Vandana Shiva is a hero. She and her organizations, Seed Freedom and Navdanya, have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the dangers of corporate patenting of seeds and the loss of biodiversity in food crops that we face today. And indeed, it feels like an emergency. Even the UN has issued a statement that our world food security depends upon genetic diversity in food crops at a time when we are losing this diversity at an alarming rate: 75 per cent of crop diversity was lost between 1900 and 2000, and we are set to lose a substantial amount more of this diversity because of climate change in the next 50 years. Saving heirloom and organic seeds is one of the most important acts we can take to help protect this diversity, especially at this time where Monsanto is creating genetic pollution with their GMO’s. But where to begin?
Transition Town Media wants to help you save your seeds. Save the date for our September community potluck at the Media Community Center, 301 N Jackson St, Media, Tuesday, Sept. 24th, 6-9 pm! We’ll be focusing on the importance of seeds to the future of our food supply. Two terrific speakers will be on hand to help clarify the issues for us – Joel Fath from the Philly Seed Exchange, and Charmaine Rusin from GMO-free PA. We will also read and, if you feel moved, sign the Declaration of Seed Freedom created by Vandana Shiva and read a statement by her on this subject.
Please bring your heirloom seeds for a seed swap and your favorite heirloom fruits and veggies from which to extract seeds, as well as any perennial plants you can divide and swap. We’ll have plenty of time to eat the scrumptious food everyone brings, browse the Seed Exchange & GMO-free PA information tables, swap seeds & plants, and – of course – enjoy the company of our great foodie community!
For more information, you can watch the very important documentary “Seeds of Freedom” here.
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