Supporting Seed Freedom

As part of our vision, we are starting this project to teach ourselves the importance of saving seeds and to learn its value on our culture, future survival, and struggle for self-determination and sufficiency. We firmly believe that without recognizing the importance of seed saving and its science, we cannot fully understand how our existence evolve in so many ways in relation to the food that sustain and nourish us. Our subsistence fully depended on our food and its ability to cope up with the rapidly changing environment; we are trying to give toxins and carcinogens to our environment that's why we also get the same in return. Through genetic engineering, pesticide application, and other unnatural process we inflict to our soil, water, and air, we are literally committing suicide. But there are people/organizations who are working hard to establish a solid foundation on defending every person's right to plant and save his/her own seeds without restriction. For a very long time, they are risking their lives to protect and uplift this very important notion for the good of all! One of these is the Navdanya's Seed Freedom Project (Please click here to listen to Vandana Shiva calling for support). Therefore, we are expressing our support for this campaign and hopefully, together we can be effective to help ourselves realized a world without oppressive corporations and government committing and promoting bio-piracy, ecological brutality, and suicide economy. 

In addition, we would like to add these statements from 

GLOBAL MOVEMENT TO DEFEND SEED FREEDOM

Seed is the source of life and the first link in the food chain. Control over seed means a control over our lives, our food and our freedom. Corporations like Monsanto have created a seed emergency – an emergency through patents on seeds, seed monopolies, biopiracy, genetic engineering and creation of non -renewable sterile seeds. Seed monopolies have pushed 250,000 farmers to commit suicide in India. After contaminating farmer’s seeds and crops, Monsanto sues farmers “for stealing their gene”, putting the polluter
pays principle on its head, and making it the polluter gets paid principle. The multidimensional emergency created by patents on seeds and GMOs needs a global collective response. Collectively, we must stop the patenting of seeds. Join the Global movement on Seed Freedom to stop the corporate hijack of seed and with it, the hijack of our freedom and our future.

Declaration on Seed Freedom
 

1. Seed is the source of life, it is the self urge of life to express itself, to renew itself,to multiply, to evolve in perpetuity in freedom.
 

2. Seed is the embodiment of bio cultural diversity. It contains millions of years of biological and cultural evolution of the past, and the potential of millennia of a future unfolding.

3. Seed Freedom is the birth right of every form of life and is the basis for the protection of biodiversity.
 

4. Seed Freedom is the birth right of every farmer and food producer. Farmers rights to save, exchange, evolve, breed, sell seed is at the heart of Seed Freedom. When this freedom is taken away farmers gettrapped in debt and in extreme cases commit suicide.
 

5. Seed Freedom is the basis of Food Freedom, since seed is the first link in the food chain.
 

6. Seed Freedom is threatened by patents on seed, which create seed monopolies and make it illegal for farmers to save and exchange seed. Patents on seed are ethically and ecologically unjustified because patents are exclusive rights granted for an invention. Seed is not an invention. Life is not an invention.
 

7. Seed Freedom of diverse cultures is threatened by Biopiracy and the patenting of indigenous knowledge and biodiversity. Biopiracy is not innovation – it is theft.
 

8. Seed Freedom is threatened by genetically engineered seeds, which are contaminating our farms, thus closing the option for GMO-free food for all. Seed Freedom of farmers is threatened when after contaminating our crops, corporations sue farmer for “stealing their property”.
 

9. Seed Freedom is threatened by the deliberate transformation of the seed from a renewable self generative resource to a non renewable patented commodity. The most extreme case of non renewable seed is the “Terminator Technology” developed with aim to create sterile seed.
 

10.We commit ourselves to defending seed freedom as the freedom of diverse species to evolve; as the freedom of human communities to reclaim open source seed as a commons.
 

To this end, we will save seed.
We will create community seed banks and seed libraries.
We will not recognize any law that illegitimately makes seed the private property of corporations.
We will stop the patents on seed. 

Please support and write to them at:

info@seedfreedom.in or vandana@vandanashiva.com

Little improvements and little harvests...

 
After having delays and disappointments on our desired process and outcome, we decided to accept our limitations and consistently put our focus on soil fertilization and public education campaign for the moment. Perhaps after another six more months of continuous collection of different organic matters for compost, we will see some great changes in the soil. And while waiting for some of these little plants to be ready for transplanting, we are also currently enjoying our time creating music, reading books, visiting to friends, or writing our thoughts for both artistic and personal reasons. It's time to get more serious on gardening, but also to consider fixing things little by little rather than pushing ourselves against the big rocks. For now, we would like to share these photos and show how things are going right now in the project. 

  

Meanwhile, at the moment here are the few things in the garden that provide little food every once in a while for the people helping...

Green Bell Pepper

 

Contender Bush Beans

Mung Beans and Corn

While taking care of these wonderful but few vegetables, we also keep ourselves busy in preparing schedules and materials for programs we want to actualize for the Sharing Garden and other concerns. We finished some of the posters and signage for the garden library, burned files on DVD (gardening movies and ebook) for giveaways, printed more brochures and leaflets and of course, found few individuals for education programs regarding our project and campaign.        



