INCREASING BIPOC SEED GROWERS
The Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA) is a program under the 501c3 non-profit STEAM ONWARD. The mission of UCFA is to increase the number of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) growers of culturally meaningful heirloom seeds. UCFA recognizes the need for increased diversity in agriculture and farming and specially increased diversity in the $15 billion dollar U.S. seed industry.
UCFA works to provide more opportunities and support for growers from historically oppressed and marginalized communities. To this end the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance is working to bridge the gap between prospective growers and seed companies.
Heirloom seed farming can be a lucrative business opportunity for farmers, gardeners, and growers as demand far outstrips supply. Farmers and gardeners can make a profit from seed farming on just a small plot of land. Many folks take up seed growing as a side business, rather than as their sole source of income.
Support UCFA by purchasing UJAMAA SEEDS at ujamaaseeds.com. In addition to plant types, our culturally meaningful seed collections are organized by regional and ethnic/cultural traditions.
WHAT ARE "CULTURALLY MEANINGFUL SEEDS?"
Recently we received an inquiry on social media asking: "What are culturally meaningful seeds?" At UCFA we throw that phrase around a lot, but we must remember that many people, even many gardeners and farmers, don't think about seeds as vessels of culture.
Below are a few online articles that discuss the concept and practice of preserving seeds and sharing seed stories.
“Seeds Have Stories”: Connecting Cultural Diversity and Biodiversity
Seedkeeping Can Connect People with Their Roots and Preserve Crops for Future Generations
“Seeds Have Stories”: Connecting Cultural Diversity and Biodiversity
Saving Culturally Significant Seeds
Seedkeeping Can Connect People with Their Roots and Preserve Crops for Future Generations
“Seeds Have Stories”: Connecting Cultural Diversity and Biodiversity
Seedkeeping Can Connect People with Their Roots and Preserve Crops for Future Generations
Seedkeeping Can Connect People with Their Roots and Preserve Crops for Future Generations
Seedkeeping Can Connect People with Their Roots and Preserve Crops for Future Generations
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
