savoy011

Seed libraries are one strategy to avoid the compression of seed  biodiversity we have seen under the practices of commercial seed houses. Seed Library Social Network calls for discourse BIOPIRACY AND GMO BIOSAFETY MUST BE ADDRESSED Devon G. Peña | Las Colonias de San Pablo, CO | August 31, 2014 On August 5, I reported on the closing down of a seed library in Pennsylvania by the state’s Department of Agriculture.  A week later, August 13 , I posted an analysis and position paper on U.S. seed laws prepared by Sustainable Economies Law Center ( SELC ). Continuing with this series on Seed Sovereignty in the U.S., I am posting this call for a discussion of a National Seed Library Protocol prepared by Leslie Goldman affiliated with the Seed Library Social Network (SLSN). The call was posted on August 27 on the SLSN homepage . I have re-posted Leslie Goldman’s announcement and call for discussion below (unedited). Goldman also reports on initial email correspondence with state offi...

Campaign for Seed Sovereignty , La Via Campesina Moderator’s Note: Continuing a series related to the movement for seed sovereignty, we are presenting an insightful and timely analysis of U.S. seed law and its implications for the organization and exercise of the right of citizens and residents to participate in seed saving and exchange networks. The Sustainable Economies Law Center ( SELC ) in California prepared the analysis and the primary conclusion they arrive at is that we need to … change laws to create a clear legal space for seed libraries, we should perhaps also do so for small-scale seed enterprises….[D]uring times of food insecurity, climate disruption, and genetic consolidation of the sources of our food (seeds!), the benefit of seed libraries is enormous as compared to the potential harm of a seed packet gifted within a community. Let’s make sure our laws get with the times! This is a timely analysis given the recent actions that we reported on last week involving seemin...