Control of Seed is Control over the Entire Food Supply, here's how

Never hurt the people that make your food

There is a necessity for seeds for growing crops, but what if the control of all the seeds goes to someone? Ever thought about who makes your food, and what if they stop growing crops due to some protest against the Government as happening in Paris recently? That’s why every household needs to be self-sufficient with seed stock and should know how to grow crops.

Seed Control Can Affect Food Supply — *Source: Unsplash*

Recently due to the ongoing “No Farmers, No Food” protest in France, Paris. A French farmer, Benoit Durand, has set up a tractor blockade around Paris to pressure the government, aiming to “starve Parisians.” The protest, involving 800 tractors, highlights concerns about environmental rules, red tape, and low pay. Signs near Beauvais read, “Our end will be your hunger,” showing farmers’ determination. With police at key spots like Rungis, a big food hub, there’s worry about food supply problems. Ademe, a government group, warns Paris only has a three-day food backup, stressing the need to address farmers’ issues quickly.

Why Seed Control is necessary?

Why is seed control necessary?
Seeds are the fundamental building blocks of agriculture.
Control over seeds enables control over crop diversity and production.
Seed control influences agricultural practices, including the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
Corporate seed monopolies impact farmer autonomy and biodiversity.
Access to diverse seed varieties is essential for food security and resilience.
Seed sovereignty movements advocate for decentralized and community-controlled seed systems.
Preservation of heirloom and indigenous seed varieties is crucial for cultural and ecological resilience.
Seed banks play a vital role in preserving genetic diversity and safeguarding against crop failures.
Understanding and advocating for seed sovereignty is critical for sustainable and equitable food systems.
Empowering farmers and communities with access to diverse seeds promotes food sovereignty and resilience in the face of global challenges.

Points: Necessity of seed control

Where are seeds stored?

A seed vault, also known as a seed bank, is a facility designed to store and preserve a wide variety of plant seeds. These facilities serve as repositories for maintaining the genetic diversity of plant species, ensuring their conservation for future generations. Seed vaults typically store seeds at low temperatures and low humidity levels to prolong their viability over long periods. They play a crucial role in safeguarding agricultural biodiversity and protecting against the loss of plant species due to environmental threats, natural disasters, or human activities. One of the most well-known seed vaults is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, which serves as a backup facility for seed banks worldwide.

Top Countries with Seed Control:

Out of the approximately 1500 seed vaults present around the globe, these are the top 10 countries with a high number of seed samples in their seed vaults:
1. Norway
2. United States
3. United Kingdom
4. India
5. Australia
6. China
7. Brazil
8. Japan
9. Russia
10. Germany

Understanding the difference between types of seed:

Seed Type	GMO Seeds	Hybrid Seeds	Organic Seeds	Heirloom Seeds
Definition	Genetically modified in labs by injecting genes from another plant	Result of a cross between genetically different plants of the same species	Produced naturally without pesticides or chemical substances	Crop varieties passed down for over 50 years, with unique traits
Traits	Modified for desirable characteristics like resistance to pests or weather conditions	Combines best traits of parent plants, resulting in quicker growth and higher yields	Stronger, disease-resistant, thrive in adverse conditions	Tried and tested over generations, may have unique adaptations or flavors
Source	Lab-generated	Cross-pollinated by hand	Naturally produced	Passed down through generations of growers
Cost	More expensive due to lab production	Moderate cost	Comparable to non-organic seeds	Affordable and reusable, as they can be saved over years
Characteristics	Controversial due to potential health concerns and artificial production	Grow quicker and produce higher yields	Resilient and adapted to natural conditions	Reliable and consistent, with known growth habits and yields

Difference Between GMO, Hybrid, Organic, and Heirloom seeds

Understanding the differences between GMO, hybrid, organic, and heirloom seeds is crucial for selecting the right seeds for your garden. While GMO seeds offer modified traits for specific conditions, hybrid seeds combine desirable traits from different plants. Organic seeds are produced naturally without chemicals, while heirloom seeds boast unique traits passed down through generations. Each type has its advantages and considerations, so it’s essential to choose based on your gardening goals and values.