Global Seed Savers and BASS Strengthen the Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture

Global Seed Savers and BASS Strengthen the Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture

May 31, 2023 | BASS, Farmer Features, Other Partners

In a world grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security concerns, the preservation and exchange of traditional seeds have become increasingly crucial. Recognizing the significance of this mission, the GSS recently held a follow-up meeting with our partner organization, the Benguet Association of Seed Savers (BASS). 

The meeting was a comprehensive endeavor, encompassing the review of BASS’s constitution and by-laws, the election of new officers, the creation of a new strategic plan, and the examination of financial reports. The gathering aimed to reinforce the foundation for sustainable agriculture and advance the joint pursuit of seed conservation.

Help us applaud BASS’ new elected Officers:

President – Annette Sinakay; Vice President – Letty Bisco; Secretary – Agnes Philip; Assistant Secretary – Leona Otas; Treasurer – Agnes Philip; Assistant Treasurer –  Prescila Santiago; Auditor – Jun Bayawa; Assistant Auditor – Conception Sotero; Public Relations Officer – Elizabeth Martin

This follow-up meeting between GSS and BASS marks a significant milestone in our collaborative journey toward preserving traditional seeds and promoting sustainable agriculture. By reviewing BASS’s constitution and by-laws, electing new officers, creating a new strategic plan, and examining financial reports, both organizations have laid a robust foundation for their future endeavors.

With a shared vision, strengthened governance, and a commitment to sustainable practices, Global Seed Savers and BASS are well-positioned to make a profound impact on the conservation of traditional seeds, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of farming communities in the Benguet region and beyond!

BASS members

BASS Members

BASS Members

Reigniting Partnership: Global Seed Savers and LGU of Bogo Philippines

Reigniting Partnership: Global Seed Savers and LGU of Bogo Philippines

May 31, 2023 | Activities, Other Partners

Our GSS team recently celebrated a significant milestone in partnership development and participatory local seed governance. In a momentous event, we reignited our collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bogo, Philippines. This renewed partnership marks a crucial step forward in empowering local communities and safeguarding agricultural biodiversity. 

The LGU of Bogo, located in the northern part of Cebu, Philippines, has long recognized the significance of preserving traditional seeds and supporting sustainable agriculture. In the past, we had collaborated with the LGU to establish community seed banks and promote seed-saving practices. 

October 2020 we had our first call and introduction at the Mayors office and the MAO of Bogo through our partner farmers and Cebu Seed Savers, Mr. & Mrs. Bastonero. This initial conversation focused on food and seed security for Bogo, Philippines. To achieve food and seed security, Mayor Carlo Martinez and Ms. Alicia Lepiten (head of the MAO) first planned for the installation of a Seed Bank/Library. Soon after the planning session, they allocated a room in the City Hall to function as the Seed Bank/Library!

Since then, many visits and follow ups were held with Ms. Alicia and we tackled questions like how we can reconnect, re-engage, and cultivate our relationships. Most importantly, what are the strategies for the establishment of the new Seed Library as we strive towards food and seed sovereignty. 

During this meeting, Ms. Alicia gladly informed us that the Seed Bank/Library is making progress! The Seed Cabinet construction is complete and will be placed temporarily at the MAO office. We also planned for a future technical training for the members of Organic Farmers Federation of Bogo which mean this was an official launch of the Seed Library for Bogo with Mayor Martinez!

Ms. Alicia and Mr. & Mrs. Bastonero expressed their enthusiasm and dedication to working hand in hand to revitalize local seed systems and preserve traditional knowledge. This can be accomplished by participatory local seed governance. 

Participatory local seed governance lies at the core of sustainable agriculture. It involves engaging local farmers, indigenous communities, and stakeholders in decision-making processes regarding seed conservation, cultivation, and distribution. By involving the community in seed-related activities, entities like the LGU of Bogo recognize the importance of preserving local knowledge, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring food security for future generations.

Through participatory local seed governance, farmers are empowered to become custodians of their seed heritage. They are encouraged to save, share, and exchange seeds, fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges and commercial pressures. Moreover, this approach promotes the conservation of traditional crop varieties, which often possess unique traits adapted to local conditions. Through this collaboration, we aim to preserve seed diversity, empower farmers, and ensure food security. 

