Westport, Ct. – It is estimated that up to 90% of our food derives from, or is dependent upon, seeds and that 80% of the world’s seeds are controlled by multinational corporations. The Westport Farmers’ Market has launched a new seed-saving program to take back control of our food system.
Beginning Saturday, February 25th, the Westport Farmers’ Market invites the community to participate in its first-ever seed exchange. As market director, Lori Cochran-Dougall, notes, “Communities all over the country are joining together to share open-pollinated and heirloom seeds, one of the best ways to retain control of our food system. The Westport Farmers’ Market, whose goal is to provide fresh, local, healthful, and seasonal food to the community, is taking its mission to a whole new level by offering, and sharing with the community, the very origins of our food.”
Indeed, preservation of open-pollinated seeds (seeds pollinated naturally, without human intervention) and heirloom seeds (seeds from plants grown and passed on for generations) is the most responsible way to regain control over a food system increasingly dominated by big business and agriculture. Sharing seeds through exchanges promotes seed security; the preservation of regional food sources; biodiversity; and consistent quality of food. “We’re very excited to launch the community’s first, coordinated, seed-saving program! We hope it leads to other creative programs aimed at preserving open-pollinated and heirloom seeds, such as a chef-farmer seed partnership and a seed bank," Cochran-Dougall adds.
For more information, visit www.westportfarmersmarket.com or email director@westportfarmersmarket.com.