admin | Global Seed Savers

Women-Led Seed Saving Initiative at Kabilin Farm

Sep 12, 2024 | Activities, Farmer Features, Newsletters, Other Partners, Programs, Seed School, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Global Seed Savers recently held a Community Learning and Awareness on Seed Sovereignty (CLASS) session at Kabilin Farm, in partnership with Kababayen-ang Balikanhon Isip Lig-on ug Nagkahiusa (KABILIN). This initiative aimed to strengthen ties with local women farmers while introducing the principles of seed sovereignty. The session explored how seed saving can empower the farming sector, uplift communities, and benefit the environment. A key highlight was the confirmation that 18 participants will join the next Seed School 1 session, taking their first steps toward becoming seed savers!

The involvement of KABILIN members in this program offers a unique perspective, as these women balance multiple roles, from caring for their children to managing small businesses. Their participation in seed-saving presents an opportunity to validate research that shows women often take on the role of seed savers within households, given its nurturing qualities. This focus on women-led initiatives not only supports food sovereignty but also supports female farmers to take leadership roles in preserving vital seed varieties.

The creation of the KABILIN Women Seed Savers group holds great potential for producing high-quality seeds and fostering a sustainable future. As this partnership grows, we look forward to seeing how these women contribute to the seed sovereignty movement across the Philippines, demonstrating the essential role of women in nurturing both crops and communities.

Women’s Group

Hal’s discussion

Seeds ready for distribution

Training venue

Participants

Introduction of the new VAC

Supporting Farmers Through Seed Sovereignty in Bayawan City

Sep 12, 2024 | Activities, Farmer Features, Newsletters, Other Partners, Programs, Seed School, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Global Seed Savers recently partnered with Bayawan City’s Office of Farmers, Provincial Resources and Agriculture Bureau (OFPRAB) to host a transformative Community Learning and Awareness on Seed Sovereignty (CLASS) event. Held at the City Cooperative and Manpower Development Office, this event brought together 36 participants, with City Agriculturist Ken Artes leading the way. Mr. Artes emphasized the importance of supporting farmers to break free from dependence on seeds provided by the Department of Agriculture, allowing them greater autonomy over their crops and seed access. This message resonated strongly with participants, and by the end of the program, 20 individuals were inspired to continue their seed-saving journey by enrolling in Seed School 1.

The event marked an important step towards long-term seed sovereignty in Bayawan City. Mr. Artes laid out ambitious plans, including drafting an ordinance to establish seed libraries in every barangay and integrating seed-saving into existing farm schools, which are in partnership with DepEd.

The seed libraries will be placed in the Agricultural Development Centers, which serve as both production areas and educational hubs.

This forward-thinking approach will ensure that future generations, starting at the school level, learn the value of seed saving, creating a culture of self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship among young Filipinos.

The lessons from this event highlighted how the culture of dependency fostered by the standardized purchasing of seeds has limited farmers’ autonomy and harmed the environment. Mr. Artes’ leadership demonstrates the vital role local government officials can play in supporting seed sovereignty and improving the living conditions of their communities. His proactive approach rekindles hope that government can indeed work for the people, and with GSS’ ongoing support, we are building a movement that prioritizes farmer justice, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of indigenous agricultural knowledge across the Philippines.

Bayawan

CA, Sr. Agriculturist & GSSP Team

City Agriculturist giving his welcoming remark

Prepared seeds for Bayawan

Seed School 1 with the Benguet Association of Seed Savers (BASS)

Sep 12, 2024 | Activities, BASS, Farmer Features, Newsletters, Other Partners, Programs, Seed School, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Global Seed Savers and partners Benguet Association of Seed Savers (BASS) recently hosted Seed School 1 at the OMAG in Tublay, Benguet. The program aimed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed for effective seed saving, from understanding the life cycle of plants to mastering seed storage and quality control. Through hands-on learning and community engagement, the participants gained a deeper appreciation for the critical role of seeds in promoting food security, biodiversity, and sustainable agricultural systems.

A key highlight of the training was the active participation of nine experienced BASS members, who not only updated their own knowledge but also mentored new participants during practical sessions. Their involvement demonstrated the power of peer-to-peer learning, as they shared valuable insights and techniques from their years of experience in seed saving.

This collaboration fostered a sense of community among the participants, further strengthening their commitment to seed sovereignty.

The lessons from this event underscored the importance of continued learning and skill-sharing within seed-saving communities. By supporting both new and seasoned members, GSSP and BASS are cultivating a movement that prioritizes resilience, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of local seed varieties for future generations. As these participants move forward, they are taking vital steps toward building a self-sustaining, seed-secure future in Benguet.

Educational Farm Tour Promotes Seed Sovereignty in Cebu

Sep 12, 2024 | Activities, Newsletters, Other Partners, Programs, Projects, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Global Seed Savers recently partnered with the Social Action Center – Diocese of San Carlos City for an Educational Farm Tour at Arapal Farm in Bogo City, Cebu. During the tour, Harry led a detailed discussion on the full seed production process, from seed identification to proper storage techniques. This hands-on learning experience helped guests, including the newly hired VAC and visitors from DSAC San Carlos, understand the intricacies of seed production, while also rediscovering “extinct” seed varieties that had been overlooked for generations.

One of the highlights of the visit was the discussion around seed exchange, with participants showing interest in collaborating with GSS to share seeds and knowledge. The tour ended with positive feedback, as many attendees expressed their excitement to join future Seed School programs.

By creating space for these conversations, GSS continues to build a network of advocates committed to preserving local seed varieties and strengthening food security across the Philippines.

This on-site experience reinforced the importance of supporting communities and farmers through seed saving education. As one participant noted, the farm’s design and the dedication needed to preserve seeds highlighted the vital role of knowledge in achieving food sovereignty. By offering tours like this, GSS and partners are actively sowing the seeds for a sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural future, helping to protect the Philippines’ rich biodiversity!

Educational tour with DSAC San Carlos

Q&A with the visitors

Seed identification exercise

Team introduction with Fr. Julius

For seed identification exercise (1)

Seed School in Siargao Island

Aug 21, 2024 | Activities, Fastenaktion, Fastenaktion, Newsletters, Other Partners, Programs, Projects, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Global Seed Savers recently joined Lokal Lab to host a transformative Seed School 1 at Ihayas Farm, San Isidro, Surigao Del Norte. This initiative, part of our Fastenakation program, brought together 25 participants, including organic farmers and enthusiastic youth from Brgy. Burgos and Lokal Lab farming communities. Over the course of the training, participants immersed themselves in the basics of seed saving, with a focus on preserving traditional Filipino farming practices while embracing innovation.

The Seed School 1 not only equipped participants with essential seed-saving skills but also sparked a sense of community and purpose.

The group collectively decided to establish the Isla Siargao Seed Saving Community, a new network dedicated to organic farming and seed preservation on Siargao Island.

This group’s formation marks a significant step towards strengthening local food systems and promoting food sovereignty across the Philippines.

By fostering these connections, we’re ensuring that traditional agricultural knowledge is passed down and that future generations continue to benefit from a sustainable, resilient food supply.

This activity is vital to the broader seed and food sovereignty movement in the Philippines. By creating a seed sanctuary at Ihayas Farm, we can transform the space into a hub for learning and ecotourism, attracting visitors who are passionate about food security and sustainable farming. GSS and the newly formed Isla Siargao Seed Saving Community are at the forefront of this movement, working together to safeguard the seeds that are the lifeblood of our communities and the key to a self-sustaining future.