Historically, seed companies were generally small, often family-run businesses. Because they were regionally based, they could focus on varieties well-suited to the local environment. A Pacific Northwest company, for example, would specialize in different cultivars than a company based in the Southeast. However the absorption of these small, independent seed businesses into large multinationals, combined with the advancement of biotechnology resulting in hybrids and GMO seeds, has led to a serious loss of genetic diversity. The public is now at the mercy of the corporations that control the seeds.
In the past few years, gardeners have realized the inherent danger in this situation. A growing movement is striving to preserve and expand our stock of heritage and heirloom varieties through seed saving and sharing opportunities. Seed Libraries is a practical guide to saving seeds through community programs, including:
- Step-by-step instructions for setting up a seed library
- A wealth of ideas to help attract patrons and keep the momentum going
- Profiles of existing libraries and other types of seed saving partnerships
Whoever controls the seeds controls the food supply. By empowering communities to preserve and protect the genetic diversity of their harvest, Seed Libraries is the first step towards reclaiming our self-reliance while enhancing food security and ensuring that the future of food is healthy, vibrant, tasty, and nutritious.
Cindy Conner is a permaculture educator, founder of Homeplace Earth and producer of two popular instructional gardening DVDs. She is also the author of Grow a Sustainable Diet.
Table of Contents:
Foreword by Bill McDorman and Belle Starr
Introduction
1 A Growing Movement
Hybrid vs. Open Pollinated Seeds
Grassroots Seed Saving and Sharing
In the News
Find Seeds Native to You
2 Why Save Seeds?
Preserve Genetic Diversity
Preserve Flavor and Nutrition
Preserve Unique Varieties
Preserve Cultural Heritage
Develop Strains Unique to Your Microclimate
Attract Beneficial Insects
Save Money
Learn New Skills
Make Seeds a Part of Your Life
3 The Role of Public Libraries
Staff and Friends
Places to Foster Creativity
Part of the Landscape
Gathering Together
Declaring Seed Independence in Public
4 Other Entities to Pair With
Transition Movement
Permaculture Organizations
Student Groups, Citizen Groups, and Land Trusts
Museums and Elsewhere
Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners
5 Seeds
Where to Find Seeds
Care of Seeds
Germination Test
Plant Population Numbers
Seed Saver Organizations
Seed School
6 Getting Started
Mission Statement and Name
Budget and Funding
Define the Space
Website and Social Media
Graphics
Education
7 Packaging, Signups, and Other Details
Packets or Bulk
Labeling
Skill Level
Making Seed Available
Patron Notebook
References to Have Available
Make Your Own Seed Catalog
Learn From Others
8 Attracting Patrons
Start Early
Photography, Art, and Music
Join With Other Events
Make Use of Volunteers
Launch Party
Orientation
Continuing Education
9 Keeping the Momentum
Presentations and Classes
Movie Nights and Book Clubs
Stories and Histories
Children's Programs
Work Parties
Eat the Bounty
Promote Seed Gardens
Seed Stewards
Pace Yourself
10 Seed Swaps and Other Means of Sharing
Seedy Days
National Seed Swap Day
Seed Banks
Share What You Have
Start a Seed Company
Become an Activist
11 We Are Living in Exciting Times!
Where Are They Now?
Follow Your Heart
Afterword
Resources
Eating Locally
Gardening
Plant Breeding
Safe Seed Pledge
Seed Banks
Seed Inventories
Seed Library Resources
Seed Saving
Seed Saving with Children
Seed Saving History and People
Seed Saving Organizations
Seed Saving Supplies
Seed Schools
Seed Swaps
TED Talks
Videos
Webinars and Other Broadcasts
Notes
Index
About the Author
About the Author :
Cindy Conner is a permaculture educator and founder of Homeplace Earth. She is the producer of two popular instructional DVDs entitled Develop a Sustainable Vegetable Garden Plan and Cover Crops and Compost Crops IN Your Garden. A former market gardener, Cindy was instrumental in establishing a sustainable agriculture program at her local community college which she taught for over a decade. She is also the author of Grow a Sustainable Diet.
