Stories from the Field | Global Seed Savers

Nurturing Seed Saving Communities: Global Seed Savers’ Partnerships in Bogo

Sep 29, 2023 | Activities, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized

Our recent meeting with the City of Bogo Farmers Federation (CBFF) at the Bogo City Hall was an inspiring gathering that laid the foundation for a promising partnership. With Purok Presidents from across Bogo in attendance, our objectives were clear: to attend meetings, establish connections within the SSC (Seed Saving Community) communities in Bogo, and link with CBFF officers. It was an opportunity for us to align our agenda with the mission and goals of seed sovereignty.

One of the most exciting outcomes of this meeting was the shared commitment to forming a Seed Saving Community in Bogo. The heart of this initiative lies in establishing a seed library at the Department of Agriculture office, and it all began with a conversation about the “Perahulis” seed variety, which may be a Lima Bean. This common vegetable variety, once abundant in Bogohanon backyards, is now at risk of being lost forever. The response from Letecia Decena, a Purok leader and CBFF officer, was heartening. She emphatically stated, “We are one with you on that cause, rest assured we will support.” This moment embodied the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that this meeting fostered, bringing us one step closer to preserving valuable seed diversity in Bogo.

As we move forward, this partnership with CBFF and the dedicated individuals of Bogo reaffirms our commitment to seed saving and community engagement, illustrating the power of collective action in safeguarding our agricultural heritage.

City of Bogo Farmers Federation (CBFF) at the Bogo City Hall

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

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!

Seeding Success at Philippines Board Meeting and Courtesy Call in Tublay!

Jul 4, 2023 | BASS, Other Partners, Uncategorized

We recently convened a momentous meeting with our Philippines board, fueling the seeds of innovation and collaboration! During this vibrant gathering, Hal shared our revised strategic directions and we elected three new board members.

With passionate discussions, strategic planning, and a shared commitment to empowering farming communities, the board meeting laid the foundation for groundbreaking initiatives that will support the growth of our partnerships!

We also had the privilege of connecting with the Mayor of Tublay and Provincial Board Member Atty. Paoad and conducted courtesy calls! Meetings like these open the doors to fruitful collaborations, as we discussed our shared vision for sustainable agriculture and explored ways to support local communities.

The courtesy call was a significant step towards nurturing partnerships that will sow the seeds of positive change for our partner farmers in the Philippines.

We are thrilled to see our advocacy and work continue to grow and excited for Tublay to be the model Municipality for our Participatory Seed Governance work with BASS and more in the coming years!

GSSP Team & PH Board members

Nurturing Collaborations: GSS Team Tours BASS’ Field Sites

Jul 4, 2023 | BASS, Other Partners, Uncategorized

We recently had the pleasure of reconvening with our cherished partner farmers at the Benguet Association of Seed Savers (BASS), and it was an absolute delight! Spending time with our partner farmers, learning from their expertise, witnessing their love and care, and building genuine connections have fueled our commitment to creating a more seed sovereign world for our partner farmers in the Philippines.

The meeting was a vibrant gathering of minds, where powerful seed wisdom was shared and discussed. Coming together with these dedicated farmers, we celebrated the beauty and resilience of traditional seeds, exchanging knowledge that has been passed down through generations.

It is in these moments of connection and collaboration that we truly witness the magic of seed saving, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing this invaluable partnership.

Seeds have a magical way of bringing us all together and we especially loved that by the end of the day everyone was leaving with more shared knowledge from each other’s farms.

We toured three of our partner farmers operations in Benguet!

The first tour was at Manong Macario’s farm where he shared with us his incredible wealth of knowledge of indigenous and wild crops.

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His farm is tucked back in Shilan, La Trinidad and he has built a diverse and wonderful eco-system with native and high yielding crops.

In this picture, he is holding Konig a root crop that he uses as a rice alternative! He also showed us his traditional seed drying area where the ash from the fire helps dry the seeds.

Manong Mac is a wealth of knowledge and helping preserve many forgotten techniques!

We then toured Annette’s farm, the newly elected President of BASS, who has a lovely oasis of a farm and a vast array of beans being saved and propagated. She and her husband run a beautiful farm tucked away in Daclan, Tublay, Benguet. They spent the pandemic making many improvements to the farm and the work has paid off!

It is a peaceful oasis and beautiful demonstration of a diverse eco-system aptly named Nature Lovers Garden. Annette is a prolific seed saver as well. It was wonderful to see her wide variety of beans being dried during our farm visit and learn about her technique of using ash inside her on farm seed storage jars to prevent pests.

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Lastly, we toured Pastor Andrew’s, founding BASS Member farm in which he has built a diverse eco-system in his 200 sq meter lot! He has wild spinach growing everywhere and he explained how tobacco leaves are used as an insect repellent when storing seeds. We all enjoyed some seed foraging at his place!

In the fields, we witnessed the love and care our partner farmers poured into their farms. Their dedication was evident in every plant, every seed, and every meticulous gesture. From tenderly tending to crops to preserving heirloom seeds, our partner farmers’ commitment to sustainable agriculture was evident. Being surrounded by the veggies of their cultivation, we gained a profound appreciation for the intricate tapestry of life they wove through their hard work and nurturing hands.

Moreover, farm visits provide an opportunity for us to check the progress being made by our partners in seed production and also help build community with our farmers!

Save Seeds. Grow Food. Celebrate Heritage!