The Seed Sovereignty Programme’s flagship ‘year-long’ training in seed politics, practice and production is now open for applications!*
The comprehensive course is delivered via monthly Zoom-based webinars with industry experts, site visits and farm walks to seed production organisations and enterprises, and opportunities to share and connect within regional networks. It’s especially relevant to growers with some years’ experience at a decision-making level who are considering adding seed production to their growing sites, either as a commercial or community sharing option and who have access to land sufficient to grow two crops of their choice from seed to seed.
Topics to be covered include:
It’s delivered at around Level 3 (the equivalent of A-level) and requires a time commitment of approximately 45 hours of contact time between March and November, and a further 45 hours of self-directed study to produce a portfolio of the experience of growing two chosen crops. At every stage, trainees are supported by their relevant regional co-ordinator, on hand with help and support. It’s priced at £200 (or €230), with half price and full bursary options available too.
Graduating trainees have continued after the course to begin their own seed businesses, some now grow for seed retailers and some have set up initiatives in their local areas. Trainees have also gained access to deeper learning activities such as the crowdbreeding project, bulking up supplies of rare tomato varieties and trial programmes: more opportunities will be added in years to come!
“I thought the training was excellent and the approach of the co-ordinators spot on!”
“The content of the sessions was great and will have ongoing utility.”
“The opportunity to visit different places was fantastic.”
“Beautiful connections made.”
“There was a great balance struck between in-depth details and practical stuff, as well as between highlighting commercial seed opportunities and community-focused initiatives.” – 2024 trainee feedback
Applications are submitted online here and are welcomed from the UK and Ireland. The deadline for applications is Sunday February 2nd. If you’re not sure about an aspect of either the course or your application, we’d welcome discussing it with you! Simply email us here: seedsovereignty@gaianet.org
*Please note that a submitted application does not constitute an offer of a training place: we need to make sure that the course will be the right fit for your experience and ambitions. Successful applicants will be notified by mid-February and provided with a link to book their place, upon which any payment will be taken.
