Seed Literacy Campaign
Seeds are the starting point for most of our food and yet, how many of us could grow even the simplest plant from seed?
How many of us know how to collect the seeds to start with? Or could explain why they’re important to our community’s food security, or the significance of who produces them?
These are some of the questions to be explored through the Seed Literacy Campaign.
Knowing how to save and use seed is a crucial part of our community's food security as such knowledge ensures our ability to grow food in a sustainable and self-sufficient manner. Through the Seed Literacy Campaign, CGC is embarking to raise awareness about the important role seed saving plays in agriculture, as well as provide opportunities to learn seed saving skills.
We encourage anyone interested in seeds or GMO’s to be in touch as we undertake the initial stages of our campaign. Share with us your opinions, experiences and stories so we can make a difference in the lives of our community members.
Completed & Upcoming Activities
We recently completed a survey to gauge current knowledge of seed saving and concerns about related issues, such as genetic modification. The results are being used to help determine what kinds of resources are needed in our community on these topics.
Our first of a series of public workshops, "Seed Stories", took place at the Vancouver Island Regional Library- Cowichan Branch and was a huge success. A workshop targeted to youth will take place at the Cowichan Branch on Wednesday, October 26th. The Cowichan Lake Branch will host an adult seed workshop on Tuesday, November 8th and the South Cowichan (Mill Bay) Branch will host an adult seed workshop on Wednesday, November 10th. Stay up-to-date on these and other events through our Events page.
Those looking for a more in-depth exploration of how to save seeds will enjoy attending our Community Seed Saving Workshop, a day-long intensive workshop faciliated by local experts. Joining us is Dan Jason, owner of Salt Spring Seeds and President of the Seed and Plant Sanctuary for Canada. This event takes place on Saturday, October 15th from 10:00am-4:00pm at the Mercury Theatre (331 Brae Rd., Duncan). Click here for more information about tickets and topics to be covered.
(The photos above are of the James Seed Farm, which used to operate as a mail-order seed company in Cowichan Bay. Credit to the Salt Spring Archives.)
Genetically Modified Organisms & Seeds
Genetically modified organisms (GMO's) are of great concern to many people, particularly regarding seed. Arguments exist to support both sides of the debate, however access to information is essential for producers and consumers to make solid choices about where they stand. One tool that would further facilitate making an informed choice is the labeling of GMO-containing foods. Jean Crowder, NDP MP for Nanaimo-Cowichan, recently initiated a petition to ammend the Food and Drugs Act (Bill C-257), which would see mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods. Copies of the petition are available online. The status of Bill C-257 in the House of Commons can also be viewed online, through the Parliament of Canada's website. For more information about GMO's, visit our GMO resource page.
Resources
In this TED Talk, Cary Fowler talks about how seeds are not only a snapshot of our past, but also and perhaps most importantly, an insurance policy for our future food supply.
Not sure how seed saving works? Take a look at this how-to video produced by the Heritage Seed Library in the UK. Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds also covers the A-Z of seed saving in his guide, "Small Scale Organic Seed Production", which is free to download.
Vancouver and Gulf Islands Seed Producers
This project is funded in whole or in part through
the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.
Publications associated with this project:
