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.