On November 27, 2024, in Kidapawan City, Cotabato, Global Seed Savers proudly launched the center-based seed library of the Filipino Farmers’ Seed Network. This initiative, made possible through the generous support of our partner Fastenaktion, marks a significant milestone in advancing seed sovereignty and food security for Filipino farmers.

The launch was a fitting conclusion to the celebration of the transformative journey undertaken by farmer-leaders participating in our Seed School Program – many of these farmers had previously completed Seed School 1 and 2, deepening their expertise in seed saving and community-driven agriculture. This progression exemplifies their commitment to becoming advocates for seed sovereignty and stewards of sustainable farming practices.

The center-based seed library serves as a vital resource for local farmers, providing access to a diverse collection of native and heirloom seeds. It is more than just a repository—it is a hub for knowledge-sharing, community-building, and the preservation of agricultural heritage. The library’s launch symbolizes the culmination of a year filled with dedication to supporting farmers and fostering stronger agricultural networks.

This initiative marks an important step forward in our shared mission to support farmers with the tools and resources they need to reclaim their seed-saving traditions. By fostering seed security and sustainability, the center-based seed library will play a crucial role in strengthening local food systems and ensuring the resilience of farming communities across the region.

We are deeply grateful to Fastenaktion for their unwavering support in making this vision a reality!

From December 1-6, 2024, Global Seed Savers conducted Seed School 3 – Training of Trainers: A Farmer-to-Farmer Approach to Seed Sovereignty in partnership with Fastenaktion. Held at the Ridge Loft Inn in Baguio City, this week-long program brought together 25 dedicated farmer-leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to become community trainers, facilitators, and advocates for seed sovereignty.

The training opened with a heartfelt ritual that set the tone for a transformative week. Participants engaged in hands-on learning, honing their facilitation skills with modules from Seed School 1 (Basic Seed Saving Course) and Seed School 2 (Nature-Based Seed Production and Library Management). They also visited a seed-saving community in Tublay, Benguet, drawing inspiration from local practices and stories.

The program culminated in a moving graduation ceremony at the Seed Sanctuary in Tublay, Benguet. The event featured a traditional Ibaloi dance ritual, honoring the participants’ dedication and celebrating their role in advancing seed sovereignty.

Beyond gaining practical skills, participants built meaningful relationships and formed a network of farmer-leaders united in protecting seeds, culture, and communities. This training also helped connect these farmers from all over the Philippines and deepen their understanding of their peers and that they are part of a large movement leading and growing our work! These leaders are now ready to bring Seed Schools to their regions, amplifying the movement for seed self-sufficiency, seed security, and seed justice.

This training marks an exciting step for Global Seed Savers as we enter 2025. By supporting farmers to teach and inspire others, we are creating a ripple effect of resilience and sustainability—one seed at a time.

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.

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!