WINNING BACK OUR SACRED SEEDS
Reestablishing Our Sacred Relationships With Seeds
Themes from my workshop Uncle Sam Marries "Anti" (Auntie) GMO
Uncle Sam--the personification of the United States-- is currently aligned with the forces that would spread GMO Technology across our farm fields.
This is epitomized by the comment of 2016 Presidential hopeful Hilliary Clinton who said at BIO
(The Biotechnology Industry Organization) at its 2014 Annual meeting in San Diego that …
THIS QUOTE NEEDS TO BE PROMOTED AND EXPLAINED
Hilliary Clinton said at BIO “I stand in favor of using seeds and products that have a proven track record,” she said, citing drought-resistant seeds she backed as secretary of state. “There’s a big gap between the facts and what the perceptions are.”--Hilary Clinton ( 29 minutes) into BIO talk.
HILLIARY CLINTON AT BIO 2014
READ THE STORY THAT SAYS SHE SAID THIS
COVERAGE OF WHAT SHE SAID AT BIO
GOOD STORY
http://timesofsandiego.com/politics/2014/06/25/hillary-clinton-cheers-biotechers-backs-gmos-and-federal-help/
Hillary is misinformed about the intelligence of seeds. Heirloom seeds are stable in that they are adaptable. They have genetic diversity that has not been "Man" Handled. They can adapt.
HERE IS A GOOD ARTICLE THAT EXPLAINS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYBIDS AND HEIRLOOM SEEDS
IT SAYS THAT,
"The advantage of open pollinated seeds is that the home gardener from year to year and generation to generation may continue heirloom plants by careful seed saving. Open pollinated plants provide a larger gene pool for future breeding."
Heirloom seeds are open pollinated seeds.
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortihints/0102a.html
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY GMO SEEDS
Gmo seeds, that Hilliary favors are causing many problems.
The issue that touches me deepest is that GMO Seeds
contaminate Non GMO seeds. When GMO seeds touch Non GMO seeds, the non GMO is infiltrated.
This is of great concern when we want to preserve cultural and genetic diversity.
JERE GETTLE ExPRESSES HIS LOVE FOR GENETIC CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN THIS VIDEO CLIP MADE AT THE NATiONAL HEIRLOOM EXPO 2013
Squashes displayed at the National Heirloom Expo represented in 2013 the genetic diversity of 40 different cultures.
http://youtu.be/onPUVJbWHbU
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=2182062
The National Heirloom Expo speakers express a Wealth of Knowledge about seeds and their genetic diversity.
GENETIC DIVERSITY IS LOST WHEN HEIRLOOM SEEDS ARE CONTAMINATED WITH GMO SEEDS
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED TO THE DIVERSITY OF CORN IN MEXICO
Rogue Corn On the Loose
Risking Corn, Risking Culture
By Claire Hope Cummings
is a Food and Society Policy Fellow, and food and farming editor at KPFK-FM radio in Berkeley, California. She has practiced environmental law and has farmed in both California and Vietnam.
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/525
The Chapela/Quist discovery
Dr. Ignacio Chapela is one of two scientists from the University of California, Berkeley who documented the discovery of transgenes in the Mexican native, or criollo, corn grown here. Chapela and his colleague, David Quist, took their samples from Capulalpam, so this remote village is getting more than its fair share of visitors these days. Chapela has worked with the communities in the Sierra Norte for years, but he had not returned to Capulalpam since November 2001, when his report was published in the prestigious journal Nature. I went back to Capulalpam with Dr. Chapela, to talk with farmers and village officials about the impact that transgenic corn is having on their lives, and to explore what it might mean for the rich biodiversity and indigenous cultures of the region.
Dr. Ignacio Chapela is one of two scientists from the University of California, Berkeley who documented the discovery of transgenes in the Mexican native, or criollo, corn grown here. Chapela and his colleague, David Quist, took their samples from Capulalpam, so this remote village is getting more than its fair share of visitors these days. Chapela has worked with the communities in the Sierra Norte for years, but he had not returned to Capulalpam since November 2001, when his report was published in the prestigious journal Nature. I went back to Capulalpam with Dr. Chapela, to talk with farmers and village officials about the impact that transgenic corn is having on their lives, and to explore what it might mean for the rich biodiversity and indigenous cultures of the region.
