Seed saving, the practice of collecting and preserving seeds from plants to replant in subsequent seasons, is an ancient agricultural tradition rooted in humanity’s earliest interactions with nature. This practice has not only allowed countless communities worldwide to sustain themselves but also contributed to cultural identity, biodiversity, and environmental resilience. Today, as climate change, industrial agriculture, and food insecurity pose new challenges, seed saving is more relevant than ever. In this article, we’ll explore the history of seed saving, its critical role in sustainable agriculture, and the ways in which it contributes to community resilience and environmental sustainability.
A Brief History
Until recently, every gardener in the world saved their own seed. They saved the seed of the plants that did best for them, and which they liked most. Although simple, this was efficient. Each gardener was maintaining a slightly different strain of each vegetable. This created a huge living gene bank that was very resilient against disease or climate change. If things changed so that your cabbages didn’t do well, someone down the road probably had a slightly different variety that would cope. This worked very well for millennia, but in the past 40 years, almost all these adaptable local strains have been lost. We need to put that right
In many ancient cultures, seed saving was more than a farming practice; it was a sacred act. For instance, in Indigenous cultures across the Americas, seed-saving practices were intertwined with spiritual beliefs and family traditions, passed down through generations. These seeds not only represented sustenance but also carried the wisdom and knowledge of those who came before.
Here in the UK, by the middle of 16th century, growers, mainly in the southeast of England, began to produce seed for sale. By the end of 17th century seeds were being exported from Vale of Evesham to other parts of the country.
By early 18th century some of the familiar names in the seed trade appeared, including Carters and Suttons, producing elaborate seed catalogues together with detailed growing notes. The number of named varieties of seed in these early catalogues reflected the range of seed collected from local growers. Seed was still an expensive commodity when bought from merchants and rogue traders often sold dud seed, and it was not uncommon for one company to take the seed from another and simply rename it, so many gardeners still chose to save their own seeds.
By early 20th century things began to change rapidly. The decline of the country house garden and increased agricultural mechanisation meant vegetables began to be grown in monoculture and on a much larger scale.
Seed quality regulations were introduced in 1922, designed to ensure that only good seed, with acceptable rates of germination, was sold.
At this time Gregor Mendel was working with plants to try to understand how different characteristics of parents were passed to their offspring. This was the advent of modern genetics and the start of modern-day plant breeding. Many varieties that are still favourites with gardeners, like the tomato Ailsa Craig were developed at this time
Despite commercial seed production in the southeast of England, it became cheaper for merchants to import seeds, and local variants began to decline. The importation of seeds continued until the outbreak of the Second World War, when the closure of trade routes meant that seeds were becoming scarce in Britain so vast areas of land, and undercover areas such as greenhouses, were set aside for seed saving. As part of the Dig for Victory campaign people were encouraged to grow their own vegetables, of course, and to save their own seeds. However, in the post war period, and with the seed industry receiving little government support, seed saving once again went into decline.
As agriculture became increasingly mechanized, crop varieties were developed for large-scale production, focusing on traits like uniformity and yield rather than resilience and flavour, leading to farmers growing much more but of a smaller range of crops.
And eating habits changed, with consumers wanting all vegetables to be available all year round, rather than accepting seasonality and people started to buy pre-processed rather than fresh vegetables.
Supermarkets also became agents for change as they demanded large amounts of a single crop all at the same time, to make processing and marketing simpler. They also wanted crops of a standard size, to facilitate packaging and pricing and increasingly prioritised shelf-life over taste.
Legislation has also impacted the variety of seed available. Since 1973 it has been an offence to market (sell) a variety of seeds unless it is on the UK (EU) list. Seed companies submitted varieties for inclusion on the list from 1964 onwards, but some old varieties never made the list. Some varieties were removed as duplicates, when they were not. Now, if a seed company wants to add a new variety to the list it costs many thousands of pounds. This means that it only makes economic sense to develop seeds which can be sold in large numbers, i.e. to industrial scale farming, rather than for those sold in small quantities to gardeners.
Hybrid seeds, created by crossing two plant varieties, became popular with farmers and small scale growers alike, because of their higher yields, but the seeds of hybrid (F1) varieties don’t reproduce true to type, meaning that these seeds are not suitable for saving. This also means that growers become increasingly dependent on seed companies as hybrid seeds for these F1 plants need to be purchased from the seed company every year!
