Connecting to a Seed

It's seed library contains over 1700 native seed varieties that have been recognised, cultivated and saved by volunteer gardeners around the country.

After visiting this seed library, currently located in the Merian Garten in Basel, I reflect upon why such a place needs to exist. How is it that the seed, 'the first link in the food chain and the repository of life’s future evolution', is in peril? (Vandana Shiva)

A single seed is so intertwined with the people, the culture, the nature, the politics, the science, the economics and the eventual survival of this planet. 

The fight for seed freedom in the words of Vandana Shiva, Indian scholar, environmental activist, and ecofeminist, is for the freedom of the seed to keep evolving 'based on self-organisation, self-renewal and self-regeneration in coevolution with all the beings that depend on the seed and contribute to the life of the seed.'

We are all connected.

I share with you this poem I wrote:

When I hold a single seed in my hand, I connect to my city, I connect to the world.

I connect to the soil which provides a home. And the seed gives to the soil.

I connect to the microbes in the soil promoting or denying growth. And the seed gives to the microbes.

I connect to the plants that were before and the plants that are to come. And the seed gives to the plants.

I connect to the gardener cultivating and allowing biodiversity to arise in their garden. And the seed gives to the gardener.

I connect to the farmer who harvests and makes his living. And the seed gives to the farmer.

I connect to the human race who need food to survive. And the seed gives to the human race 

I connect to the people who have tended this land over the years and their cultural practices. And the seed gives to the people.

I connect to the seed banks that search to preserve this heritage. And the seed gives to the seed banks.

I connect to the scientists who use the genetic information encased in this seed for their studies. And the seed gives to the scientists.

I connect to the global conglomerations seeking to commodify this seed. And the seed gives to the global conglomerations.

I connect to the activists whose mission it is to free the seed and fight for the rights of plants and humans alike. And the seed gives to the activitists.

I connect to the indigenous communities who treat the seed like family members, with love and care. And the seed gives to the indigenous communities.

I connect to myself and my place in this world. I am not alone. I am connected to all. I am important to all. I am responsible to all. And the seed gives to me.