BS: save our seeds

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: GUEST,PMB
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 11:51 AM

One of the problems is that some years ago the EU designated certain breeds of plants as commercial, and banned the sale (outside the country of origin) of those off the list. Typical beaurocratic ignorance, and it led to the wholesale destruction of rare breeds of apples and pears among many others. Another factor is that supermarkets want predictable products, chosen for looks and price rather than considerations of flavour and variety. And another problem is cross- contamination from GM varieties, which are increasingly being promoted by governments (especially the EU) under pressure from agribusiness. Saving and swapping seeds of old varieties, and growing them yourself, is an enjoyable way of waving the number of fingers of your choice* at the control freaks.

*Round our way, it's usually six.

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: The PA
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 11:39 AM

I bought some strange shaped organic red peppers last winter from Sainsburys. The flavour was outstanding, so we saved the seed and planted it this year. The result was brilliant, the best crop of sweet red peppers ever, and we are still picking - them from an unheated greenhouse in Worcestershire !

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: Janie
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 12:30 AM

http://seedsavers.org/. Probably the the broadest of the USA organizations. See Organic Gardening magazine, Mother Earth News, etc., for seed saver exchanges.

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 10:29 PM

American Southwest and northern Mexico:

Native Seeds Search

Chile, beans, peas, etc.

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 10:04 PM

http://www.irishseedsavers.ie

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: Neil D
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 11:43 AM

My buddies sing a song called "Save Your Seeds" I don't think they wrote it but I forget who did. The chorus goes:
            Save your seeds(save your seeds), save your seeds(save your seeds)
            A little soil and water are all you're gonna need
            Save your seeds (save your seeds), save your seeds (save your seeds)            
            It doesn't take a miracle to cultivate a weed

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 09:58 AM

listen to it onBBC radio 4,bbc.
it is about[Amongst other things] trying to save rare seeds.

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: GUEST,Bert on Kelly's machine.
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 04:55 PM

LOL! nice one Mrrzy.

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: Mrrzy
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 12:47 PM

I always save the seeds, and the stems - then, when you're out, you aren't *really* out.

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: Amos
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 11:57 AM

I think we should ask Little Hawk to start the "Save Our Seeds" campaign.

We could get him one of those Depends-type cod -pieces for the purpose.


A

Subject: RE: BS: save our seeds
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 10:00 AM

You want to mention a little more about this?

Subject: BS: save our seeds
From: The Sandman
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 03:52 AM

programme on BBC radio4,Jonathan Porritt,should be available on listen again.Dick Miles