So, while it is true that you can buy packets of seeds everywhere, from garden centre to corner shop, and via all the major supermarkets, the choice we have has effectively diminished and we are coming to rely upon a small number of increasingly powerful corporations for our seed – therefore our food – and ultimately our lives.
Why we must revive seed saving
Major seed storage facilities, seed libraries designed to preserve seeds of different varieties, do exist, but as the looting of the site at Abu Ghraib shows, this method is not infallible.
Most people, particularly in urban population centres, are disconnected from the source of their food and many don’t know how to plant a vegetable. Should conflict come close to towns, such populations suffer rapid food shortages.
In Syria and Iraq, the cradle of all cereal crops, and in Afghanistan where many vegetables have their origins, seed banks have been systematically destroyed. They represented an invaluable heritage created by generations of farmers. We cannot trust this heritage to a few gene banks.
And we should not think that this is someone else’s problem, that conflict happens elsewhere. The food riots that affected the beginning of the 21st century, a result of speculation on cereal crops and concerns over climate change, were essentially an urban and western phenomenon.
The best way to preserve different varieties of vegetables is for us all to grow them!
Why Seed Save?
1. Biodiversity and Genetic Resilience
Commercial agriculture tends to focus on a narrow range of crop varieties, which limits genetic diversity. In contrast, seed saving preserves a broader gene pool, helping plants adapt to local conditions over time. This diversity is essential for food security, as it provides resilience against pests, diseases, and climate change. For example, locally adapted seeds in drought-prone regions have been naturally selected to survive with less water, which is increasingly important as extreme weather events become more common.
2. Climate Change Mitigation
Seed saving promotes sustainable practices that can mitigate the effects of climate change. By choosing seeds from plants that thrive under specific environmental conditions, farmers can cultivate crops that are better suited to local climates and more resistant to temperature fluctuations, extreme weather, and other challenges brought by climate change. Techniques such as permaculture and forest gardening often incorporate seed saving as part of a broader strategy for sustainable agriculture. These methods emphasize biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience, and by saving seeds, farmers and gardeners can help build more resilient ecosystems.
3. Food Security and Sovereignty
In a world where food insecurity is on the rise, seed saving empowers individuals and communities to grow their own food. This practice reduces reliance on commercial seed companies and allows communities to retain control over their food systems. For instance, in the Scottish Borders, community gardens support local food banks by growing and distributing fresh produce. Through seed saving, they can ensure that each growing season yields the necessary crops for those in need, contributing directly to community food security.
4. Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Seed saving allows communities to maintain traditional crop varieties and preserve cultural knowledge. Heirloom varieties, passed down through generations, reflect regional histories, customs, and flavours. The preservation of these seeds honours the agricultural heritage of past generations and ensures that future generations can enjoy diverse foods that reflect their unique heritage. Projects like the FoodScape Podcast, for example, document and share these traditions, highlighting the deep connection between food, place, and culture.
Seed Saving for Community Resilience
Seed saving also plays a crucial role in strengthening community resilience. For example, in Scotland, Abundant Borders helps communities in the Scottish Borders transform underused land into thriving community gardens. Through these gardens, individuals—especially those experiencing food insecurity—can learn essential skills in food growing and sustainable agriculture, such as seed saving.
By cultivating these community gardens, Abundant Borders provides more than just fresh produce; it offers spaces where people can connect with nature, build relationships, and improve their mental and physical well-being. Gardening activities provide stress relief, physical exercise, and opportunities for social interaction, which all contribute to better mental health outcomes. These gardens are inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of background, can learn, grow, and find a sense of purpose.
In addition to fostering resilience, seed saving also helps minimize food waste. By encouraging sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient cooking and waste reduction techniques, Abundant Borders’ initiatives empower participants to make the most of the food they grow, further supporting sustainable food systems.
Looking Ahead
As we face growing environmental challenges, seed saving will continue to be an essential part of sustainable agriculture and community resilience. By preserving traditional knowledge, promoting biodiversity, and empowering individuals to grow their own food, seed saving offers solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time. The work being done by organizations like Abundant Borders highlights the importance of this practice and the transformative impact it can have on communities.
In conclusion, seed saving is a timeless practice that bridges the past and the future. It is a tradition rooted in resilience, adaptability, and respect for the natural world. By continuing to save seeds, we not only honour the knowledge of those who came before us but also ensure a more sustainable, resilient future for generations to come.
You can become part of the seed saving revolution at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bordersseedcollective
