Seeds As Time Capsules

Episode 1 “Seeds As Time Capsules” begins with a basic description of seeds. What are these fascinating living entities we call “seeds” capable of, and how are they kept?

This episode features perspectives from genbank scientist Boulos Chalhoub at the Swiss center for agricultural research Agroscope, small-scale farmer and seed keeper József Hegyesi (Magház), and seed policy expert Katherine Dolan (Arche Noah). Critically examining conservation strategies for seeds, their intertwined domestication histories, ancestral and newly established practices of commoning, and the human-plant relationships seed keepers engage with, SEED CARRIERS provides rich insights into the world of seeds, spanning both the so-called formal and informal sectors.

Enhancing visibility for the seed diversity movement, this project not only offers practical knowledge about seeds but also presents innovative ideas to catalyze transformative change.

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SEED CARRIERS is a project by the Swiss-based association  Institut Plapamco and has been developed by Alexandra Baumgartner, Anna Froelicher, Kim Schelbert and Matthias Lorimer of the European Coordination Let’s Liberate Diversity. 

SEED CARRIERS has been supported by Pro Helvetia, Migros Kulturprozent, Mobiliar Jubiläumsstiftung and Corymbo Foundation.

An Update from SEED CARRIERS

October 2024

Around a year ago, we found ourselves in the heart of the Hungarian Great Plains, where the land stretches out flat to the horizon. On that particular August day, the weather was unusually cold, with a milky gray sky hanging low. We stood on hand-mowed grass, carefully maintained to support the lively ecosystem. József Hegyesi had led us to the far edge of his family farm, giving us a glimpse over the fence at his neighbor’s field, where sunflowers grew in precise rows across pale, light-brown soil.

 The contrast was striking: on one side, a buzzing, layered landscape teeming with life – native shrubs, fruit trees, and a green belt along the fence-line that served as habitat for insects and wildlife. “It’s good for everybody,” József said of this vibrant border, which nurtured a favorable microclimate and provided protection from wind erosion and pesticides.

 His land felt like an island of biodiversity in a sea of monoculture. And while these two approaches seemed to clash at the fence, József noted that, ultimately, he and his neighbor face the same challenges.

József Hegyesi’s openness and curiosity to explore new approaches were truly inspiring to us. Unafraid to dream big, he is deeply committed to fostering systemic change within his community. As a member of the Magház Seed Association and an experienced seed keeper, he participates in educational projects on seed stewardship and collaborates with the national gene bank (NBGK). Building on years of collaboration between Magház and Hungary’s national gene bank to create a network for on-farm variety testing, Magház is determined to further strengthen the relationships between the gene bank and community-driven seed-saving efforts. We are curious to hear more about Magház’s work in collaboration with members such as József Hegyesi on approaches that feel like an encouraging step in the reconciliation of the so-called formal and informal seed sector.

In the meantime hear all about József Hegyesi’s philosophy and life on his farm in our first episode of SEED CARRIERS – an audio documentary series celebrating cultivated biodiversity.

Plant people unite! 

The editors of SEED CARRIERS,

Alexandra, Anna, Kim, Matthias