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Why save seeds? Workshop followed by seed swap. (2017)
We begin by telling the stories embodied in our ancestors’ seeds, and talking about the current political context that makes seed keeping so essential. What role does saving seeds play in holding onto culture despite pressures to assimilate, despite enslavement and exodus? What role does sharing saved seed play in self-sufficiency, community control, sustainability, and survival?
Pre-registration for this free event is requested.
Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own saved seeds or extra seed packets to swap during the second hour. Win us over with your seed! There will be space for storytelling and information sharing – perhaps you’ll find someone to adopt your favorite variety.
Owen Taylor runs the Philadelphia Seed Exchange, facilitating seed swaps and workshops in partnership with the Free Library of Philadelphia and other local groups and organizations. For the last four years, Owen managed the historic Roughwood Seed Collection in Devon, PA. He now grows open-pollinated seeds, medicinal herbs, and flowers to support his work with SeedKeeping, a food sovereignty-based collaboration between rural and urban farmers.
SeedKeeping works with community-rooted farmers focused on preserving and proliferating culturally important heirloom seeds along with their stories, rituals, and the centuries of traditions contained within them. In addition, as a freelance facilitator, Owen trains farmers, cooks, educators, and other community leaders in how to effectively share their knowledge and skills using popular education, dialogue, and a participatory, hands-on approach. Follow Owen’s work here.
