Last week, seed library organizers and advocates from nine countries gathered in Tucson, Arizona for the International Seed Library Forum. Featuring panels, presentations, conversations, a seed swap, field trips to gardens and seed libraries, films, music and more, the event furthered the international seed sharing movement. Here are some of the highlights.
- A joint resolution in support of seed libraries, which will soon be available for the public to sign, was created.
- Organizers met to lay the groundwork for an international seed library organization. To be involved with the creation of the international seed library organization, email seedlibraries [at] gmail.com.
- Those present worked on developing inventory guidelines for seed libraries with information on how to manage your collection, increase the quality of seed in your library, and examples of seed library signage. Community input was also given on Seed Matters’ “Seed Saving Best Practices” document. Both of these documents are open to comment through the end of May.
- Films presented included Seeds of Time, a film about one man’s journey to save seeds. The film’s subject, Cory Fowler of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, was on-hand for a Q&A about the film and to discuss the history of the American community seed access movement.
- Author Scott Chaskey read from his book Seedtime, and Brother Coyote (aka Gary Nabhan) released his latest book, Sown by Hand: Aflorisms, Poems and Prayers for Seeds, at the event.
- A song celebrating seed libraries titled “Digging a Hole Where the Sun Shines In” was performed by the Tucson Johns.
For an overview of conference presenters and panelists, see the schedule of events. To show your support of the seed sharing movement, sign the Save Seed Sharing petition.
