Poland say no to Monsanto but Allows Trading of GM Seeds Expert response from Kelly Clauss. This means that seed savers need to leave a few fruits to fully mature in the garden when they want to save seeds. How the law will affect European seed-saving Did you know that seed swapping is illegal in many states? These are laws if I ever saw them, that need and beg to be flouted. Avoid collecting seeds from plants that have defects or are prone to pest or disease issues. While pot legalization advocates have worked hard to decriminalize the drug, and have succeeded in doing so in some states, the federal government continues to prohibit cannabis. Canadian Subscribers - Click Here Several states have called seed banks "illegal seed distribution centers", uprooting community food initiatives before even getting them in the ground. I wish I … Anyone know the list of states where the legislation needs to be changed? But surely you can give away packets of your great-grandmother's heirloom tomato seeds, right? You can’t even give away seeds to someone in your own neighborhood under certain laws. If you have seeds that are patented, you won't want to grow them anyway because they will be hybrid (genetically altered) and hybrid seeds will not produce the same fruit or vegetable that you took them from. Counter to this trend, seed libraries give members free seeds and request that members later harvest seed and give back to the library thereby growing the pool of seeds … Also, pictures of them together. Expert response from Seed saving is part of that, bringing the system full circle. 1. This case illustrates the serious consequences farmers may face for violation of laws related to seed saving. Seed Saving Myths vs. Seeds saved from plants you grow in your garden are more disease and pest resistant. The seed saving itself can be done in a number of ways, and although it is quite simple it is still an art which should be done properly. Survival Skills, Garden Planning, Seed Saving, Food Preservation, Natural Health – Dozens of courses, 100+ workshops, and interactive Q&As. Answer. If this doesn’t address your exact concerns, please feel free to ask another question. Did you know that seed swapping is illegal in many states? There is quite a bit of misinformation out there about saving seeds. Why the US Made Marijuana Illegal. Saving seeds, and trading seeds with other like-minded people, isn't a new concept, and the new Global Seed Network isn't necessarily a pioneer in helping to preserve seed biodiversity, but it … Seed Saving Basics. In fact this is so irritating to my non-conformist, individualistic American soul that I think I'd PREFER to break these laws rather than change them. • Seeds from vegetables you buy in the grocery store are sterile. After all, free sharing of seeds is so valuable that the US Patent office used to spend nearly a third of their budget mailing out packets to farmers. New EU Law that Could Ban Our Seeds. One of these rules, seed testing, may prove a serious obstacle for seed libraries: organizations simply may not have enough seeds of a given variety to satisfy the sample size required for testing. Monsanto has been notoriously aggressive about going after those who, like Bowman, failed to heed that agreement. tubers) from vegetables, grain, herbs, and flowers for use from year to year for annuals and nuts, tree fruits, and berries for perennials and trees. There are three main sources of protection for seed companies under the law. For those who don't know, heirloom seeds are natural crop seeds which can be saved from a previous harvest and replanted for the next growing season. Saving seed in and of itself is not illegal. Already a Member but Saving Seed Becomes Illegal. International Subscribers - Click Here However, when farmers choose to purchase GM seed, they sign an agreement stating that they will use the seed solely for the planting of one commercial crop. : GMO seed is protected under intellectual property laws. Who says your great-grandmother's heirloom tomato seeds are any less valuable? Like so many other senseless laws, this rule needs to be put to rest. (See below why this does not mesh with the law). A typical package of 50 pepper seeds costs $3 or more, while transplants can cost $5 each! All MOTHER EARTH NEWS community bloggers have agreed to follow our Blogging Guidelines, and they are responsible for the accuracy of their posts. The companies prohibit farmers from saving and replanting such seeds, requiring that they buy new seeds each year. To save this seed to plant again the next year will violate a contract and is illegal … First Hiliburton, then Blackwater, and now monster agribusiness taking advantage of the war. Sign in with your online account. The seeds were all laid out, neatly categorised, in their little paper packets; if the EU regulation comes into force then the perusal of these envelopes will be tantamount to looking at illegal goods. My great aunt did seed exchanges with people all around the world, including China, Russia and Mexico. Saving the seeds of your own crops ensures that you will have a successful and thriving garden in the coming years. Reality • Seed saving is illegal. It is with this in mind that I began researching the practical aspects of saving my own seeds, which I shall share in a later article. Sad that it's come to this. Global Communications Strategy Lead, IT, Bayer Crop Science. It amazes me that they were doing this so long ago. While I agree that the laws need to be updated to match the RUSSL, I believe the biggest danger is from people not knowing what potential weeds and invasive plants that may be spread to another location. The oils are also extremely flammable, and living in Northern California, we do as much extermination of the plant as possible. In America, no it is not illegal to save seeds as long as