The Chapela/Quist discovery is the first report of GMO contamination of a major crop at its center of origin. A center of origin contains the early forms of a crop and its wild relatives. It is the gene bank the world depends on to improve and refresh a crop's genetics. Mexico's native corn varieties are a treasure chest of genes useful for breeding plants that can adjust to changing climate, agricultural, and nutritional needs. Scientists worry that if these plants become infected with GMOs, and if the artificial genes persist, they could dangerously contaminate, and possibly wipe out, the natural genetic basis of the world's most important crops. Although they are manufactured, GMOs are living organisms, capable of reproduction. Once released, they are beyond human control. They are a new form of pollution, one that is difficult to detect and completely invisible. Because so little is known, their release is an uncontrolled experiment, which the biochemist Erwin Chargaff, known as the father of molecular biology, has said would constitute "an irreversible attack on the biosphere."
For years, scientists and environmental activists have been warning the Mexican government that GMOs in imported corn could harm Mexico's exceptionally rich biological and cultural diversity. The known risks of GMOs include the creation of hard-to-control weedy relatives of crops through "crop-to-wild hybridization," the development of insect pests or weeds that are resistant to the chemicals used with GMO crops, and the unintentional poisoning of beneficial insects and non-target species (see ∂).is the first report of GMO contamination of a major crop at its center of origin. A center of origin contains the early forms of a crop and its wild relatives. It is the gene bank the world depends on to improve and refresh a crop's genetics. Mexico's native corn varieties are a treasure chest of genes useful for breeding plants that can adjust to changing climate, agricultural, and nutritional needs. Scientists worry that if these plants become infected with GMOs, and if the artificial genes persist, they could dangerously contaminate, and possibly wipe out, the natural genetic basis of the world's most important crops. Although they are manufactured, GMOs are living organisms, capable of reproduction. Once released, they are beyond human control. They are a new form of pollution, one that is difficult to detect and completely invisible. Because so little is known, their release is an uncontrolled experiment, which the biochemist Erwin Chargaff, known as the father of molecular biology, has said would constitute "an irreversible attack on the biosphere."
For years, scientists and environmental activists have been warning the Mexican government that GMOs in imported corn could harm Mexico's exceptionally rich biological and cultural diversity. The known risks of GMOs include the creation of hard-to-control weedy relatives of crops through "crop-to-wild hybridization," the development of insect pests or weeds that are resistant to the chemicals used with GMO crops, and the unintentional poisoning of beneficial insects and non-target species (see ∂).
Corn Legacy
The more than 20,000 distinct varieties of corn still being grown in Mexico and Central America are the legacy of these ancient and sophisticated traditions. Gonzalez says that corn's remarkable diversity can be attributed to the intense emotional and cultural significance that corn has for indigenous farmers. Because they love and respect this "plant-person," he says, they spend more time caring for it, helping it adapt to special ecological niches. Not surprisingly, corn has been called "the most remarkable plant breeding accomplishment of all time." When Columbus arrived in the Americas, says Walton Galinat in Maize: Gift from America's First Peoples, he failed to recognize that "this plant, developed by peoples he judged poor and uncivilized, far outstripped in productivity any of the cereals bred by Old World farmers-wheat, rice, sorghum, barley, and rye." And, he said, "Columbus did not realize that the gift of maize was far more valuable than the spices or gold he hoped to find."
In this current clash of cultures, what could industrialized agriculture learn from traditional corn cultures? The answer lies in the fact that corn reflects the values of the peoples who grow it. Because corn is so adaptable, it becomes what farmers want it to be. In the United States, commodity farmers want corn to be extremely productive and uniform, and so it is. In 1921 the average U.S. yield was about 28 bushels an acre. By 2001, the average yield was 138 bushels an acre. Some top producers could boast yields of over 300 bushels, although this kind of productivity is only achieved by adding enormous amounts of energy in the form of fertilizers and other chemicals. It could be said, then, that GMOs, with their commercial utility, uniformity, and privatized genes, are simply a product of an industrial culture that sees corn as little more than a biological machine, reflecting a culture that values efficient productivity and profitability while fostering farmer dependence on a handful of commercial hybrids.
