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
