Archives | Global Seed Savers

Nurturing Seed Saving Communities: Global Seed Savers’ Partnerships in Bogo

Sep 29, 2023 | Activities, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Our recent meeting with the City of Bogo Farmers Federation (CBFF) at the Bogo City Hall was an inspiring gathering that laid the foundation for a promising partnership. With Purok Presidents from across Bogo in attendance, our objectives were clear: to attend meetings, establish connections within the SSC (Seed Saving Community) communities in Bogo, and link with CBFF officers. It was an opportunity for us to align our agenda with the mission and goals of seed sovereignty.

One of the most exciting outcomes of this meeting was the shared commitment to forming a Seed Saving Community in Bogo. The heart of this initiative lies in establishing a seed library at the Department of Agriculture office, and it all began with a conversation about the “Perahulis” seed variety, which may be a Lima Bean. This common vegetable variety, once abundant in Bogohanon backyards, is now at risk of being lost forever. The response from Letecia Decena, a Purok leader and CBFF officer, was heartening. She emphatically stated, “We are one with you on that cause, rest assured we will support.” This moment embodied the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that this meeting fostered, bringing us one step closer to preserving valuable seed diversity in Bogo.

As we move forward, this partnership with CBFF and the dedicated individuals of Bogo reaffirms our commitment to seed saving and community engagement, illustrating the power of collective action in safeguarding our agricultural heritage.

City of Bogo Farmers Federation (CBFF) at the Bogo City Hall

GSS and Partners at BASS Nurture Collaboration and Discuss ‘Vegetable Basket’ Project

Sep 29, 2023 | Activities

Our recent bi-monthly meeting with our partners at the Benguet Association of Seed Savers (BASS) was a pivotal moment in our collaborative journey towards a more sustainable future. The primary focus of this gathering was to finalize and officially sign the BASS-GSSP Contract agreement for the ambitious “Vegetable Basket” Project. This project holds the promise of transforming the landscape of vegetable production in Benguet and beyond, emphasizing the importance of preserving heirloom and Indigenous seeds.

One of the key outcomes of our meeting was the development of a comprehensive crop programming plan, which outlines the specific crops that each BASS member will be responsible for producing in support of the “Vegetable Basket” Project. This strategic approach ensures that we can maximize our efforts and resources, thereby enhancing the project’s overall success. Additionally, we crafted a project implementation plan, designating responsible individuals for each crucial activity. This careful planning is a testament to our commitment to the project’s success.

Furthermore, our meeting allowed us to identify the members who will play pivotal roles in generating the necessary reports, both prior to implementation and during the project’s execution. These reports are invaluable for tracking progress and ensuring transparency throughout the project’s lifecycle. The collaborative spirit and thorough planning exhibited during this meeting were truly inspiring, emphasizing the dedication of both Global Seed Savers and BASS to making a lasting impact on sustainable agriculture in Benguet and beyond!

BASS Meeting working session

BASS Meeting

Seeds of Knowledge: Global Seed Savers at the Eco-Waste and Sustainability Expo

Sep 29, 2023 | Activities, Stories from the Field

We recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Seed Exchange at the Eco-Waste and Sustainability Expo in collaboration with our esteemed partners Zero Waste Baguio, Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Preservation (PIKP), and the City of Baguio at Malcolm Square. This event was not only about exchanging seeds but also about forging meaningful connections within the Baguio community. Our primary goal was to introduce Global Seed Savers and our vital advocacies to a wider audience while strengthening our newfound ties with the Department of Agriculture and the CVAO (City Veterinary and Agriculture Office).

Our presence at the expo was not only significant but also promising for the future of seed-saving in Baguio. This event holds significant importance for Global Seed Savers as it enabled us to connect with other organizations that share our passion for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity preservation. The potential for future collaborations is exciting, and this event may pave the way for the establishment of a formal Baguio Seed Saving Community among urban gardeners, even in limited spaces. Over the two days of the expo, we were delighted to sell a total of 116 seed packets, indicative of the growing interest in seed saving within the Baguio community.

Engaging with the Baguio community was a unique experience that allowed us to gauge the interest in seed saving among urban gardeners. Many had questions about whether they could successfully produce seeds from plants grown in containers and whether these seeds would yield productive crops. Furthermore, they were on the lookout for seed varieties we didn’t have, such as pechay, flowering plants, and fruits. Notably, urban gardeners were eager to explore “interesting” seeds, with red amaranth emerging as a bestseller, followed by patani, chia, patola, jackbeans, and native cherry tomatoes. These interactions emphasize the need for more seed exchanges and educational outreach to address the curiosity and enthusiasm within the urban gardening community.

Group at Expo Event

Efren at Expo booth

Booth at expo event

Seeds

Cultivating Connections in the Capital: Global Seed Savers’ DC Networking Success!

Sep 29, 2023 | Activities

Global Seed Savers recently hosted a special Happy Hour event in the heart of Washington DC, and it was an evening filled with meaningful connections and shared enthusiasm for our mission. We were fortunate to have our Founder and CEO alongside dedicated members of our US Board Treasurer Sean Duncan and US Board Member Susan Mathew in attendance. Special thanks to Sean who graciously provided his office space as the perfect backdrop for our gathering.

With 25 attendees, largely connected through Sherry’s network of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and friends, the event was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about our work and mission. We see it as laying the essential groundwork for future support and funding from the vibrant DC communities and generous donors who share our commitment to saving seeds and growing food.

During her visit to Washington DC, Sherry also had the pleasure of visiting the Philippines Embassy. There, she met with Mark Lim of the Diplomacy office and had a tour of an event space at the Embassy available for Philippines organizations to use – a prospect we’re considering for a future event. Sherry also engaged with Lupino J. Lazaro, Jr., the Agriculture Counsellor of the Embassy, who, having previously worked with the FAO in Rome, showed significant interest and support for our work. Notably, his younger colleague, Jame Escalante, the Agriculture Assistant, eagerly attended our happy hour the following day, expressing a strong desire to support our mission. These connections are invaluable steps towards expanding our network and impact in the DC area!