We celebrate this recent meeting because it served as a catalyst for reigniting our valuable partnership between us and the LGU of Bogo Philippines – highlighting the importance of participatory local seed governance and partnership building. This meeting was a testament to the shared commitment towards agricultural sustainability and community empowerment. As we seed onward, let us celebrate this renewed partnership and embrace the collective responsibility of safeguarding our agricultural heritage for generations to come!

GSS Team Tours CONFFFED’s Seed Library at Pestales Farm and Strengthens Community Bond!

GSS Team Tours CONFFFED’s Seed Library at Pestales Farm and Strengthens Community Bond!

May 31, 2023 | Activities, Other Partners, Project Update, Seed Library

Our partners at Community of Organic Natural Farmers and Fishermen Federation (CONFFFED) invited the GSSP team (Hal, Efren, Harry, and Sarah) and Edgar “Gagix” Cascabel (Community Organizer of Cebu Province) to participate in their monthly impact meeting! 

As part of the meeting, GSS had the opportunity to explore CONFFFED’s latest venture: a state-of-the-art Seed Library. This meeting brought together 10 members of CONFFFED which consisted of members from the Community of Organic Natural Farmers and Fishermen Federation and other various farm association leaders and members. Of these members were our very own partner farmers from Cebu Seed Savers!  

During this meeting, the GSSP team had the pleasure of introducing themselves to members of CONFFFED!  It was the first time that our Marketing and Communications Manager Sarah and our Program Manager Efren met our partners in person! Along with this milestone introduction, the members of CONFFFED also had the opportunity to meet our new Philippines Executive Director Hal Atienza.

The invitation extended to GSS to join CONFFFED’s monthly meeting underscores the growing recognition of our valuable contributions to the global seed-saving community. CONFFFED’s commitment to promoting environmental development and sustainable farming aligns harmoniously with GSS’s mission of conserving traditional seeds and supporting local farmers. By fostering collaboration among organizations with shared goals, this meeting not only created a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas but also strengthened the collective effort to address pressing challenges in the agricultural sector.

A few pivotal conversations held during this meeting included Seed Library planning, announcing the upcoming Action Planning session for Cebu Seed Savers, and reviewing what Seed Sovereignty means to GSS and our partners. 

Hal Atienza applied his expertise and gave a high-level overview of GSSP’s redefined core definition of Seed Sovereignty and its crucial elements. This highlighted the importance of exploring a seed repository for CONFFFED, and would enable CONFFFED members to support the initiative and work towards Seed Sovereignty. 

Our Program Manager Efren shared his wisdom and insight from the farm visit and consultation conducted by farmer Jon which will be applied for the IDOFS Project with the Cebu Seed Savers (CSS) happening later. Efren provided valuable insights and inspiration for GSS’s ongoing efforts to enhance its own seed-saving initiatives.

During this meeting, the GSSP Team also visited CONFFFED’s Seed Library that we collaborated on! This Seed Library is the outcome of our community led initiative and was the next step from our event where we had the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This cutting-edge seed library represents a significant step forward in seed conservation and access!

CONFFFFED members are thrilled and are looking forward to the future of the installed Seed Library. They are also eager to learn how they can contribute to the Seed Library’s impact for a more seed sovereign and healthy family and communities future! 

With continued collaboration and the nurturing of such relationships, we can make meaningful strides in preserving traditional seeds, fostering biodiversity, and ensuring food security for generations to come.

Empowering Farmers: A Productive Action Planning Session by Global Seed Savers!

Empowering Farmers: A Productive Action Planning Session by Global Seed Savers!

May 31, 2023 | CSS, Stories from the Field

In collaboration with Cebu Seed Savers, the GSSP Team recently organized an action planning session in Cebu City. This event brought together twenty-one dedicated farmers who are passionate about seed conservation and sustainable agriculture. The highlight of the gathering was the collective agreement among the Cebu Seed Savers to establish a governance structure, defining the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the officers. This participatory discussion on seed tasking and production showcased the commitment of these farmers towards preserving seed diversity and empowering their community.

The action planning session took place at AA BBQ Ramos Ranudo St., Cebu City which provided a conducive environment for collaboration and meaningful discussions. The venue buzzed with anticipation as the Cebu Seed Savers, guided by the GSSP Team, came together to strategize and shape the future of their seed-saving initiatives.

