Over 75% of the world’s commercial seed is owned by three agrichemical companies. How did we get here? This course explores community seed-saving as a resilience tool, including relocalizing seed, seed sovereignty and stewardship. It covers the history of seed patent law in the U.S, the Plant Variety Protection Act, The Coordinated Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology, seed politics, and an introduction to citizen seed movements around the country. This hands-on course also covers cross-pollination prevention methods including hand-pollination, isolation cages, bags, netting, and distance planting as well as selection, germination testing, seed starting, harvesting and storage, and seed libraries. Participants will build their own winnowing screen and participate in a seed swap at the end of the weekend.

This course is for farmers, gardeners, seed librarians, students, educators, and anyone who cares about food and the seeds that grow it. Join us and empower yourself! No previous experience necessary. Lunch & Snacks provided . 9am-5pm everyday.