AGRICULTURE
SEEDS
UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGE
Seed industry consolidation has lead to less choice and higher prices for farmers, less crop innovation by researchers, and more restrictions on how seed is used by independent breeders. This limitation on the diversity of seed in our landscapes and marketplace weakens our food security.
GET THE FACTS
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Large corporations have patented the genetic sequence of GMO seeds as intellectual property, which enables these seeds to be owned, sold, controlled, and legally protected by a corporation.
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These same corporations have focused the majority of their efforts on corn and soy seeds, since these two crops are used in almost 90% of processed food for humans, and in 100% of the grain fed to (non-organic) animals raised for meat.
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When seeds are considered intellectual property, farmers are no longer able to collect, store, and replant their own seeds the next year. Instead they must re-purchase both the seed and the associated chemicals that the seeds are genetically designed for.
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Seed diversity is at risk. Four massive corporations now dominate the global commercial seed (and pesticides) market, giving these four corporations ultimate power over our food.
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Agro-biodiversity is critical for ensuring a resilient and sustainable food system. At a time of climate crisis, there has never been greater urgency to re-build global seed diversity.
BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION
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Grow a flower or vegetable garden using heirloom seeds sourced from family-owned seed suppliers.
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Join Seed Exchange for local sources of seeds.
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Support organic agriculture wherever possible.