Ampalaya or Bitter Melon

Luckily, these eggplants from Greece survived. Hopefully it will successfully bear more so we can save seeds for the next planting. In addition, here are some of the food we harvested during those previous weeks/days. No matter how few, most of the neighbors who got involved before had the taste of these blessings.  

 

So far, these are the only pictures we can share. Please wait for more photos in some few days. For now, we would also like to give thanks to people who donated money for this project. Without your help, this project and our desire for helping other people through this idea will never be possible.

   
Lastly, we would also like to give thanks to groups who donated seeds for the garden. For more positive response, we shared them to other people who are interested to plant food in their home or community. Again, thanks and we wish you all the best!  

Movie nights

As part of BHSG study program, we feel lucky to have the chance to see these documentary movies along with some of our neighbors and new friends. We believe that important works like these should never be ignored and left out in the dark basement unconsidered. Documentary projects such as the titles we humbly recommend here are the fruit of persistence and sincerity, and the priceless love for freedom, understanding and creativity. Here is the first one, Saturday, June 9 - 7:30-8:30pm...

THE ECONOMICS OF HAPPINESS

This film describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, an unholy alliance of governments and big business continues to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, people all over the world are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. Communities are coming together to re-build more human scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm – an economics of localization. (from the website - http://www.theeconomicsofhappiness.)

The second film, June 10 - 8-9pm, is

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY 

(How Cuba Survived Peak Oil)

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they call "The Special Period." The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example of options and hope. 

(http://www.powerofcommunity.org/cm/index.php)

And the last one...Saturday - June 16 – 7PM

THE GERSON MIRACLE

 More than 75 years ago, a therapy that has proven to cure cancer and most other chronic and degenerative diseases. Through his own painful struggle with migraines, Dr. Max Gerson conceived a treatment based entirely on nutrition and the body's own ability to heal itself. He cured his migraines and summarily concentrated on other methods that prove to naturally boost the immune system this is the real miracle. Your doctor may not advise you how you can heal your body from degenerative diseases naturally... but this film can. (http://gerson.org/gerpress/)

Please watch out for more beautiful movies coming soon! Thank you very much! 

 

Gratitude…

 

For the past few months, things have been tricky but basically fine and still uplifting.  It’s because no matter how we worry about the situation of the project such as volunteer participation, community understanding and support, soil fertility, time, money, etc., we still feel that the positive side of life is more alive in many places and community. This is not over romanticization but a true perception based on the real connections with wonderful people and their projects that are overwhelmingly pulsating in many parts of the world! We receive inspiring letters every now and then; we read beautiful stories of hope and courage from different organizations, and even thought of doing simple task together to help each other in our visions and aspirations. So for this opportunity, we would like to give thanks to these people that are strongly dedicating their skills and time to make this world a better place to live.  Please visit their website if you have time.

The Sharing Gardens (by Llyn and Chris)
http://thesharinggardens.blogspot.com

EARTHCARE EDUCATION (Robin Clayfield)
http://dynamicgroups.com.au

Free Farm Stand
http://freefarmstand.org

Navdanya (Vandana Shiva)
http://www.navdanya.org

PUNPUN (Center for Self-Reliance) http://www.punpunthailand.org

High Mowing Seeds
http://www.highmowingseeds.com

 Urban Organic Gardener (Mike Lieberman)
http://www.urbanorganicgardener.com

The Generous Garden
http://generousgarden.org

Hearty Roots Farm
http://www.heartyroots.com

So these are the people that inspire us in simple but deep ways through their projects and campaigns and they never fail to cheer up our spirits no matter how far are we to each other. In this journey, that all of us should consciously take part in, there are thousands of things that could constantly remind us that life becomes more meaningful and beautiful when we do something to help others and ourselves while improving things together. For now, we would like to leave you with a quote from one of the letters of our supporter/friend. Thanks!

"Even if we sometimes feel that the little bit we are each doing on the planet doesn't make that much difference, it really does. Our minds are all connected. Keep planting seeds and watering, weeding and caring for them. They will blossom and bear fruit some day."  

2 Day Visit to Imulayan Farm (METSA/KNBL)

More than a week ago we held a 2-day 'organic and sustainable agriculture' workshop at Imulayan Farm here in Davao City, and we are very grateful to all the staff/volunteers there for giving us a sincere welcome to their wonderful farm. Sad to say, they don't have much fresh produce at that moment but as expected, we learned many knowledge from them as we are trying to gather ideas for improving our garden. Together with three interested participants, the BHSG volunteers would like to share this important moment.      

Some  of their ducks for poultry

Aside from chickens, goats, and fish, they also planted fruits and vegetables for the people involved in their projects and the surplus goes to their little 'farmer's market' near the area organized by women farmers called KNBL. As they are using spring water for the farm, they installed a hand pump machine for lifting the water up so it can reach the areas that are high. 

Hand pump for supplying water to elevated areas 

Cacao bean nursery for making an income for some of the group's expenses/financial needs 

During the event, before exploring the different parts of the farm, we had lectures and exchange of ideas on green revolution, organic farming, alternative energy, and sustainable agriculture. Through this, we had the opportunity to explore each other's perspective and idea on organic gardening/farming.

