Ecolearn & Lincolnshire Outdoor Learning have finally closed the loop, creating a circular economy growing system called Sow Study Sustain that is chemical free using only open pollinated seed. In the face of the seed cartel we are building a community seedbank that will hand down natural and nutritious food to our future generations.

Together we can protect our natural open-pollinated seeds and local provenance because they are crucial for these reasons:

  • Biodiversity: Open-pollinated seeds are essential for maintaining genetic diversity in our food crops. This diversity allows plants to adapt to changing climates, pests, and diseases, ensuring food security in the long term.
  • Resilience: Local provenance ensures that plants are well-suited to the specific conditions of their region. This makes them more resilient to local pests, diseases, and environmental stresses.
  • Food Sovereignty: Saving and sharing open-pollinated seeds allows communities to maintain control over their food supply, reducing dependence on large corporations.
  • Cultural Heritage: Many open-pollinated varieties have been passed down through generations and represent a valuable part of our cultural heritage.

Been to the shops lately?

Countering the Growing Threat of the Seed and Agri-pharma Cartel

The increasing dominance of large seed and Agri-pharma companies poses a significant threat to the preservation of open-pollinated seeds and local provenance. These companies often promote hybrid or genetically modified seeds that cannot be saved and replanted, forcing farmers to purchase new seeds each year. They also lobby for regulations that restrict seed saving and sharing. Our community circular economy Sow Study Sustain system hopes slow this at local level.

What Can Be Done?

  • Support Seed Saving Initiatives: Organizations like EcoLearn CIC Seed Savers Exchange and the Open Source Seed Initiative are working to preserve and promote open-pollinated seeds.
  • Grow and Save Your Own Seeds: Even if you only have a small garden, you can contribute to seed saving by growing open-pollinated varieties and saving seeds for future planting.
  • Educate Others: Spread awareness about the importance of open-pollinated seeds and the threats posed by the seed and agri-pharma industry.
  • Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies that protect seed saving and sharing, and oppose regulations that favour large corporations.

The Sow Study Sustain Seedbank

To maintain and grow our wholesome seed bank we start with super growers of all ages – no one should be left behind – who start and maintain the cycle by growing our seeds in our own compost. We are doing this in two areas of East Lindsey. At our HQ in the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB near Louth we still have growing kits left. Here we have partnered with The National Lottery Community Fund and since the beginning of this year with Shine Lincolnshire Charity and the Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT NHS)

But if you are based in Mablethorpe or Theddlethorpe we still have growing kits too. On the coast of East Lindsey the Theddlethorpe GDF Community Partnership is backing our new micro farm in the area. Here we are are getting the community growing with help from Lindum Group and Acis Group

Ashley helped on-board another ten super-growers today in Mablethorpe

By taking action together to protect natural open-pollinated seeds and local provenance, we can ensure a more resilient, diverse, and equitable food system for future generations. We will be healthier too……………..

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