Seed School | Global Seed Savers

Seed School 2: Cultivating Organic Farming and Seed Sovereignty on Bantayan Island

Nov 14, 2024 | Activities, Farmer Features, Fastenaktion, Newsletters, Other Partners, Programs, Projects, Seed School, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Global Seed Savers recently held its Seed School 2 on Bantayan Island, Cebu, in collaboration with Goodland at Brgy. Atop-atop. The program aimed to further equip participants with advanced seed-saving techniques and identify candidates for the upcoming Seed School 3 and 2025 planning sessions. Participants shared how they applied lessons from Seed School 1, including proper seed saving and the Community-Driven Development of Seed Systems (CDDSS), which enabled them to grow new crops from saved seeds. The session also addressed curiosity around saving small seeds like amaranth and doubts about seed germination.

During the training, a key discussion emerged about the challenges of cultivating hybrid seeds, which require costly fertilizers. Participants expressed their gratitude to GSS for providing organic seeds that thrive without chemical inputs, making them more suitable for the island’s conditions. Hal Atienza, GSS Philippines Executive Director, introduced the idea of a mobile store for selling organic produce, sparking interest in turning Bantayan into a hub for local vegetable production. This concept was supported by Martha, Goodland’s President, who noted the island’s reliance on imported vegetables and the potential for local farmers to meet the demand.

One of the highlights was the distribution of Seed Library Boxes, a key tool in promoting seed sovereignty on the island. The session’s diverse group, comprising youth, adults, and senior citizens, brought a mix of creativity, experience, and leadership to the initiative. The participants’ enthusiasm for reviving and promoting organic farming signals the success of this program, as they take meaningful steps toward building a resilient, self-sustaining agricultural community on Bantayan Island.

Growing the Future: Seed School 2 Sparks Advanced Seed-Saving and Sustainability

Nov 14, 2024 | Activities, Farmer Features, Fastenaktion, Newsletters, Other Partners, Programs, Projects, Seed School, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Global Seed Savers recently held the first Seed School 2 in partnership with Fastenaktion and the Filipino Farmers Seed Network (FFSN) at the FFSN office in Kidapawan City, Cotabato. The program aimed to build on participants’ existing knowledge of seed saving, equipping them with advanced skills in line with GSSP’s standards. This interactive session also focused on identifying participants who are qualified to advance to Seed School 3 and contribute to planning for 2025.

During the training, seasoned organic farmers from various communities shared their current farming practices, allowing for a dynamic exchange of knowledge. Despite being a newly introduced module, Seed School 2 fostered valuable discussions and insights, helping to shape the program for future iterations. By tailoring the curriculum to the participants’ real-world experiences, the program strengthened local expertise and promoted sustainable agricultural practices.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped create a strong foundation for ongoing learning and collaboration within the seed-saving community!

Seeds of Change: Reviving Traditions and Supporting Communities at Seed School 1

Nov 14, 2024 | Activities, Farmer Features, Newsletters, Other Partners, Programs, Projects, Seed School, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Global Seed Savers recently conducted Seed School 1 at the Farmer Training Center in CTU-Tuburan, in partnership with Tuburan MAO and UFLAT. The program brought together 23 participants, including barangay councilors and leaders from various farming communities, who received foundational training on seed saving. The main objectives were to equip participants with essential seed-saving skills and to organize a community of seed savers in Tuburan. The program also encouraged participants to formulate action plans for sustaining seed-saving initiatives moving forward.

Throughout the training, participants discussed the challenges of organic farming, such as slow crop germination and limited market demand for native vegetables. Despite these hurdles, many participants expressed appreciation for the traditional farming practices emphasized during the program. Several farmers noted that organic farming and seed swapping could enhance their economic well-being while fostering stronger community connections.

By the end of the two-day event, participants were inspired to revive traditional farming methods and preserve heirloom crops for future generations. The training highlighted the importance of organic seeds in restoring the land and reconnecting with nature. One participant remarked that organic farming, along with seed-saving, is essential for bringing back “nature’s goodness” and building a sustainable agricultural future.

This activity is important to our mission at Global Seed Savers because it encourages farmers to reclaim traditional seed-saving practices, strengthening food sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and community resilience—values that are at the heart of all our work.

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.