Some of the pigs they want to keep for home bio-gas

For so many years, this group is also growing and saving varieties of organic native and imported rice for donations or supply to other farmers here in Mindanao. 

Different varieties of rice

During the last day of the activity we tackled many issues, principles, advantages and other possibilities regarding sustainable farming. After we had lunch, we discussed and learned about different ways of making natural fertilizers and bio-pesticides. Some of the inputs we've discussed are:

1. Fermented Plant and Fruit Juice

2. Lactic Acid Serum (Rice Wash)

3. Fish Amino Acid

4. TEA Fertilizers and

5. Vermiculture

Again, the BHSG volunteers would like to give thanks to METSA/KNBL Farmer's Association for this wonderful event.   

Exploring the different aspects...

Lack of understanding, lack of interest...

Some of the attitudes toward the project I encountered in this neighborhood were quite astonishing and challenging. Interestingly enough, I wonder why some of these people managed to bear a life deprived of many beautiful and radiant things not only by the external factors, but they themselves are also inflicting the emptiness to the extent that seems their existence have been obliterated a long time ago. Of course, it is evident that it’s the job of the media and other ruling institutions to dumb down society and to reduce them to mere “cog in the money-hungry mega machine”, but what interest me the most is this – why they cannot clearly grasp an idea that directly speaks about their own deliverance, independence, and self-sufficiency? Why they cannot accept the fact that “a man/woman is his/her own doctor and his/her own guru”?

Consciously or unconsciously, all of us are looking for something greater and more meaningful experiences in life and I’m sure people in this neighborhood also do. But the most challenging part for me is – how to show them what really are these “cages” that prevent them from participating in the project and how and when are they going to break these cages. As I have said in my last post (existence), some of the factors are quite obvious and manageable and therefore, not hopeless! Though I sound negative and cynical, but as far as I’m concerned we are still doing our part to fight the apathy that dominates this neighborhood. Perhaps, we just have to show them more reasons and examples both through deeds and words. 

Hear it from the children (little adults or little parents)...

Listening to my "little" friends while working at the garden as they talked about the things that they do sometimes and the type of person they want to become in the future, I was a bit horrified as I carefully followed their conversation that flows in a simple but bothersome manner. They were talking about how they like to use guns and other deadly weapons to fight their “enemies”. Of course, for parents who are not familiar with the issue of the adverse psychological impact of the mass media, it’s only the “innocent childish imagination” inside their heads talking and asserting the message of hostility to each other. What most of their parents don’t know is that there is more stuff at the core of this disturbing issue: the adverse effect of the electronic media, particularly the television and the video games. Anybody familiar with the evolution of war video games these days can easily identify how it’s promotional adverts look like - I mean how attractive or sexist or aggressive and violent it is. So the whole content of the product itself, being sold or free to children! Without limitation to age, this “amusement” is now clearly one of the most dominant technologies of our time being psychologically inflicted to our fellows that are supposed to be rational, creative, intelligent and compassionate beings. Meanwhile in television, messages of sexism, aggression, patriarchy, spectatorship, stupidity, consumerism, patriotism, etc. are also being constantly persuaded by the “captains of consciousness”.  These images and memes help strengthen the wall of separation - separation to oneself and to the wholeness and therefore accepting them is allowing the hooks of trauma to one’s flesh and to others, so to speak.

I remember the girl uttered how she wishes to have swords and other weapons I didn’t even knew before it existed. The boy said when he grew up he wants to be a soldier so that he can help the government fight against the “terrorist” aiming to destroy “his country” and to sabotage the economy (as what I’ve understood!). They were also calmly trying to give a clear description on how they want to kill and what would be the best weapon to use! The girl is about 4 and the boy is about 5 or 6 year-old I guess. While listening and thinking about them, I thought of their parents. Like me, they also grew up in these messages/notions and I wonder how it affects their attitude towards the project as well. How they manage the trauma being “passed through generations by their ancestors”, as what R.D. Laing said. And I thought of the other volunteers as well, I wonder how often they watch TV or play video games. These are our future companions too; I was hoping that they will slowly grasp the essence of the project and the whole being of BHSG itself. And that’s the reason why I decided to tackle this aspect, I want to complain and do something to face these challenges. In working at the garden with them, I still experience and witness undesirable, traumatic things – homophobia, bullying, etc. combined with Christian conservatism and nuclear family orientation. As coordinators, these challenges become more complex and therefore hard to combat. Hopefully, we will have the strength all the time to fight these deterrents…

Conclusion…

In these past few days, we are thinking much about how to deal with it - these unfair “mainstream” biases, notions, or attitude towards gender, culture, age, beliefs, etc. that directly or indirectly affects the project. What kinds of workshops, discussions, or evaluation are we going to conduct or use to challenge these things. As the momentum and motivation of the volunteers go up and down or high and low, it also affects our energy in little ways; we feel the negative vibration of obstruction and uncertainty pulling us from below. But we know it’s up to us how to face and manage for attunement. Patience, calmness, perceptiveness, focus, and conscious insights and decisions, these are some of the important things that we will hold on to.