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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!

Sherry with DC based US Board Susan Mathew and Sean Duncan

Sherry at the Philippines Embassy with Mark Lim Public Diplomacy Section

Sherry Meeting the Agriculture Counserlor at the Embassy

Philippines Retruned Peace Corps Volunteers and Staff Gathered at the Event

Founder and CEO Sherry Manning Sharing During Happy Hour

LEA Seed School Flourishes!

Aug 31, 2023 | BASS, Seed School, Stories from the Field

We held a Seed School with Team LEA Seed School in Capas Tarlac, fueled by our incredible partnership with Good Food Community.

We went hand-in-hand with Good Food Community into the heart of Capas Tarlac, where the seeds of knowledge took root. Fifteen passionate farmers came together, and cultivated an environment where learning nurtures minds young and old. The LEA Seed School was a living testament to the power of collaboration, as we shared insights, stories, and dreams.

As we celebrated in the shared pursuit of sustainable agriculture, every interaction was a gift. Each budding farmer, each inquisitive mind, added to the community of growth we’re nurturing together. The beauty of our Seed School lies in the bonds we cultivate, in the soil of shared purpose.

With Team LEA’s energy still dancing in our hearts, we’re reminded that every seed of knowledge we plant today blooms into a brighter tomorrow. We are so honored that our partner farmers at BASS are leading the way at these Seed Schools and inspiring others to become seed savers!

We are grateful for our continued collaboration with our partners at Good Food Community and for our shared passion in food sovereignty! As we continue to cultivate these connections and sow the seeds of change, we invite you to join us on this thrilling journey of growth, unity, and transformation.

See more photos taken during our Seed School!

Enhancing Biodiversity, and Boosting Seed Production: A Successful IDOFS On Farm Consultation

Jul 24, 2023 | CSS, Stories from the Field

In a world where sustainable farming practices are becoming increasingly crucial, Global Seed Savers took a significant step forward in promoting eco-conscious agriculture. From June 30 to July 4, 2023, an impactful IDOFS (Integrated Diversified Organic Farming Systems) On-Farm Consultation was conducted in Catmon, San Fernando, Carcar, Argao, and Simala. In collaboration with our partners, Pestales, Cafei, Cebu Seed Savers, and the insightful Farmer John, the consultation aimed to improve farming practices and set new benchmarks for sustainable agriculture.

One of the primary goals of the consultation was to finalize at least two IDOFS-farm designs. As a result, participating farmers were empowered to implement innovative agricultural practices. Notably, some of the key inputs from Farmer John’s previous visit were put into action, including the incorporation of diversification and varietal crops, enhancing plant growth, and improving pest management techniques!

Farmer John, Bebs, Nathan, Harry and Judina

Moreover, farmers received guidance on creating more live fences and windbreakers using eco-friendly bamboo. These additions not only serve as effective barriers but also contribute to enhancing biodiversity and protecting delicate ecosystems.

We are so grateful to see our community take on new practices that not only support their farms but also build climate resiliency! The farms were celebrated for their diversity and effective intercropping techniques, promoting ecological harmony and maximizing resource utilization.

The IDOFS On Farm Consultation didn’t just end with recommendations; it set new benchmarks for sustainable agriculture. Our partner farmers were encouraged to add more crops suitable for the soil conditions, expanding the diversity of their farms. For example, mulching, windbreakers, and hedge rows became essential features, contributing to the overall resilience of their farms.

As we move towards a seed sovereign future, it’s heartwarming to witness the passion and determination of our partner farmers! Our community of seed savers continues to grow and adapt to new sustainable practices!

See more photos taken during our farm consultations!

Founder and CEO, Sherry Manning Reflects on Spending June in the Philippines

Jul 4, 2023 | From the Executive Director, Uncategorized

Sherry, our Founder and CEO spent three weeks in the Philippines in June.

Through engaging in on-ground interactions with our partner organizations, meeting with local farmers, and digging into the intricacies of community-driven initiatives, our Founder and CEO is able to gain deep insights that will inform our strategic decisions moving forward. This endeavor allows us to further refine our approach, ensuring that our programs are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.

Here is what Sherry has to say about her trip:

It was wonderful to all be together as a team during most of June. I could not be more thrilled to have Hal Atienza as our new Philippines Executive Director and our time together in person, in our founding region, was an essential aspect of his full onboarding in this new role. Hal is tenacious, passionate about doing development work well, and brings deep experience and dedication to this next chapter of GSS.

We had a jam packed schedule that included critical team internal operational planning, Hal meeting with and conducting farm visits with the Benguet Association of Seed Savers, hosting a Philippines Board meeting, and hosting a meet and greet for Hal in Baguio with some of our key supporters and friends. See pictures and learn more about each of these below.

Together we will continue to follow our new slogan: Save Seeds, Grow Food, Celebrate Heritage!

Trips like these make space for Sherry to witness firsthand the impact of our programs and the lives of our partner farmers touched by our work.

It’s only because of the support we garnered from our WONDERFUL community of supporters like YOU! Together we have impacted countless smallholder farmers, inspired local communities to strengthen climate resiliency efforts, and with our Founder and CEO just returning to the US we are well on our way to saving more seeds, growing more food, and celebrating our heritage!