And Other Means Of Keeping Seeds In The Hands Of The People: A Comprehensive Guide

Seeds are the essence of life. They hold within them the power to nourish and sustain the world's population. With the increasing commercialization and consolidation of the seed industry, however, the availability of diverse and locally adapted seeds is under threat.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various means and strategies that empower individuals and communities to keep seeds in their own hands. From saving and exchanging seeds to supporting local seed banks and advocating for seed sovereignty, we will delve into the importance of reclaiming control over our seed supply.

The State of the Seed Industry

Over the past century, the seed industry has rapidly transformed. Rather than being predominantly in the hands of farmers and communities, it is now controlled by a handful of multinational corporations. These companies often prioritize profit over diversity, focusing on producing genetically modified seeds that depend on synthetic inputs.

Seed Libraries: And Other Means of Keeping Seeds in the Hands of the People

by Cindy Conner(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11281 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

This monopolization of seeds has led to a loss of agricultural biodiversity, as fewer varieties are being planted and grown. Small-scale farmers and indigenous communities, who have traditionally been the custodians of seed diversity, are now facing challenges in accessing and preserving traditional and regionally adapted seeds.

Seed Saving and Exchanging

Seed saving is an ancient practice that involves collecting and storing seeds for future planting. By saving seeds from open-pollinated, non-hybrid plants, individuals can preserve the traits and characteristics of specific plants. This process empowers farmers to maintain locally adapted varieties that are well-suited to their environment.

Seed exchanging goes hand in hand with seed saving. It allows individuals to diversify their seed stock by obtaining unique varieties from fellow gardeners and farmers. Seed exchanges can happen locally, at farmers' markets or community events, or even globally through online platforms.

By engaging in seed saving and exchanging, individuals become active participants in the preservation of genetic diversity and the creation of resilient food systems.

Local Seed Banks and Libraries

Local seed banks and libraries provide a safe space for storing and preserving seeds. They serve as repositories for diverse seed collections and work towards building decentralized seed systems.

Seed banks and libraries can be community-driven initiatives or established by non-profit organizations. They focus on conserving traditional varieties and facilitating access to locally adapted seeds. These institutions also conduct research and support efforts to develop new varieties that are suitable for specific regions.

Supporting local seed banks and libraries not only contributes to seed preservation but also fosters community resilience and self-reliance in the face of changing climates and market pressures.

Advocating for Seed Sovereignty

Seed sovereignty refers to the rights of farmers, gardeners, and indigenous communities to save, exchange, and replant seeds. It encompasses the idea that seeds should be viewed as a common heritage, rather than a commodity controlled by a few corporations. Seed sovereignty empowers individuals and communities to control their own food systems, fostering food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Advocating for seed sovereignty involves raising awareness about the importance of diverse, locally adapted seeds and challenging the legal and policy frameworks that restrict seed saving and exchanging. It also includes supporting initiatives that promote seed commons, such as community seed banks and seed libraries.

As individuals, we have the power to take back control over our seed supply. By engaging in seed saving, exchanging, and supporting local seed banks, we can contribute to the preservation of genetic diversity and the creation of resilient food systems.

Advocating for seed sovereignty is another crucial step towards reclaiming our food system. By working together, we can ensure that seeds remain in the hands of the people, fostering a more sustainable and just world.

Seed Libraries: And Other Means of Keeping Seeds in the Hands of the People

by Cindy Conner(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11281 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Community-based initiatives to preserve and protect our food supply

Historically, seed companies were generally small, often family-run businesses. Because they were regionally based, they could focus on varieties well-suited to the local environment. A Pacific Northwest company, for example, would specialize in different cultivars than a company based in the Southeast. However the absorption of these small, independent seed businesses into large multinationals, combined with the advancement of biotechnology resulting in hybrids and GMO seeds, has led to a serious loss of genetic diversity. The public is now at the mercy of the corporations that control the seeds.

In the past few years, gardeners have realized the inherent danger in this situation. A growing movement is striving to preserve and expand our stock of heritage and heirloom varieties through seed saving and sharing opportunities. Seed Libraries is a practical guide to saving seeds through community programs, including:

• Step-by-step instructions for setting up a seed library
• A wealth of ideas to help attract patrons and keep the momentum going
• Profiles of existing libraries and other types of seed saving partnerships

Whoever controls the seeds controls the food supply. By empowering communities to preserve and protect the genetic diversity of their harvest, Seed Libraries is the first step towards reclaiming our self-reliance while enhancing food security and ensuring that the future of food is healthy, vibrant, tasty, and nutritious.

Cindy Conner is a permaculture educator, founder of Homeplace Earth and producer of two popular instructional gardening DVDs. She is also the author of Grow a Sustainable Diet .