The first National Heirloom Expo ended last Thursday on a high note with Vandana Shiva explaining the vital need for sustainable seed systems, comparing seed to Gandhi’s spinning wheel as objects of independence in the face of imperialism.
Over 10,000 people came to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, California, from across the globe. They came to learn about seed and heirlooms, and OSA was there to encourage them. I presented a “Seed Saving 101” workshop to over 200 people. Hundreds more came by OSA’s booth to ask questions about seed saving and to find out how they could download OSA’s seed saving publications. OSA also participated in the first National Seed Summit at the Expo, where passionate community seed systems leaders met to coordinate efforts to promote seed saving and seed exchange.
The Heirloom Expo was an incredible opportunity for everyone who cares about the future of our seed to gather in one place. If you missed it, or are just eager to continue the conversation, the next big seed event will be our Organic Seed Growers Conference in Port Townsend, WA, from January 19 – 21, 2012. Stay tuned, as registration opens soon!