The traditional farmers of the Sierra Norte, on the other hand, value genetic diversity and independence. They see corn in its ecological context, as a living thing, linked to the environment and to the health of all who depend on it for food. They need corn to grow productively under various stressful conditions. And so it does. These farmers may get lower yields than industrial farmers do, but they do not use vast amounts of chemical inputs, and they are free to save and freely exchange their seed. As a result, they have been able to maintain a high degree of autonomy while sustaining their land-based cultures. That, the village officials in Capulalpam said, is their highest value. And for them, that has been corn's greatest gift. And, Señora Maldonado said, that was why, despite all of her worries, she was going to keep on planting criollo corn.
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/525
THIS CLIP WITH VADANA SHIVA IS ALSO TELLING
Trespass Article, A History of GMOs,
by Claire Hope Cummins
http://www.worldwatch.org/node/568
http://billmoyers.com/segment/vandana-shiva-on-the-problem-with-genetically-modified-seeds/
IF WE ARE TO SHIFT THE CONSCIOUSNESS ABOUT SEEDS WE NEED TO HAVE INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF SEEDS
"We have to get Engaged [[growing ancient grains and heirloom seeds] before Uncle Sam will Marry "Anti" (Auntie) GMO" -- Patricia Mickkelson
"We have natural intimacy with growing seeds. Why limit our intimacy with seeds to human seeds alone. There's a vast intelligence of seeds in nature. As we grow them, we grow wise in knowing how to live on the earth and with other people." Goldman.
Not knowing who is growing your food is like being intimate with a stranger. Grow your own and know the farmers and producers growing the rest of your food.
It's important to be on a first name basis with the people who are growing your food.
"I traveled on mass transit four hours yesterday in order to buy food from my favorite growers. I actually had no idea the trip would take so long, but I was glad that I spent that time once I saw my farmer friends' smiles of greeting. I now will commit to going to the farmer's market at City Heights where they are much closer to me--and I love that market--but because of a desire to play beach volley ball I missed my Saturday morning ritual of going to City Heights where I have made many friends. I now know--Saturday mornings, unless for a very very important reason--are my quality time spent with the local farmers."
One farmer is a third generation farmer who has been producing food in sustainable ways without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Jake, one of the workers, shared warm-heartedly how he was without family or home, and the wife of the owner of the farm took him under her wing and he felt like a part of the family. I look forward to going and visiting this farm."
The act of going to a local farmer's market is revolutionary. You can say you don't have the time, but you always have the time. It is the priority of how you spend the time that is missing. I highly recommend that you find the farmer's market that is nearest to you and build your schedule around that. Or find the one that fits your schedule. There is a sense of community and love that is built around the farmer's markets. It seems that most people who love both to grow food and to bring it to a public market where they will see the people who will buy their food--have special qualities of love, compassion, and service. I have the best conversations when I go to Farmer's Market
When I came to San Diego, I wondered how long it would take for me to make friends at the Farmer's Market. I loved my Fayetteville farmer's market and knew I had to get plugged in here. I immediately connected.
LINKS
On the Wonderment of Seeds--Thoreau's Quote and My ideas about Seeds.
"Though I do not believe a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders."
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=2184678
LESLIE GOLDMAN ASKS:
WILL YOU HELP UNCLE SAM MARRY "ANTI" GMO?
A WORKSHOP AT THE NATIONAL HEIRLOOM EXPO 2014, SEPTEMBER 9,10,11 IS NOW SCHEDULED
MAIN GRAPHIC
WILL YOU HELP UNCLE SAM MARRY "ANTI" GMO?
This is the Bio Note that appears on the National Heirloom Expo Website:
Leslie Goldman, Your Enchanted Gardener/ Plant Your Dream Blogger from San Diego shares inspirations from the Campaign to Grow A Healthier Pizza.
