CLASS with CROPO and Partners Good Food Community (GFC)

CLASS with CROPO and Partners Good Food Community (GFC)

Apr 30, 2024 | Activities, Farmer Features, Other Partners, Programs, Project Update, Projects, Seed Library, Seed School, Uncategorized

In the heart of the Kalahi Mountains, the Global Seed Savers (GSS) team, alongside the Good Food Community (GFC), recently embarked on a transformative journey with the Chico River Organic Producers’ Organization (CROPO). The goal was to foster a deep understanding and appreciation for seed sovereignty as a cornerstone of food sovereignty.

During the immersive Community Learning and Awareness on Seed Sovereignty (CLASS) program, CROPO members were not just attendees but active participants in shaping the future of their food systems. Through engaging lectures, they explored topics ranging from the global seed situation to the practicalities of saving seeds within their unique agricultural context.

The impact was profound. As discussions unfolded, participants were challenged to reflect on their own role in seed preservation and food security. Questions like “Why save seeds?” sparked lively debates, while the Open Forum provided a platform for voices often unheard to express their concerns and aspirations. This initiative wasn’t just about learning; it was about a community taking charge of its seed and food sovereign future.

 

Planting Seeds of Knowledge!

Planting Seeds of Knowledge!

Mar 29, 2024 | Activities, Farmer Features, Programs, Seed Library, Seed School, Uncategorized

We’re thrilled to share an exciting update from Global Seed Savers, where we’ve been busy planting the seeds of knowledge through our recent programs. In collaboration with the Partnership for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines (PIKP), we hosted a dynamic two-day workshop on our Community Learning and Awareness on Seed Sovereignty (CLASS) alongside Seed School 1 – Basic Seed Saving Course.

Led by the passionate facilitators Sarah Sabado, Elizabeth Martin, and Ding Fuellos, this two-day training was more than just a workshop; it was a transformative experience! Participants dived into the heart of seed sovereignty, learning not just how to save seeds but why it’s crucial. We explored the beauty of naming and describing seeds within cultural and linguistic contexts, highlighting the importance of these practices in preserving our agricultural heritage.

Our partnership with PIKP has been instrumental in amplifying our impact. Together, we’ve created a nurturing environment where participants can connect with their Indigenous knowledge and local realities, inspiring them to become advocates for sustainable food systems. Our curriculum, divided into three engaging modules, has sparked a newfound passion for seed saving among participants.

 

In Module 1: Participants gain insights into the local seed situation, seed security, and Indigenous food systems, fostering a connection with their cultural heritage and community practices. 

 

 

 

 

In Module 2: Why Save Seeds?, the focus shifts towards understanding the intrinsic value of seed saving in enhancing crop diversity and ensuring food security. 

Module 3: Seed Science equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills essential for effective seed collection, preservation, and sharing, inspiring them to become stewards of agricultural resilience and biodiversity conservation.

 

From understanding the local seed situation to the science behind seed saving, we’ve supported our community with the tools and knowledge needed to cultivate resilience and promote biodiversity.

Through these initiatives, we aim to not only disseminate knowledge but also inspire action and foster a community of seed savers dedicated to preserving agricultural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future!

Participants

Participants

Manang Elizabeth leading the course

Participants

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Whole group at our two-day training

Cultivating Impact through Inventory Innovation!

Cultivating Impact through Inventory Innovation!

Mar 6, 2024 | Activities, Farmer Features, Programs, Seed Library, Uncategorized

Global Seed Savers recently embarked on a series of seed inventory initiatives to conduct inventories in Cebu City, Catmon, Aloguinsan, and Babag. Led by Sweetie Maurillo, these efforts are vital in ensuring the availability and effective management of seeds for agricultural purposes among all partner farmers. The inventories serve as benchmarks and facilitate seamless access and optimal utilization of seeds.

