As gardeners and growers start thinking about what to plant this year, the Seed Co-operative is encouraging us all to choose open-pollinated veggies.
The Seed Co-operative is an offshoot of the Biodynamic Association, which promotes holistic organic agriculture. The Seed Co-op was set up because supplies of traditional, open-pollinated organic seeds are becoming hard to find.
Much of the vegetable seed used in Britain today is imported, and most of the varieties available are not bred specifically for organic, low-input UK growing conditions. Most do not breed true after the first year, so the traditional practice of saving seed for re-sowing is impossible.
The Seed Co-op hopes to set up a network for developing and sharing improved varieties of open-pollinated seed. Due to their genetic diversity, these seeds can adapt to local conditions and changes in climate, and growers can collect their own seed.
The Seed Co-operative can currently supply small quantities of seed via Stormy Hall Organic Seeds Ltd (catalogue here), but it hopes to have its own seed processing and packing facilities open by 2017.
Sustain is also working to support the organic sector: read more here.
Published Friday 18 March 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
