saturday.

“We’ve certainly very much enjoyed helping all Atlantic Canadians, and really Canadians grow gardens for 160 years,” says Emily Tregunno, one of Halifax Seed’s 4th generation owners.

Tregunno says they don’t know who started the company but it became Royal Bank of Canada’s first commercial client a year after opening. RBC was also founded in Halifax.

The company’s history picks back up when Tregunno’s great grandfather bought the company, she says.

“It’s a large legacy with really big shoes to fill,” she says. “It has been in the family for 100 years.”

Tregunno says she’s proud the company is now 100 per cent female-owned and she’s grateful to all of the company’s partners and customers, including CTV viewers who’ve been following Halifax Seed since her father was the owner.

“They’re truly partnerships and relationships that help everyone grow,” she says.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page