Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance Newsletter

 

Seedy News Rooted in the Rocky Mountains   Seed stories up, down, and around the Rocky Mountains

eNewsletter for February 1, 2020

Inspiring farmers and gardeners to become seed savers

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING COMMUNITY!  Learn more about RMSA and seeds by watching some of our videos!    We are incredibly thankful to this community of seed savers who understand the importance and magnitude of saving--and gifting--seeds. We do this work because of your generosity and support. We are connected by our common belief in the power of seeds. We invite you to Subscribe to our Youtube channel and watch the videos about what RMSA does and why. While you're there, you can also view our recordings of past Seed Socials and some of our educational pieces. Below are a few of our videos showing the impact seed saving has on people, the environment, and communities throughout the Western US. Heritage Grains Trials Why save seeds? Seed School Grain School             Seed School Graduates The Story of Glass Gem Corn

SEED SCHOOL TEACHER TRAINING: MARCH 3-MAY 5 RockyMountainSeeds.org - Read

Want to help inspire your community to build a stronger, regional food network? Spread your knowledge of seed saving! Our Seed School Teacher Training is a 10-week program held on Wednesdays from 12pm-2pm MST. All classes will be via Zoom and recorded for later observation. Classes begin March 3rd and conclude May 5th. This is a dynamic, online adventure including hands-on activities, plenty of interactive discussions, and seedy teachings from instructors active in the field of seeds. Register here.

SLOW FOOD SEED SUMMIT FEBRUARY 18-28 SlowFoodUSA.org - Read

Join the first-ever, virtual Slow Seed Summit on February 18-28, 2021! Join the event as Slow Foods will be welcoming growers, experts, and activists to discuss seed sovereignty, seed saving, the importance of soil, GMOs, how to start a seed library, and so much more. The Slow Seed Summit is an opportunity to learn, network and confront important contemporary issues around seeds with forward-thinking individuals and diverse voices from the US and around the world. Iconic seeds-person Rowan White will be keynoting this event, joined by our very own Bill McDorman, and many more seed visionaries. Register for the first-ever, virtual Slow Seed Summit here.

"IF YOU OWN THE SEEDS, YOU OWN THE FOOD SYSTEM" CommonDreams.org - Read

Across the planet, people are waking up and bringing attention to seeds, particularly calling into question who should own them. The response? The public. The reliance on a commercialized food system has effectuated a major disconnect between consumers and their food source. Seed saving allows people to reconnect with the food system...which has been a part of the human lifestyle for over 10,000 years.   So why is it that the majority of seeds available in the market are owned by Big Ag? This article captures the dangers of big agriculture privatization and why public ownership of seeds must be remembered. Read the full article here.

POTENTIAL SEED SHORTAGES ON THE HORIZON ModernFarmer.com - Read

Seed companies are already anticipating a major shortage in seeds due to massive demands. While gardeners and farmers are racing to submit their seed orders, why not start planning your garden now for seed growing to support next year’s endeavors? After checking out this article, you will want to 'Plan Now, Plant Later'. The risk of seed shortages justifies our work and validates our mission to inspire gardeners to go deeper and become seed savers. As an alternative option to seed companies, check out our Seed Stewards Directory and see if there is someone who has the seeds you need which have been adapted to your particular bioregion. And why not dive even deeper and register for Seed School Teacher Training? Share your knowledge and help your community become seed resilient.

DOES TECHNOLOGY HELP THE SMALL SCALE FARMER? EqualTimes.org - Read

A valid question when considering the rapid expansion of technology into the agricultural field in recent years. However, there are shortfalls to consider specifically for the small-scale farmer. In the full article here, access to technology, risking monoculture prioritization, the potential for power to be held in the hands of a few, and Big Data becoming a key asset are all under consideration.

THE SUSTAINABLE WAFFLE GARDEN OF THE SOUTHWEST ABQStew.com - Read

Photo Credit: A:shiwi A:wan Museum Up until the middle of the 20th century, waffle gardening had been a farming practice used by the A:shiwi people (also known as Zuni). This method was an exceptional farming practice in the arid region where water was scarce and soil quality lacking. One of our former speakers at the Mountain West Seed Summit, Reyna Banteah, shares her understanding of this farming technique as well as her own waffle garden journey. Read the article here. "Learning of the ingenuity it took my ancestors to perfect this type of gardening and by making my own garden, I am completely grateful for this tradition to be passed on to future generations." - Reyna Banteah

EXCITING CHANGES WITHIN RMSA RockyMountainSeeds.org - Read

This 2021 for RMSA is beginning with quite a few changes. Renée Fourie is now our Engagement Coordinator while also beginning to manage the Seed Stewards program. We welcome Joseluis Ortiz on board as our Organizational Health and Justice Coordinator to guide us into 2021. And Frances Craik is our new VISTA Member who will be helping to enhance the Legacy Seeds Collection and the Heritage Grains Handbook. Between Frances and Renee, they will be gathering seed and grain stories in RMSA's new Seed Journeys Project. Exciting times! You will be seeing a lot more from these three into 2021.

The Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance helps folks find their role in the seed world. Please support our work by becoming a seed steward, heritage grain trialist, bringing awareness to the Patent Free Seed Campaign, or by donating below. Thank you for your support!

Stay Connected with RMSA

For questions regarding seed saving and current seed news, contact Bill McDorman: bill@rockymountainseeds.org For questions about seed vaulting or seed libraries, contact John Caccia: jc@mountainangels.com For general inquiries, contact Jackee Alston: jackee@rockymountainseeds.org For questions about the Seed Stewards or Grain Trials programs, contact Lee-Ann Hill: lee-ann@rockymountainseeds.org 928-255-1125 | www.rockymountainseeds.org Stay up to date with current seed news by checking in regularly with the RMSA Facebook page and other social media platforms.