Seeds and people: we have shaped each other.
Throughout human history we have chosen the most resilient, most productive, most nutritious seeds. Those seeds have nourished us the following year, and the year after that. Sowing, selecting, saving and sharing seed was an intrinsic part of nurturing plants and people.
Yet, in a short space of time, our long-honed skills have begun to wither. Society has prioritised commerce over co-evolution.
A new film from The Gaia Foundation, launched to start #SeedWeek, captures the re-emergence of an ancient occupation. It follows the market gardeners in Ireland who are returning to seed production; amongst the chaos of Brexit and climate change, their story offers security and hope for the future.
They are seeding tomorrow.
And the world needs more growers to do the same…
The Gaia Foundation’s Seed Sovereignty Programme has provided training, support, and solidarity to seed producers since its inception in 2017.
Collaborating with the Seed Savers Association, Brown Envelope Seeds and other partners across the country, we have been supporting small-scale seed producers whilst offering trainings to market gardeners looking to diversify their skills and income through returning to seed saving and production.
The future of Ireland’s food depends on more people working with Ireland’s seed. If you are interested in any aspect of the Seed Sovereignty Programme, get in touch with our Coordinator for Ireland, Jason Horner.
Find out more about The Gaia Foundation’s UK & Ireland Seed Sovereignty Programme:
UK & Ireland Seed Sovereignty Programme
Find out more about Brown Envelope Seeds:
Find out more about the Irish Seed Savers Association:
With gratitude to Jason Horner, Madeline McKeever and Oisín Kenny, and to filmmaker and photographer Andy Pilsbury.
This film is dedicated to the growers who nourish us, particularly those who have taken the next step to save seed for future generations.
