Bauta Family Seed Initiative Launch

OCO was very thankful to be present at the Launch Event for The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security (BFICSS) held at Everdale on June 8^th. Many groups were at the event to celebrate this great national initiative, including the Bauta family, the Weston Foundation, the USC, Everdale, Farm Start, the University of Manitoba, Agro Bio Coop from Quebec, and Seeds of Diversity Canada.

The BFICSS addresses the need for seed security in Canada and is possible thanks to generous funding from the Weston Foundation and the foresight and vision of Gretchen Bauta. Gretchen, the daughter of W. Garfield Weston would like to dedicate this project to her parents.

The BFICSS will build on efforts which have been growing across the country to conserve and commercialize ecologically grown, locally adapted Canadian seed. The BFICSS makes it possible to save seeds and build a framework that until now was not possible. Farms participating in the program are growing and saving seeds of varieties which are not in circulation or which they know grow well on their farm. They are documenting the entire process so that farmers can learn from the each other and the information can help the movement to grow.

The Organic Council of Ontario is one of the many organizations which have a deep concern and support for the work being done by the BFICSS and is providing guidance wherever possible.  In addition, several OCO members including Tom Manley at Homestead Organics and many farms with Organic Meadow have been providing support as consultants to the program.

For more information, please visit the new website for the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security.