Submitted by Linda Hill
Calling all Inclusive Leaders! Here is our chance to be part of the food security revolution.
Google “Seedy Sunday and Seedy Saturday” and find out where and when these grassroots events are happening in your community. Then go out to buy, sell and exchange local seeds and plants. Swapping seeds brings the future of healthy food into our hands to plant in our gardens! There are hundreds of Seedy Saturdays and Sundays across Canada and they have spread out, taken root and blossomed all around the world.
Here is a quote from the ETC Group: Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration that helps explain the importance of Seedy events:
“Biological diversity is the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and world food security. The loss of cultural diversity (including languages) and traditional knowledge — of farm communities and indigenous cultures — is intricately linked to the loss of biological diversity. Indigenous peoples and farming communities are the creators, custodians and continuing innovators of biological knowledge and resources.”
By 1990, the widespread sale and distribution of genetically modified seeds and other forms of industrial agriculture had interfered with agricultural biodiversity to the point that it had become almost impossible to sell or purchase locally grown seeds. Many, many delicious and healthy heritage fruits and vegetables that had been grown for generations were becoming extinct.
In Vancouver, BC, Canada a farmer and agricultural researcher named Sharon Rempel organized the first Seedy Saturday. Over five-hundred community members turned out to learn from, buy from and swap seeds with a few dozen farmers and gardeners who were still practicing the age-old art of seed saving and plant propogation.
Seedy Saturdays and Seedy Sundays have become an annual spring event around the world, involving millions of people. By participating in Seedy Sundays we are keeping seeds in the public domain and increasing food security. So be a food security revolutionary! Swap seeds, buy seeds from local farmers. Save and sell your seeds. Plant seeds and grow your gardens in your yard, community garden or any public space!