Seeds of Europe: Giving a voice to small producers

Seeds4All is pleased to contribute to the organisation of a public event in the European Parliament on the upcoming seed law reform.

As well as a screening of the documentary “Seeds of Europe”, a panel discussion will tackle the issues of producing and marketing seeds in the EU.

Sharing voices from the field, Seeds4All is working with projects partners to win political attention and support for the transition to seed-growing practices that promote ecology, short supply chains and the pleasure of eating!

The event will be livestreamed, but those lucky enough to be present in person will enjoy a tasting of traditional Geuze beer produced by the 3 Fonteinen Brewerij from ancient varieties of cereals grown in Belgium, as well as a tasting of artisanal bread from the bakers of the Belgian network Au Coeur du Pain.

Programme

19:00: Opening words by MEPs Tilly Metz and Martin Haüsling.
19:05: Screening of the documentary “Seeds of Europe” directed by Lennard Kleinschmidt and Lotta Schwenkert, spotlighting the work and legal demands of artisan seeds producers from Ireland, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Austria and the Czech Republic.
19:40: Presentation of the Commission’s proposal to reform the EU seed marketing law.
19:45: Panel discussion with Frank Adams, artisan seed producer and co-founder of the SEED Luxemburg network, Magdalena Prieler, policy officer of the citizen seed conservation association Arche Noah, Christophe Golay, researcher at the Geneva Academy specialising in the right to food and the right to seeds, Blanche Magarinos-Rey, legal expert on the EU legislation for the marketing of seeds, Chloé Mathurin from La Via Campesina, as well as Green MEPs Benoît Biteau and Claude Gruffat.
20:30: Q&A and closing by MEP Sarah Wiener

Register here

This event will be broadcast live with interpretation from English to German and French. If you’re joining the event remotely, check the “online participation” box in the registration form so you’ll receive all necessary information by email when the time comes.

Speeches and debates will be translated on site into French, English and German.

If you are attending in person and do not have a badge and need an accreditation to enter the European Parliament, make sure you arrive early enough to allow time for security checks and coordination.