Environment, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

Why go to Oregon? Because Seed Matters

My friends ask me what exotic place I plan to visit on my next culinary adventure. My wanderlust urged me to attend BioFach in Nuremberg, Germany and relish the schnitzel and bratwurst. Instead, I am off to beautiful downtown Corvallis, Oregon to sample the organic hazelnuts and Pinot Noir while attending the 9th Organic Seed Growers Conference.

Why you may ask this domestic departure? Because all things I savor come from seeds. This year’s theme is Synergy that Sustains, and it’s going to take quite a lot of synergy to sustain and advance organic seed systems worldwide. Continue reading “Why go to Oregon? Because Seed Matters”

Organic Policy and Regulations, Social Implications in Agriculture, What is Organic

A Passionate and Seedy Weekend in Oregon

Indigenous SeedsI spent my weekend traveling north across the 45th latitude into the wet and foggy Oregon night. Half way between the equator and the North Pole, I was on my way to the Organic Seed Alliance’s 8th annual conference. I didn’t know quite what to expect. How could an entire conference be held on seeds? I consider myself a seeds activist and care passionately about protecting the biodiversity and availability of seeds, but were there many others such as me? I was in for a big surprise.  Continue reading “A Passionate and Seedy Weekend in Oregon”