Will you help build our grassroots movement so that Uncle Sam gives up his unholy relationship with Biotech GMO in the farm bed and gets married to “Anti” (Auntie) GMO? Being a matchmaker for this wedding is a job that belongs to all gardeners who want to fulfill the vision of the Founding Gardener Presidents of America the Beautiful. Thousands of new Plant Parents are needed! The wedding date is in your hands. The invitation to the wedding goes out to all who grow food with heirloom seeds and ancient grains.
His favorites are Kamut® ancient wheat and heirloom seeds from the Baker Creek collection.
http://www.rareseeds.com/request-catalog/
http://www.rareseeds.com/store/seed-collections/home-gardener-s-collection/
Read more here about his workshop, Helping Uncle Sam Marry "Anti" GMO.
The Ultimate Gardener: The Best Experts’ Advice for Cultivating a Magnificent Garden with Photos and Stories (HCI, 2009) credits Leslie for photographs and inspiration. The book’s dedication reads: “To Leslie Goldman, The Enchanted Gardener, for planting dreams and seeds of inspiration. To all those who garden and for those who dream to have a garden one day.”
Robert Muller, then U.N. Assistant Secretary General, gave Leslie a U.N. Peace Medal in 1983 for the work he would do in his lifetime. That work continues helping us to win back our sacred seeds.
FROM THE SPEAKERS WEB PAGE ON THE NATIONAL HEIRLOOM EXPO SITE
Read Notes for many of the speakers here.
http://theheirloomexpo.com/speakers/
Speakers at this years National Heirloom Expo
http://www.theheirloomexpo.com/speakers/
THIS IS AN ARTICLE SUBMITTED TO THE SAN DIEGO LIFE CONNECTION
Helping Uncle Sam Marry "Anti" GMO
This year I am creating the intention that there is a celebratory Wedding up ahead for the United States to regain our original vision. Will you help build a grassroots movement so that Uncle Sam gives up his unholy relationship with Biotech GMO in the farm bed and gets married to “Anti” (Auntie) GMO? The invitation to the wedding goes out to all who get engaged growing Heirloom seeds and ancient grain. The wedding date is in your hands! Being a matchmaker for this wedding is a job that belongs to many Anti-GMO Activists who I want to encourage to become gardeners. In taking up gardening, we can fulfill the vision of the Founding Presidents of America.
Our first Presidents had deep relationships with nature. I believe their vision can literally restore a more beautiful America. Andrea Wulf took up the theme in her book, “Founding Gardeners.” She states, " It’s impossible to understand the making of America without looking at the founding fathers as farmers and gardeners."
I see the need for thousands more gardeners and small size farmers rather than have our food supply centralized in the hands of a few growers. This is the continuation of our original vision.
This year, I want to encourage you not only to fight against a system of agriculture that is failing us, with power over food in the hands of a few, but through gardening with intention, help return a new vision of America the Beautiful. For more information, please join The Campaign to Grow A Healthier Pizza on Facebook.
Many seed freedom enthusiasts will be coming together at the upcoming National Heirloom Expo September 9, 10, 11 in Santa Rosa, California.
I can be reached at Plantyourdream AT cox.net or at 619.384.2631. To see the Presenters list, go to the National Heirloom Expo website here.
FULL STORY IS HERE
HELPING UNCLE SAM MARRY "ANTI" GMO
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=2181365
HERE IS A GOOD ARTICLE THAT EXPLAINS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYBIDS AND HEIRLOOM SEEDS
IT SAYS THAT,
"The advantage of open pollinated seeds is that the home gardener from year to year and generation to generation may continue heirloom plants by careful seed saving. Open pollinated plants provide a larger gene pool for future breeding."
Heirloom seeds are open pollinated seeds.
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortihints/0102a.html
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY GMO SEEDS
Gmo seeds, that Hilliary favors are causing many problems.
http://www.rareseeds.com/request-catalog/
http://www.rareseeds.com/store/seed-collections/home-gardener-s-collection/
Read more here about his workshop, Helping Uncle Sam Marry "Anti" GMO.