Strengthening the International Farmers’ Seed Network

Across the world, many groups are working to protect and promote farmers’ seed systems and cultivated biodiversity. Often, they’re doing this in parallel, sometimes without knowing who else is out there. This initiative is about connecting the dots.

Co-developed by a growing network of organizations, we’re building a shared space where people working on seeds can learn from each other, coordinate more effectively, and make their efforts more visible, regionally and globally.

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In collaboration with

 

Vision

This initiative aims to build a strong ecosystem of collaboration, where networks and organizations working on farmers’ seed systems can connect across regions and levels of work. By sharing knowledge, coordinating efforts, and supporting collective action, we seek to strengthen farmers’ seed systems and their role in sustaining biodiversity and resilient food systems worldwide.

We’re developing a global community of practice to:

  • Map who is working on what, where, and how across farmers’ seed systems
  • Share this map as an open resource for learning, collaboration, and visibility
  • Connect the dots between actors, issues, and regions, without duplicating existing structures
  • Support coordination on advocacy, training, and other shared priorities

This starts with listening. We’re launching a survey to gather input from farmers, seed networks, researchers, policy advocates, and others. It asks what you’re working on, what processes you’re following, and what kind of support or connection would be useful.

Why Now?

From EU seed law reforms to global treaty negotiations, decisions are underway that affect the future of seed systems. At the same time, much of the work to protect seed diversity is local and often under-recognized. This is a moment to improve visibility, strengthen coordination, and support each other’s work across borders.

We’re also mindful not to reinvent what already exists. That’s why we’re starting by listening, mapping, and building with others—not around them.

What’s Next

In September 2025, we’ll host a workshop in Luxembourg—and online—to share what we’ve learned and explore how this emerging network can support more joint action. We’ll present early results from the survey and invite further collaboration.

Take the survey. Help shape this tool and the network it supports.

 

    Survey