they are not for a contraband plant, or if you plan on rebranding something you already purchased to sell commercially. To learn more about the author of this post, click on their byline link at the top of the page. Pffffffffft. Additionally, seed saving has also been shown to have a positive ecological impact since these plants provide food to beetles, butterflies, and bees. Saving seed in and of itself is not illegal. And while the sheriff likely won't be patrolling seed swaps in search of repeat offenders, this issue is a hurdle for homesteaders who might want to turn that unique variety they saved or developed into a microbusiness. Kelly Clauss, Global Communications Strategy Lead, IT, Bayer Crop Science. Are GMOs designed not to create seeds so farmers have to buy seeds every season? I have many letters and signed books that he sent her. The most obvious illegality comes not from sharing seeds but from splitting certain types of … I attended a fascinating, all-day seed-saving workshop last month, but I have to admit the talk that raised my eyebrows the most was the one on legalities. Regarding your question on biodiversity, Martina Newell-McGloughlin addressed a similar question here: http://gmoanswers.com/ask/how-biodiversity-impacted-introduction-gm-crops-are-current-set-crops-being-replace-smaller-less. Legal Protections for Seed Companies. The Great Lakes Bioneers Chicago Seed Saving Initiative was created in 2012 out of the Chicago Bioneers Conference, where Vandana Shiva challenged audience members to begin their own local seed saving projects. A basic understanding of the way seeds are pollinated and produced will help you be successful at seed saving. Lobby for your state to update their laws to match the Recommended Uniform State Seed Law (RUSSL), which allows seed swaps, seed libraries, and seed banks while still protecting the economic system that makes the production of new varieties viable. Sad that it's come to making laws against it. https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/scotchbroom.shtml Why are farmers being sued for doing so? References: ETC Group, 2008. ‘Who Owns Nature? How seed laws make farmers’ seeds illegal. Seed-preemption laws have been adopted in 29 states, including Oregon — one of the world’s top five seed-producing regions — California, Iowa, and Colorado. Wrong. Mississipi-based Delta & Pine Land Co. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have received a U.S. patent on a new genetic technology designed to prevent unauthorized seed saving by farmers. In the video below Monsanto Global Preparedness Content Manager, Chelsey Robinson, also addresses this common GMO myth: The responses on all GMOAnswers.com websites do not necessarily reflect the views of CropLife International member companies. In the 20th century, when plant breeding and seed production became activities separate from farming itself, peasant varieties were gradually replaced by industrial varieties. Seed saving is preserving the diversity and genetics of plants that keep us healthy and well-fed. You can save seed from hybrid plants or from plants that have been cross pollinated. This means it is illegal to save seeds from them. An example is that of Scotch Broom. She was a self-taught naturalist and was friends with John Burrows. More resources 'Occupy the seed!' This is the traditional way farms and gardens were maintained for the last 12,000 years. You Can Grow Crops that are of Consistent Quality. Any farmer who doesn’t want to agree to the required provisions can choose to buy another type of seed as there are many other seed varieties in the marketplace. "Life begins with the seed germinating…we depend on seed and most of the seed is the seed we will produce, have it, save and use in the next planting season. The penalty for violating this ridiculous law is a fine of up to $7,500 a day. In agriculture and gardening, seed saving (sometimes known as brown bagging) is the practice of saving seeds or other reproductive material (e.g. Already a Member? Again and again I read the pronouncements online that you can’t save seed from hybrid plants. account? That's why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. MEETING INCREASING FOOD DEMAND SUSTAINABLY, http://gmoanswers.com/ask/i-keep-reading-about-how-monsantos-seeds-and-other-gm-seeds-become-sterile-and-unusable-farmers, http://gmoanswers.com/ask/how-biodiversity-impacted-introduction-gm-crops-are-current-set-crops-being-replace-smaller-less, http://gmoanswers.com/ask/does-%E2%80%9Cpatent%E2%80%9D-allow-private-company-own-seeds-created-0. While there are many varieties sold in nurseries, it is also considered an invasive plant because it forms dense stands which crowd out native species and destroy wildlife habitat. It is important to choose healthy plants that have the qualities you desire such as exceptional taste, a pretty flower or a fragrance you like. You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $17.95 for 6 issues. After the horrific fire season of 2017, I do not want to risk someone unknowingly planting the 'pretty ornamental' anywhere around me! Wednesday, 06/11/2013 13:28. Informally sharing seed with a neighbor who gardens down the street is illegal in multiple states in the US. Seed saving has been known to preserve genetic diversity, which is why the practice is often used to preserve plants that are on the verge of extinction, as well as heirlooms. For almost a century, seven lines of reasoning have been used to outlaw marijuana in the U.S. A couple of things. Vandana's Call for Seed Freedom and Free Seed Saving eBook. One of the key aspects of seed saving is picking the seeds from the best fruits and flowers that have grown in your garden. You'll find tips for slashing heating bills, growing fresh, natural produce at home, and more. At MOTHER EARTH NEWS for 50 years and