Seed Sovereignty Day

The second annual Seed Sovereignty event – a three-way partnership between NOFA/Mass, Freed Seed Federation, and Young Farmer Network – is a day-long intensive designed to restore the farmer’s role as a participant in the breeding process.  You will have hands-on training on how to save, improve, and breed seed on-farm with eminent organic plant breeders in the Northeast; we will discuss the state of organic seed and opportunities within it, and continue to foster collaborations between farmers, gardeners, plant breeders, and independent seed company representatives.  This year they are honored to host Dr. John Navazio from Johnny’s Selected Seeds and Lia Babitch from Turtle Tree Seeds

Here’s a rundown of the day’s events: 

10-10:45:  Welcome/Introductions, a brief report on the state of organic seed

11-12:15: Session 1 – biennial seed production

12:15-1:15: Potluck lunch*

1:30-2:45: Session 2 – cucurbits (winter squash and melons)

2:45-4: Session 3 – alternative seed models and ways to partner up

4-6: mingling, seed bike demos

Seed cleaning bicycles will be set up during the day, with demos between and following workshops.  If you would like to bring seed to clean, please contact freedseedfederation@gmail.com to coordinate.

Cost:  NOFA and YFN Members: $35 / Non-members: $45

Held at Round the Bend Farm in South Dartmouth, MA.