Seed saving, the practice of collecting and preserving seeds from crops and plants, is a crucial activity that has been practiced by farmers and gardeners for thousands of years. With ever-increasing food costs, the importance of seed saving cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in promoting food security, as well as preserving cultural heritage and biodiversity.
Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the health of our ecosystems. Unfortunately, monoculture farming practices, in which a single crop is grown over vast areas of land, have led to a loss of genetic diversity in food crops. This loss makes crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases and environmental stressors.
Seed saving helps to counteract that loss by preserving rare and heirloom varieties of crops that may have unique genetic traits which make them more resilient to these threats. Through seed saving, we can also preserve genetic diversity that may be lost due to climate change, which is rapidly altering conditions under which crops are grown.
Seed saving is also important for promoting food security. When farmers and gardeners save seeds, they are not dependent on purchasing seeds from large seed companies, which can be expensive and may not include the best-suited varieties for their local conditions.
Seed saving can lead to the development of locally adapted varieties of crops that are better able to withstand local pests and environmental conditions. By preserving and sharing seeds, we can ensure gardeners in our community have access to a diverse range of crops that can provide a reliable source of food.
Many traditional varieties of crops have been passed down through generations of farmers and gardeners and are an important part of our cultural heritage. By saving seeds, we can ensure they are not lost to history and can continue to be grown and enjoyed by future generations.
Seed saving is a vital activity that benefits our environment and communities. We must all do our part to support this important practice by learning how to save seeds and by supporting organizations and individuals who work to preserve rare and heirloom varieties of crops.
Seedy Saturday returns to Powell River Recreation Complex tomorrow (March 11). Is there a better place to start or continue learning? After all, spring has nearly sprung.
