SEED FARMING
At UCFA we view seeds as more than a commodity, but also as vessels of cultural heritage. As a commodity, seed farming can be a lucrative business opportunity for farmers, gardeners, and growers as demand far outstrips supply. On just a small plot of land, growers can make a profit from seed farming as a side business.
“Seeds are not just seeds. They’re like ancestors. They have a history. Seeds have stories.”
Winona LaDuke eco-activist
The Foundation of Our Food Systems is Under Severe Threat
Over the past century or so, there has been a seventy-five percent decline in agricultural biodiversity, meaning many varieties of edible plants are no longer available today. This is mainly due to the rise of commercialized agriculture.
A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations warns that once lost biodiversity for food and agriculture – i.e. all the species that support our food systems and sustain the people who grow and/or provide our food – cannot be recovered.
The report points to decreasing plant diversity in farmers’ fields, rising numbers of livestock breeds at risk of extinction and increases in the proportion of overfished fish stocks. Of some 6,000 plant species cultivated for food, fewer than 200 contribute substantially to global food output, and only nine account for 66 percent of total crop production.
According to the FAO’s Director-General José Graziano da Silva. “Biodiversity is critical for safeguarding global food security, underpinning healthy and nutritious diets, improving rural livelihoods, and enhancing the resilience of people and communities. We need to use biodiversity in a sustainable way, so that we can better respond to rising climate change challenges and produce food in a way that doesn’t harm our environment,”
“Less biodiversity means that plants and animals are more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Compounded by our reliance on fewer and fewer species to feed ourselves, the increasing loss of biodiversity for food and agriculture puts food security and nutrition at risk,” added Graziano da Silva.
Of some 6,000 plant species cultivated for food . . . only nine account for 66 percent of total crop production.
UCFA SUPPORTS DIVERSITY
Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance
UCFA recognizes the need for increased diversity in agriculture and farming and 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
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