‘No normal seasons any more’: seed farmers struggle amid the climate crisis
‘No normal seasons any more’: seed farmers struggle amid the climate crisis
Floods, freezes and heatwaves threaten seed production as farmers scramble to produce strains that resist climate chaos
The article interviews various individuals involved with raising seed crops for small-to-medium operations. Chaotic weather patterns have had a major impact on their seed production. The article notes that it takes longer to produce seeds for many plants than it takes to produce food from them, and that weather conditions must remain appropriate through their entire life cycle. It briefly discusses adapting plants through hybridization and open-pollination to make them more resilient against growing threats.
It’s very cool to see so many of our local (PNW) seed farmers quoted in this article! It’s true that they are doing incredible work. Some of our farm friends are growing seed, sourcing heirlooms from other countries to trial them here (including all the customs logistics involved), and saving their own mutants. Some great companies to support for your winter seed buying:
Osborne Seeds Wild Garden Seed Uprising Seeds Baker Creek Seeds High Mowing Johnny’s Seeds
The past 2 years I have been collecting seeds from anything I can eat which produces seeds. (Because of cost and because the world is dying) Whether I've grown it or whether I bought it at the grocery store. Fruits, veggies, and what some would consider weeds in certain regions. From apples and cucumbers and jalapenos to cilantro (coriander) and wild mustard, chives. I've also been discovering what is actually edible that I would never have thought to eat. All those impossible to kill hostas in my yard are apparently pretty tasty.
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