Seed Sovereignty | Seed Savers Exchange Statement on Seed Libraries and the CRG Safe Seed Pledge

Seeds. Jyoti Thomas. Source: absolutearts.com

Moderator’s
Note: The Seed Savers Exchange has
actively served the nation’s farmers, gardeners, plant breeders, and seed
librarians since 1975 as a reliable source of non-GMO heirloom seed. The Seed
Savers released a statement in support of seed libraries last week. I am
reposting their eloquent declaration in defense of seed libraries; for the
original, please visit the Seed Savers
home page.

The statement makes a strong declaration of support
for the principle tenet that seed saving is part of our deepest cultural
heritage and people have been saving and sharing seeds for millennia.  Moreover, “Despite what some institutions
have suggested, seeds can be valuable, safe and healthy without laboratory
germination tests or government licenses.”

I would like to remind our readers that seed
libraries still face the real challenge to come up with a collective policy
response that includes the ability to verify the non-GMO quality of our seed
stocks. Organizations like Seed Savers can take the lead in demonstrating how
to verify seed as non-GMO and perhaps collaborating with networks efforts like
the Seed
Library Social Network to crowd-source such a project.

Finally, I would like to remind readers and followers
– especially farmers, gardeners, and plant breeders – that there is a “Safe
Seed” pledge initiated by the Council for Responsible Genetics in 1999.  For more information go to this link Safe
Seed Program. I am reposting the old but always timely CRG Safe Seed Pledge
and encourage colleagues to sign it as part of the mobilization for free seed
libraries.  Use this link for the Safe
Seeds Resources List (which lists more than a hundred Safe Seed sources in
the USA, Mexico, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia.

The Safe Seed Pledge

Agriculture and seeds provide
the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a
safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of
all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative,

We pledge that we do not
knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds or plants.

The mechanical transfer of
genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera,
families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic,
political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties
have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and
testing are necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered
seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier
soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems, and ultimately healthy
people and communities.

To
sign the pledge, go to SAFE
SEEDS PLEDGE

In defense
of seed libraries

Seed Savers
| August 25, 2014

Recently, state governments
in Pennsylvania and Maryland have intervened to prevent the free distribution
of home-saved vegetable seeds through public seed libraries in their states,
citing legislation meant to regulate the commercial sale of seeds.

At Seed Savers Exchange, we
feel that these actions are misguided and overzealous.

People have been saving and
sharing seeds for millennia. Despite what some institutions have suggested,
seeds can be valuable, safe and healthy without laboratory germination tests or
government licenses.

Since 1975, Seed Savers
Exchange has encouraged thousands of gardeners to save and share seeds as
amateurs. Together, they have protected agricultural diversity by stewarding
tens of thousands of heirloom and open-pollinated seeds that would have
otherwise disappeared if left only to license-holding, germination-testing seed
companies. (Moon and Stars watermelon and Cherokee Purple tomato are just two
that come to mind.)

The seed library movement is
growing in response to renewed interest in community seed stewardship and
increased local food access.

Seed libraries and community
seed banks accomplish many incredible things:

·     
Increase seed
access, allowing low-income families to grow their own food
·     
Support and
encourage regionally adapted varieties by engaging a community in plant
selection
·     
Protect rare
varieties that may not be maintained by the commercial marketplace and
·     
Create
excitement and interest in seeds

Because of these very
positive outcomes, and the overwhelming community support that these
initiatives attract, Seed Savers Exchange remains a staunch and enthusiastic
supporter of seed libraries.

Though Seed Savers Exchange
is not in a position to provide legal advice, we do encourage seed libraries to
follow best practices when distributing their seeds:

·     
Advertise
proudly that the seeds offered were grown by amateurs [with] no guarantee of
100% germination; no guarantee of absolute true-to-typeness – only a guarantee
that the seeds were produced in good faith and spirit by friends and neighbors
interested in connecting their community to food and seeds
·     
Label donated
seeds with the name of the grower, date of harvest, variety name, crop type,
plant description, plant history, and growing conditions – the next grower
should be very well informed about the seeds they are planting
·     
Do not
distribute very old seeds or seeds of unknown origin – it is important to give
patrons the best chance of success and satisfaction in their gardens so they
return again next year
·     
Organize
gardening and/or seed saving resources to educate the community and help seed
library participants produce high quality seed.

For further reading,
please consider the following article: http://www.takepart.com/article/2014/08/14/pennsylvania-targets-seed-library