Tomatosphere™ involves the collaboration of a number of corporate, educational and government organizations and is supported by a consortium that includes:
Let's Talk Science
Let's Talk Science is an award-winning, national, charitable organization. We create and deliver unique learning programs and services that engage children, youth and educators in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). We strive to prepare youth for their future careers and role as citizens in a rapidly changing world.
First the Seed Foundation
First the Seed Foundation (FTSF) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2008 by the American Seed Trade Association, one of the oldest trade associations in America, to inform today's consumers and tomorrow's workforce about the importance of the seed industry.
Canadian Space Agency
In addition to the promotion of an awareness of space science and technology and their associated careers, the Canadian Space Agency has a mandate to increase interest in space science, the knowledge of the principles and their applications to space and the provision of biological life support systems for long term space travel. Many Canadians have made contributions to science and technology; CSA helps to promote these individuals and their accomplishments.
University of Guelph
The Controlled Environment Systems Research Facility of the University of Guelph has played a key role in the development of the project, fostering cooperation among the sponsor partners to support science and technology in the manned exploration of space, particularly the provision of biological life support and closed environment systems. The Tomatosphere™ program models the role of the university in creating, transmitting and applying knowledge to improve the social, cultural and economic quality of life of people in Canada and around the world.
Stokes Seeds
Stokes Seeds is a national brand of garden seed. Growing plants from seed is a wondrous miracle of nature that we feel is important to share with children of all ages. Using seed as a platform to instruct and teach students about writing, observation, science and mathematics is a great opportunity for students and teachers. Stokes Seeds is proud to be part of this excellent learning opportunity.
HeinzSeed
HeinzSeed provides all of the Tomatosphere™ seeds for both treatment and control groups. The seeds are a hybrid variety from the H.J. Heinz Company - H9478. Under the leadership of horticulturalist Dale Smith, a member of the original Science Committee on the Tomatosphere™ program team, Heinz uses standard crossing techniques to produce a plum tomato that is the source of the seeds we use in Tomatosphere™.
Tomatosphere™ has been operating since 2001 thanks to the consortium of partners. The operations of Tomatosphere™ as a science education project were transferred to Let's Talk Science (Canada) and First the Seed Foundation (United States) in 2014. For more information about the history of Tomatosphere™, see the About Tomatosphere page.