Through thoughtful discussions and shared insights, the farmers collectively defined the roles of key positions such as the president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and other necessary roles. This governance structure aims to provide clarity, accountability, and smooth coordination within the Cebu Seed Savers, ensuring the continuity and growth of their seed-saving efforts.

Join us in congratulating the newly elected officials for Cebu Seed Savers! 

President : Reinario Cabico

Vice President: Melodina Esconde

Secretary: Judina Oberres

Treasurer: Alejandro Camilo Sr.

Auditor: Praxedes  Embalzado

PRO/ Information Officer

1.South Cebu – Adelwisa Pacana

2.North Cebu- Rosaflor Estenzo

Another crucial aspect of the action planning session was the participatory discussion on seed tasking and production. The farmers shared their experiences, challenges, and successes in seed-saving practices. We identified the need for a Monitoring and Evaluation Session, CSS identified seeds that they are able to grow and harvest, and broke down our strategies for the next stages of establishing a new Seed Library. By fostering an open dialogue, the participants were able to exchange valuable knowledge, techniques, and best practices.

During this discussion, the farmers collectively explored strategies to enhance seed production, improve seed quality, and expand their seed-saving network. The GSSP team facilitated the brainstorming session, offering guidance and technical expertise where needed. The active engagement and collaboration of the farmers ensured that their voices were heard, and their contributions were incorporated into the action plan.

By providing a platform for collective decision-making, knowledge sharing, and skill-building, this event not only strengthens the Cebu Seed Savers but also encourages a sense of ownership and empowerment among the participants.

Moving forward, the established governance structure will serve as a roadmap for effective leadership and organizational growth. The farmers, armed with newfound clarity and purpose, will continue their vital work in preserving seed diversity, contributing to food security, and promoting sustainable agriculture in the region.

With empowered farmers at the control, the Cebu Seed Savers are poised to make a significant impact on their local community and beyond, inspiring others to join the journey of seed conservation and sustainable agriculture.

See more photos taken during this community action planning session!

Mapping the Way Forward: Global Seed Savers’ Strategic Planning in Action

Mapping the Way Forward: Global Seed Savers’ Strategic Planning in Action

May 31, 2023 | Activities, Uncategorized

Our Global Seed Savers Philippines team recently held an inspiring strategic planning retreat facilitated by our new Philippines Executive Director Hal Atienza! The retreat was an opportunity for our team to chart a path forward and shape our strategic roadmap for the years ahead. The purpose of the activity was to review the strategic direction of GSSP and come up with the 5-year strategic plan using the logical framework.

One of the key outcomes of the retreat was the development of a visionary roadmap for Global Seed Savers. Guided by a commitment to seed sovereignty, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture, the GSSP Team collectively crafted a comprehensive vision for the future. They identified key priorities, such as expanding access to locally adapted seed varieties, strengthening community engagement and empowerment, and forging strategic partnerships to amplify their impact. 

The team also tackled questions like: 

1) Where are we now?

2) Where do we want to be? 

3) How will we get there?

4) How do we know we made it?

 

It is important to determine how effective our strategies are in relation to our goals. Then the team was able to assess our effectiveness and efficiency in terms of our governance and management processes. Only then can we determine our impacts by looking at our relevance and sustainability. 

Aspirations become more realistic if we are able to define a clearer strategic direction. Meaning, our yardstick of performance management stays in place.

Because of the 4-day strategic planning, the GSSP Team was able to: 

1) Define a clearer vision-mission statement 

2) Develop our goals with corresponding strategies 

3) Formulate our Slogan (GSS mantra), “Save seeds. Grow food. Protect heritage.”

 

The retreat also provided a valuable platform to identify and address challenges faced by Global Seed Savers and the broader seed-saving community.

 The team engaged in focused discussions to explore solutions for preserving traditional knowledge, mitigating the threats posed by climate change and industrial agriculture, and overcoming barriers to seed conservation and sharing. By collectively addressing these challenges, Global Seed Savers aims to foster resilience, adaptability, and sustainability in our global food systems.

The strategic planning retreat was not simply an intellectual exercise, but a call to action. This strategic planning retreat served as a powerful catalyst for change, harnessing the collective wisdom and passion of seed savers worldwide. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability, Global Seed Savers is sowing the seeds of a resilient and prosperous future for our planet and its inhabitants. 

