ABOUT THE PROJECT

An action project to document and experience cultivated biodiversity

Seeds are foundational for farming, and are core to a food and agricultural transition that respects people and the planet. 

And yet, we have lost so much. To date, and following more than sixty years of restrictive legislation on the marketing and use of seeds at the European level, a very limited number of plant varieties and breeding materials are allowed to be placed on the market.

These approved seeds may ostensibly be high-yielding, but they come with other considerations too.

We have seen a growing dependence of farmers, market and amateur gardeners on the seed-and-pesticides industry, a reliance which threatens deep food security and food sovereignty, while causing a radical erosion of crop diversity in our fields and on our plates.

As part of its commitment to supporting rural resilience and agrobiodiversity on the ground and at policy level, the Agricultural and Rural Convention has taken on the development of the Seeds4All project, spotlighting and exploring solutions to agrobiodiversity issues.

Seeds4All amplifies voices and connects people and initiatives intimately involved in agroecological seed production at all levels: this includes the cultivation, exchange, marketing and use of traditional and new public domain, freely reproducible and non-GM seed varieties.

By spending time with people in places, by listening and learning, we work to identify and share the experiences and expectations of field operators, showcasing the beauty and benefits of increasing resilient crop varieties, and providing spaces for peer learning, experimentation and sensitisation.

Our aim with Seeds4All is to help strengthen a very much needed transition regarding seed conservation and development practices, thus improving access to agrobiodiversity for a wider range of users and eaters. 

Join us on this journey around Europe, as we delve into the wonderful world of agroecological seeds in all their meaning, manifestations and magic. 

To get involved, send a message to project coordinator Adèle Pautrat or visit the dedicated project's website.

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