Until the 1970s seed companies attracted little attention. After patent laws protected hybrids the rush was on.
Tom Allen and all those who built todays seed savers network.
This was originally broadcast 3/16/1980 on KRAB FM, Seattle; rebroadcast 2004 on RFPI CostaRica. Produced before the development of GMOs, this program is a time capsule that provides historical context to GMO issues of today. Historical audio clips from 1974 Alternative Agriculture Conference held at Central Washington State College, Ellensburg WA.
Since the beginning of agriculture, farmers have saved seeds locally and selected the best plants for future crops. This resulted in enormous genetic diversity and resilliance that was at risk in 1974 as local seed companies were gobbled up by conglomerates and is at greater risk today.
Thakfully, the seed savers movement has created islands of heirloom varieties. The movement began in the early 1970s and continues today but must be supported and protected. In Europe farmers and gardeners can only purchase seeds from an approved list and are prohibited from growing crops that are similar enough to patented varieties to cause confusion. Could it happen in the US? Look for related program, "Alan Kapuler - Preserving Agricluture's Genetic Heritage," also produced by Tom Allen.
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