How Building with Natural Elements Leads us to Balance

How Building with Natural Elements Leads us to Balance

May 2, 2023 | Activities, Uncategorized

Our Communications and Marketing Manager Sarah, along with 12 other participants from Olongapo, Las Pinas, Cavite, and Makati, attended the first section of the Natural Building Workshop hosted by Subli Farm in Batangas. 

Subli Farm, which is managed by the family of Asha Peri, is a permaculture farm which follows the seed-to-table model of growing food. The farm is also the venue of the Ecology of Food courses which aims to teach participants how they can get the most life force and nutrition from their food while they balance the need for great tasting meals. 

Asha and her mom Ludy (now 72) went to the Earth University at Navdanya in India in 2018. There, they learned from Dr. Vandana Shiva about the impact of GMOs on Indian Farming and made many parallels to the struggles Filipino Farmers face. From that point on, Asha became a kitchen activist, organizing events like the Food, Farming, Freedom course,  which offered a new view on sustainable food for Filipinos. 

At Subli farm, the yoga room, lecture room and the dormitory buildings are all built with earth materials and resources. The Natural Building Workshop is a renovation of their kitchen area. Sarah and other participants built benches for the dap-ay, two shelves for the music area and seed storage, and a wall to protect the area from the elements!

This event is a two part workshop. The first one that was just concluded taught participants how to mix the materials for earth building, how to build structures, and how to mold clay tiles. 

The second part of this workshop (May 13-14, 2023) will be concentrated on wattle and daub (using bamboo as rebars for wall structures), plastering, and finishing with clay.

These skills are essential to sustaining environmental balance; where nature uplifts our spirits and surrounds us with a healthy future. There is so much we can do with these skills like maybe building a seed library made of earth or building resilient homes for our community!

“Earth is forgiving. Natural building takes time, but the output will also stand the test of time. With natural building, there is no waste. When it is time to tear down the structure you have built, everything goes back to the earth, or you can reuse it again for another structure.” – Sarah Sabado

GSSP New Executive Director, Hal Moderates His First Community Conversation in Cebu!

GSSP New Executive Director, Hal Moderates His First Community Conversation in Cebu!

May 2, 2023 | CSS, Stories from the Field

Our new Philippines Executive Director, Hal Atienza has jumped right into community building alongside Efren Cabbigat, GSSP Program Manager, and Harry Paulino, Cebu Seed Production Coordinator.

Our partners from CAFEi ( Cafei Executive Director Teresa Ruelas and Cafei Lead Trainer and Programs Rina Mabalhin) and our GSS team traveled to CAFEi’s office in Guadalupe, Cebu City to hold a critical community conversation about seed sovereignty and establishing more community seed libraries throughout Cebu Province. 

One of GSS’ priorities for this year is to facilitate more focus group discussions with our partners. To enable us to learn and build together the next steps and visions for our collective work in building food and seed sovereignty. Focus group discussions like these allow us to hear feedback, challenges, and lessons learned from individuals who are seed saving and managing Seed Libraries. Every community members’ experiences are important. Some individuals have their own seed repositories and some want to learn more about how they could support existing future seed libraries.

At  GSS we value farmer led conversations. Farmers help direct and lead our programs, and focus group discussions make space for emerging conversation topics like guidelines of how they want to set up seed libraries, type of seeds they want to be available at seed libraries, seed library storage techniques, and more!

We are so glad that our new Philippines Executive Director, Hal, was able to join the rest of our GSSP Program Team and guide this significant community conversation with our partners at CAFEI and other key stakeholders.

See more photos taken during this community conversation

Visiting Farms and Planting Seeds of Community

Visiting Farms and Planting Seeds of Community

May 2, 2023 | BASS, Farmer Features

Efren Cabbigat, GSS Program Manager, and our partner farmer Fely Damilo (Benguet Association of Seed Savers (BASS) Treasurer) traveled to many farms and met with a few local government officials in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya to discuss future partnerships! 

This was our follow up program from the Seed School we hosted in Solano in March of this year. Farmer Damilo is committed to organizing opportunities for local farmers and empowering farmer lives. She currently works in and around Bagahabag Solano and led this partnership outreach activity! 