 

Through these initiatives, valuable lessons have been learned about the importance of conducting seed trials and germinating seed stocks to rejuvenate and replenish the inventory, maintaining high-quality seeds in our library. Seeds are not mere items for display or collection; their primary purpose lies in their ability to germinate, grow, and ultimately produce plants. By prioritizing their utility and ensuring they are actively used for cultivation rather than just stored, we maximize their value and potential impact.

 

 

Local policy support is crucial for promoting the conservation of heritage crops, while community engagement fosters collaboration among farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders. Access to resources, such as quality seeds and agricultural inputs, is essential for cultivating heritage crops.

 

Seed inventory helps in resource planning for future planting seasons by ensuring the availability of a sufficient quantity and variety of seeds, thus promoting crop diversity and resilience. It also helps mitigate risks associated with crop failures, pests, diseases, and unforeseen events, ensuring continuity in agricultural production.

 

 

Education, capacity building, and support of farmers in seed production are key aspects to reduce reliance on external seed sources and promote self-sufficiency. Lobbying for government support and funding toward seed-saving initiatives and conservation programs is also essential for long-term sustainability.

We are looking forward to continuing to add to our seed inventory and support our local seed libraries with needed seeds!

Aloguinsan

Dito’s Farm

Aloguinsan

Dito’s Farm Seed Library

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Cafei Seed Labels

Seeds

seeds

Aloguinsan Farm

Cebu City Seeds

Exploring Growth Through Farm Visits!

Exploring Growth Through Farm Visits!

Dec 14, 2023 | Activities, Farmer Features, Other Partners, Projects, Seed Library, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Our recent visit to Anita’s farm (BASS President) in Daclan, accompanied by Sarah and Manag Elizabeth, was an impactful on-site engagement.

During our time at Anita’s farm, she generously offered her farm as a potential seed production site for GSS. Her eagerness to facilitate GSS’ seed production and interest in joining GSS’ seed production team reflects the transformative impact these farm visits foster. Farm visits not only build partnerships but also serve as a catalyst for community-led initiatives. 

Our other recent farm visits to Manang Nora’s Farm in Tili, Shilan; Pastor Jun’s Farm in Ambassador, Tublay; Manong Roger’s Farm in Tudayana, Tublay; and Philip Boaz’s Farm in Talingsuroy, La Trinidad highlights inspiring narratives of community dedication and resilience.  

 

Manang Nora, a new BASS member and practicing organic farmer, showcased her commitment to organic farming by establishing an improvised seed library. Despite the challenging terrain at Pastor Jun’s farm, his dedication was evident. Manong Roger, new BASS member, substantial seed production area and newly initiated seed library reflected a flourishing commitment to seed-saving practices. Philip Boaz family farm focused on select vegetable crops and citrus fruits diverged from seed library practices.

 

 

Lastly, our team had an inspiring visit to Carole Domiclong’s seed library in Baguio City. Stepping into Manang Carole’s residence revealed not just a home but a vibrant hub of sustainable practices. Her 30-square meter organic backyard garden doubling as a seed production area exuded dedication and passion for preserving seeds. The sight of her extensive organic seed library, adorned with an impressive collection of regular and heirloom seeds, was a testament to her commitment to seed-saving practices. 

Manang Carole’s interest in joining GSSP resonated with our vision, prompting an exciting agreement: a forum slated for March in Baguio, inviting all Baguio-based seed savers. This forum will serve as the launchpad for organizing the Summer Capital Seed Savers, fostering a community-driven movement towards sustainable agriculture and seed sovereignty.

 

Visiting our partner farmers’ farms and seed libraries cultivates thriving relationships and partnerships which fosters a resilient community dedicated to sustainable agriculture. 

Potential Seed Production Area

Meeting With Sarah, Anita and Elizabeth

Manang Nora Farm

Pastor June’s Farm

Manang Nora Farm

Boaz’s Farm

Manong Roger’s Farm 2

Manong Roger’s Farm 1

Manong Roger’s Farm

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.