what is seed sovereignty?
The idea that all people should be free to save, share, & breed seeds, as well as participate in shaping policies that govern seed.
We strongly support this idea, & encourage everyone to learn more about seeds, plant seeds, save seeds, & share seeds!
In 2018, we donated some of our seed to the East Lansing Public Library to help them stock their new seed library (SL). A seed library is a collection of seeds for people to “check out” free of cost, with the understanding that they will grow them &, if successful, save a portion of the seeds from their harvest to return to the library. In addition to East Lansing, there are now SLs at the Foster & Okemos branches of the Capital Area District Library in the Lansing area.
Are you interested in starting a seed library, or do you want to learn more about how seed libraries operate? I created a free digital resource, "Seed Library Sustainability: Innovative Ideas and Successful Strategies," that can help you get started! Download it below.
Check out the following links for more information, & scroll down to find a PDF of a free, shareable brochure containing helpful information about seed saving, seed libraries, & the history of the seed industry.
learn more
Learn more about the history of the seed industry: https://seedstory.wordpress.com/a-brief-history-of-the-seed-industry/
Learn about recent changes & consolidation in the seed industry:: https://philhoward.net/2018/12/31/global-seed-industry-changes-since-2013/
Learn about the Open Source Seed Initiative & the goal to "free the seed": http://osseeds.org/about/
Learn more about seed libraries & see a map of seed libraries in Michigan: https://miseedlibrary.org/
The seed we use
On our farm we use organic, local seed when possible. It can be difficult to find organically produced flower seeds, which is why we save what we can on our own, share & trade seed with other seed savers, & plant natives & perennials that will grow back year after year, building soil along the way. We rarely use hybrids & primarily plant heirloom seeds--never GMOs.
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