Farmers who attended our Seed School in March of this year also joined Fely and Efren in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya! They traveled to four farms; one in Barangay San Luis, one in Bagahabag, one in Poblacion, and one in Bonifacio. 

They also visited three Local Government Units (LGU); Provincial Agriculture Office in Bayombong and met with Provincial Agriculturist Absalom Baysa, met with a focal person, Ms. Noralyn Busa for Organic Agriculture, and met with the Municipal Agriculture Office, Ms. Shirley Lumicao. 

Touring these farms and meeting with the local government officials is pivotal to our community building and outreach. GSS is rooted in our farmer led programs and community leadership, that is why it is important for us to continue to seek potential partners. 

Officer Shirley Lumicao, at the Municipal Agriculture Office in Solano, spoke of high interest in holding a seed school with the farmer organization that they support. She encouraged the group to include seed education in their upcoming farmer meeting by May. 

One of the farms, Jayson Gundran’s farm, is ready to prepare for a potential seed production area while the other three farms need more land preparation. This is critical to know as they prepare to meet again to discuss further inspirations and methods! 

Efren and Farmer Damilo are currently assessing and exploring Solano to seek more potential Local Government support and partnership. This meeting was an important first step in our goals to establish another seed saving group and eventually a seed library in Solano!

Getting to Jayson Gundran’s farm

Farm of Jason Dundran BONIFACIO

Touring around the area

Efren, Manag Elizabeth, Fely Damilo

Meet Hal, Our New Philippines Executive Director!

Meet Hal, Our New Philippines Executive Director!

Apr 21, 2023 | Staff Introduction

Join us in welcoming Hal Atienza as our new Philippines Executive Director!

Hal has been a social development NGO practitioner for the past three decades building resilient sectors and communities through social accountability and participatory governance. He most recently was an Independent Development Consultant as an accompanier, resource-person, and facilitator-trainer for capacity-building activities, strategic planning workshops, and organizational development and management processes. 

Hal is based in Cebu City, and we are thrilled to have his expertise and leadership as we head into this next exciting stage of our growth and work in the Philippines. 

Welcome to the team Hal! 

Message from Sherry Manning, Founder and CEO welcoming Hal.

“We are thrilled to have attracted such an experienced and passionate newPhilippines Executive Director to guide us into our next chapter of work in the Philippines. Hal brings decades of experience in growing and building successful NGOs and community organizing networks. I know that under his leadership our continued growth and success will be transformational. A very warm welcome to Hal from the entire GSS Community!”

Message from Bea Crisostomo, Philippines Board Chair welcoming Hal. 

“On behalf of the Philippines Board of Directors, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Hal as the new Philippines Executive Director. We are thrilled to have you on board and are confident that your experience and expertise will help us continue to grow and have a deeper impact. We are excited to see what we can accomplish together and are grateful to have you on board!”

Here is more about Hal:

What are you most excited about experiencing at GSS?

Seeds are the bearers of food. Saving our seeds is also saving our food culture. Seed saving is the core of regenerative farming and biodiversity. I have been working with farmers for many years. Community seed banking has always been the clamor of marginalized farmers. And I have found that excitement and reason to work with GSS. It espouses natural and organic seed saving, growing, and protection.

What is one strength you are excited to bring to GSS?

Running a country program demands a different set of skills and capacities. My experience and background in community organizing, organizational development, program management, governance, and leadership development encompass my abilities and desires to make GSS relevant and sustainable.

 

What is your favorite book?

I believe in the “The Pedagogy of the Oppressed” by Paulo Freire. But my romantic side always loves watching the Clint Eastwood movie and reading the book by Robert James Waller, “Bridges of Madison County” including the photo collection book of its character, Robert Kincaid.

 

What is your passion?

Ever since college, I have been passionate about being with people, working with them, and for them, whom Khalil Gibran described as the deprived, oppressed, poor, and exploited (DOPE). My favorite nook is the kitchen because I love cooking and preparing food for my family. They love my signature penne pasta with tuna in a creamy sauce and the aromatic honey-glazed chicken. I also enjoy tending to my ornamental and herb plant collections.

 

What do you want to achieve in this role?

I hope to sustain what the founder has started in the Philippines’ seed-saving program and become the model for expansion work and mainstreaming worldwide. That way, we can make seed saving a global movement to address food security, food sufficiency, and food sovereignty.

Welcome to the GSS team, Hal!