This discussion paper presents the lessons learned in establishing a Farmer Seed Enterprise, the Champion Farmer Seeds Cooperative in Zimbabwe. The involved practitioners reflect on the assumptions made at the start of the program, and how the experience can guide further development of different models of Farmer Seed Enterprises. This paper is based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data included focus group discussions with farmers, stakeholder meetings and discussions with programming staff. Secondary data included program documents, reports, journal articles and discussion/working papers.