Seeds of Diversity - conserving the future

It’s probably fair to say that there is no better example of a committed and successful grassroots organization than Seeds of Diversity – Canada’s Heritage Seed Program. Seeds of Diversity is a charitable organization with 1700 members dedicated to collecting, documenting, and promoting the use of non-hybrid seeds that are of significance to both current and future generations of Canadians. Without organizations such as Seeds of Diversity, the future of the organic movement would not be nearly as bright!

Why is saving seeds important? Saving seeds is a fundamental activity for both organic gardeners and professional growers alike. Seed saving helps to maintain the genetic integrity of crop varieties for future generations. Unlike most conventionally purchased seeds, which are hybrid (or cross pollinated), non-hybrid seeds are open-pollinating seeds that grow and reproduce true to variety. These are the types of seeds of interest to Seeds of Diversity. They tend to be highly reliable and productive and were the type used for many thousands of years until modern agriculture stepped in.

When you consider that most of the world’s caloric intake, and therefore mass-produced agriculture, revolves around only four different plants – wheat, rice, corn, and soybeans – it’s not difficult to gain a sense of just how important the work of dedicated seed savers really is.

So what does the organization do? Well, the short answer is, like many high quality charitable organizations – many things. For example, they publish their own 40 page magazine three times a year, they’ve developed their own Seed Saving handbook and, of particular interest to many committed organic gardeners I’m sure – they’ve undertaken to document plant varieties of regional, cultural, economic and historical significance to all Canadians. To date, their Heritage Plants Database currently has information on 19,000 varieties of cultivated plants. Quite amazing!

What does it cost to join? Currently, membership for those from Canada and the United States is only $30 per annum, while for those residing elsewhere, a very reasonable $50 per annum. Membership entitles you to a subscription to the Seeds of Diversity magazine, which is published three times annually (January, May, September) as well as a copy of the annual Seed Exchange Directory, which lists the seeds offered from member-to-member in the annual seed exchange (over 1800 varieties!)

So if you’re keen to learn more about an organization that is committed to our future, please visit Seeds of Diversity.