Agrobiodiversity as a key driver for rural revolution. Ireland, part 1

In March 2023, Adèle Pautrat travelled to Ireland for a series of visits to projects led by various partners. Throughout the journey, a common thread emerges: the crucial role that agrobiodiversity plays in driving territorial transitions and rural revolutions. In this first of a series of three articles, Adèle meets the Irish Seed Savers, discovering the success of a three-decade-old commitment and questioning the close link between seed diversity and local pride. Continue reading...

The Balkan Seed Network leading the way to agrobiodiversity

Adèle Pautrat and Hannes Lorenzen travelled to Serbia to meet members of the Balkan Seed Network. Three days of on the ground visits, brainstormings and discussions have been used to shape the launching of a long-term partnership between both our organisations, which will aim at promoting seeds and crop diversity as fundamental components for sustainable food systems and inspire appropriate policies for seed diversity, both in the Balkan region and in the European Union. Continue reading...

Seed marketing reform - Commission hints at Faustian hybrid

In preparation of the Commission’s expected proposal for a new seed marketing legislation on June 7th, MEP Sarah Wiener and MEP Martin Häusling called a conference to discuss what is needed for a just transition to agroecology. Policy analyst Mathieu Willard reports on the next form of seed legislation, the secondary space for agroecology and the main concerns about GMOs. Continue reading...

Organic and Biodynamic viticulture: adapting the vine in a changing climate

How is a new generation of French winegrowers responding to the rising temperatures and droughts? In summer 2022, project manager Adèle Pautrat visited Sainte Marie des Crozes, an organic and biodynamic Domaine in southern France, cultivating 15 different grape varieties and aiming to adapt and transform viticulture in light of the challenges climate change poses. Continue reading...

Growing agrodiversity in the middle of the north sea, Germany. Pellworm island, part 2

In July 2021, Seeds4all organised a seminar on the German island of Pellworm, gathering several seed breeders and farmers. Our main goal was to launch a discussion on the future possibilities for local agriculture to develop, specialise and adapt through seed breeding and production, to the already changing climate and environmental conditions. Continue reading...

Growing agrobiodiversity in the middle of the north sea, Germany. Pellworm island, part 1

The island of Pellworm belongs to the archipelago of the Frisian islands, which extends over 450 km along the North Sea coast, from Den Helder in the Netherlands to Esbjerg in Denmark. For centuries, it has been under serious threat from rising sea levels. A vulnerability that has allowed the emergence of a local citizen's movement, at the origin of inspiring experiments in ecological transition. Continue reading...

A journey through time, jazz and seeds...

Policy analyst Hannes Lorenzen embarks on an exciting journey back in time to meet the famous ethno-botanist Nikolay Vavilov, discover one of his "centres of origin of cultivated plants" in the heart of the Middle East, and promote a contemporary Turkish family committed to cultivated biodiversity. With Adèle Pautrat, they interview Tuna and Hakan Hanim, whose collection of local varieties is based on the generational commitment of the women in the family. Continue reading...

The big issue of low seed diversity in the organic seed market

Meeting with Stefan Doeblin - who organised in 2014 a study on “how to reach 30% of organic farming in Europe”, jointly with the University of Brussels and two scientists from Cambridge and Athens. During these investigations, he identified organic seeds as the field he wanted to dedicate his life to. Organic Food from Organic Seeds was born as a slogan - and path to go. Hannes Lorenzen and Adèle Pautrat interviewed Stefan on his seed commitments and views for the future. Continue reading...

Rediscovering old varieties of cereals for preserving traditional beer practices

Did you know that less than 1% of cereals used for Belgian internationally famous beer production, is actually grown on Belgian territory? A situation affecting not only the diversity of cereals cultivated in the country but also the quality of beers brewed from varieties less well adapted to their specificities. We met Lucas Van den Abeele and visited the brewerij 3 Fonteinen exploring inspiring solutions.  Continue reading...