202-3002 32nd Ave, Vernon BC Canada V1T 2L7
info@certifiedorganic.bc.ca
Seeds are the foundation of our food supply. An alarming loss of seed biodiversity in the last 100 years, and the increasing effects of climate change, have left our food system vulnerable to extreme weather, pests, and disease.
Protecting, improving, and creating seed diversity is one of the best ways we can adapt to these changes and create resilience within our food systems.
Seed security means the ability to access quantity, quality and variety of seed that is adapted to local climates and soil. Greater diversity means that plant adaptability and resilience is improved and the risk of crisis is significantly less. A resilient and diverse food system is not corporately controlled, empowering communities with the right to freely grow, save and exchange their own seed.
Although seed security initiatives are on the rise, it can still be challenging for many growers to find and access quality organic seed. The following resources support growers in finding quality suppliers, as well as providing education and opportunities to take part in seed security movements.
Organic seeds certified by COABC certification bodies.
Find organic, locally adapted seeds in your region.
A listing of Canadian organic seed suppliers.
Run by FarmFolk CityFolk, BC Seeds provides seed-growing resources, delivers workshops and field days, and conducts research with a long-term vision of a thriving ecological seed sector in BC that produces high-quality seed crops at a commercial scale. Programs include:
A producers’ co-operative growing and providing 100% BC-grown vegetable, herb, flower, and grain seed that is ecologically grown and certified organic, open-pollinated, regionally selected, and GE-free.
Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security
Creates and supports Canadian seed systems that promote food security and are resilient in the face of climate change.
A membership organization made up of seed savers from coast to coast who protect Canada’s seed biodiversity by growing it themselves and sharing it with others.
Supports community seed systems in BC through interdisciplinary and community-engaged research and education.
Fosters the growth of the province’s organic seed industry by providing research-based information and services, and seed quality assessment systems.
Dedicated to maintaining fair and open access to plant genetic resources worldwide in order to ensure the availability of germplasm to farmers, gardeners, breeders, and communities of this and future generations.
Seed libraries and seed bank listings in British Columbia.
A collection of over 2900 regionally-adapted and rare seed varieties, being held viable and available for future gardeners and farmers.
Everything You Want to Know About Seedy Saturdays
Learn more about Seedy Saturday events and how to participate.
Calendar of events for BC Seedy Saturdays & Sundays
Sovereign Seeds: Indigenous Seed Sovereignty Network
Sovereign Seeds is an Indigenous-led network dedicated to supporting revitalization, transmission and vitality of Indigenous peoples’ seeds and seed cultures by cultivating seed education opportunities, collaborative spaces and tools.
Sierra Seeds: Indigenous Seed Keepers Network
The Indigenous Seed Keepers Network assists the growing seed sovereignty movement across Turtle Island (North America), leveraging resources and cultivating solidarity and communication between regional grass-roots tribal seed sovereignty projects.