counting, we are dedicated to conserving our planet's natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. Expert response from Farmers who choose to grow genetically modified (GM, or GMO) seed sign a contract stating that they will not save their seed to grow next year. Interesting. What's the solution? Fear of Mexican immigrants led to the criminalization of marijuana. Thanks. No, it's not illegal. If you would like to understand more about the patenting of GM seeds, please see Professor Drew Kershen’s explanation here: http://gmoanswers.com/ask/does-%E2%80%9Cpatent%E2%80%9D-allow-private-company-own-seeds-created-0. Home seed saving is one of the topics included in Patrick's Land Course Online. Under the new law, Iraqi farmers must only plant seeds from “protected varieties” from international corporations. • It's too hard to save seeds. Seed saving is also preserving blueprints of our past, the lifestyles of our ancestors and the unique flavors of the land we proudly inhabit. The most obvious illegality comes not from sharing seeds but from splitting certain types of perennials. The tradition of seed saving goes back thousands of years. By growing food from seeds you have saved, you can significantly reduce the cost of producing healthy food. On the way to producing seeds, the plants produce flowers which attract beneficial insects. The Seed Act of 2004 is the basis for Ag's letter which incorrectly states that "The Pennsylvania Seed Act requires all distributors of seed to purchase a seed license". Why is saving seeds, something inherent in nature, illegal? Rich genetic diversity and the ability to harness nature’s power to create seeds that are ideal for the area you garden in is the main reason why people save seeds. My great aunt used to seed swap with people from all over the world, including China, Russia and Mexico. Self-pollinating plants, such as beans, peas, peppers, and tomatoes, are good choices for first-time seed-savers. http://cesutter.ucanr.edu/files/102561.pdf. Under this it would make it illegal for individuals to grow their own gardens and save heirloom seeds. Saving Seed from Hybrid Plants. Author: Becky Little. The enforcement of such regulations would, at the very least, undermine the purpose of community seed libraries—and at the worst, make the operation of a community seed library virtually … Self-pollinating crops typically pollinate themselves without help from insects or other plants. We previously answered a similar question about sterile seeds or Terminator seeds here: http://gmoanswers.com/ask/i-keep-reading-about-how-monsantos-seeds-and-other-gm-seeds-become-sterile-and-unusable-farmers. That's what most of the farmers in Tanzania still do… It was inherited for generations and generations." -Janet Maro The seed exchange system that Maro speaks about is currently under threat in Tanzania. • Seeds won't grow after the expiration date on the package. Despite reports to the contrary, none of our companies sell GM seeds that are sterile. don't have an online She was a self-taught naturalist and was friends with John Burrows. if so, how does that effect bio diversity? If the seeds are from an heirloom vegetable there is no patent rights on the seed. Monsanto essentially has a monopoly on genetically modified seeds. In agriculture lingo, the practice is known as "seed saving"; farmers had been doing it for millennia before Monsanto started demanding that farmers not do so with the company’s genetically modified, patented seeds. The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils, Natural Cold Storage: Fresh Food in Winter, Keeping Crops Cool During Hot Weather: 13 Ways to Beat the Heat, Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 64% Off the Cover Price. People save seeds for lots of different reasons and there is no single right reason to get started saving your own garden seeds.. Save Money. Dry fruited crops, like grains, lettuce, and beans, can be removed from the plant once seeds … The displacement of peasant seeds is a process that has been gaining ground and speed around the world over the past decades. Hi, thanks for stopping by. All Seed being distributed in Pennsylvania must be labeled according to the PASeed Act and Regulations. I even have pics of them together and many letters and signed books to her from him. The UPOV convention has undergone many revisions, however, and since 1991, while scientific research is still allowed on PVP seed, farmers are now prohibited from saving … However, when farmers choose to purchase GM seed, they sign an agreement stating that they will use the seed solely for the planting of one commercial crop. You can usually tell if a variety you're buying is patented because it'll cost a little more than similar heirloom varieties and will likely mention the patent right there in the nursery catalog. Community Manager. This simply is not true. They then say. Regarding your second question, GM crops produce seeds just like conventional crops. Home › Gardening Information › Seed Saving › What Are F1 Plants & Seeds: How & Why of F1 Hybrids I’ve noticed many ordinary growers are confused by the term F1 hybrid and some have completely wrong ideas about what F1 hybrids are and what the advantages and drawbacks of F1 hybrids are. Canadian subscriptions: 1 year (includes postage & GST). Farmers understand this when they make the choice to purchase the seed. Like to read more content, Join the Mother Earth News Community Today. For example, the Prelude red raspberry is patented, with a small royalty from each sale going back to the originators at the NY State Experiment Station. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of MOTHER EARTH NEWS for only $12.95 (USA only). Saving seeds was made illegal under the “Colonial Powers” of the United States. 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