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A look at Pennsylvania Ag Seed Saving Library Protocols
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Seed Saving Library Protocols have a well meaning intent. That is my conclusion after speaking to Johnny Zook, Seed Program Supervisor for the Pennsylvania Department of Ag. Events at the Joseph T Simpson Public Library between Earth Day 2014 and now, and its Seed Library, I hope will continue to inspire a national conversation, not only about Seed Saving, but GMOs. The internet outcry when it appeared that the Simpson Seed Library was being asked to shut down, or being addressed as a potential site of Agri-Terrorist activity, affected me deeply. My earlier stories this week reflect my pain. Deep issues need to be addressed now as the "grow your own food" impulse awakens. My intent is to see the US again become a nation of gardeners and for Federal as well as State Seed Laws to be wide enough to "Open Pollinate" and support the needs and goals of the emerging Seed Library and Seed Bank movement. --Leslie Goldman, Your Enchanted Gardener, Plant Your Dream Blog, August 8, 2014
Date: 8/8/2014 11:23:07 AM ( 10 y ) ... viewed 1806 times
UPDATE MONDAY AUGUST 11, 2014
I had some serious typos in this that I just corrected. I had a second conversation with Johnny Zook today. I will write about that in this Plant Your Dream Blog. http://curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2195490
9:06 am
August 8, 2014
This is the photo that appears in The Sentinel News Article by Naomi Cleason of July 31, 2014 submitted of the Joseph T. Simpson Seed Library.
INTENTION
I have spent the week writing about the Joseph T. Simpson Seed Library in Mechanicsburg, PA. This is a story that I wrote today that does my best to give a fair assessment of what I have learned. I have invested many hours in following this story. My Seed Dream is that a national conversation around Seed Saving, support of Heirloom Seeds, and education about GMOs surfaces as a result of my effort here on the Plant Your Dream Blog. A national movement toward Seed Libraries and Seed Banks is growing. May time we are all spending on this story lead to clarity, and more and more gardeners growing their own food knowing that this is being done with the wholehearted support of many Departments of Agriculture representatives, and Public Libraries who are offering Free Seed Libraries to help educate.
--Leslie Goldman, Your Enchanted Gardener
1:12 pm
Friday August 8, 2014
ON THE PHONE WITH THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AG's JOHNNY ZOOK
I just got off the phone with Johhny Zook, the seed program Supervisor, for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. It was his letter to Rebecca Swanger, of the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library that has inspired a list of proactive protocols that will allow Seed Libraries in Public Libraries to thrive across the nation, hosting seed swaps and continuing to educate people about seed saving and self sufficiency without coming up against State and National Seed Laws that would classify these Seed Libraries as Seed Distributors.
Being classified as seed distributor asks that the Seed Libraries be consistent and in keeping with these national and state Seed Laws that require Seed selling licenses and have many regulations. Having seed swaps places them outside the jurisdiction of the seed law regulations.
When Mr. Zook, a 42-year old 19 year employee of the department saw the growth of the Simpson Public Library Seed Library, rather than turn a blind's eye on the issues that he knew and they did not know about the Seed Laws, he contacted the Simpson Library via mail. They had a subsequent meeting that produces the protocols that the Library will* be using.
*Ouch! An earlier version had the word "not be using. Sorry--correction made,
2:2 pm Monday August 11, 2014. I need an editor.
Zook told me he did not feel that their was any blame on the part of the Simpson Library who had discussed their idea of the Seed Library with ag extension, however, they did not know about the Seed Laws.
MANY HEIRLOOM SEED GROWERS WOULD SHARE SOME OF THE CONCERNS OF THE PENNSYLVIA DEPARTMENT OF AG
"-Heirloom Kinds [of seeds} that are open pollinated will only breed true to variety provided they are not cross pollinated from another variety or closely related species. Cucurbit species;melons, squashes, cucumbers,etc…,planted with other Cucurbits can produce seeds that when grown to fruition will not produce fruit anything like the parent plant. It is a real possibility that someone could plant a seed designated as an Acorn squash and when the fruit develops find a fruit that is whitish gray with green flesh that is almost tasteless.'--from the letter by Johnny Zook, Seed Program Supervisor, to Jonelle Darr, Director of the Simpson Public Library, 6-12-14."
This is the first correspondence that alerted the Simpson Library that it needed to become aware of the Penn Seed Act of 2014
Johnny Zook's concerns that he mentioned to me in our first phone conversation are in keeping with a concern of heirloom seed growers. His job is to ensure that seeds that are sold have truth in labeling and will produce the kind of seeds that are on the package. Heirloom seeds can cross pollinate if the hands of the beginning gardener. The new protocols, that were accepted by the Library ensure that this Seed Library, and other Seed Libraries, can give out free seeds. The only difference from the original vision is that they cannot receive the seeds back.* The Protocols do encourage Seed Swaps by the Seed Library. The seed swap idea puts the circulation of seeds outside the Seed Laws. He recognized, that the original idea, that would have had people return part of the next generation of seeds to the library, was a novel idea; however it would have brought up the need for the testing of seeds among other restrictions.
*I had a second conversation this morning of August 11, 2014. I have learned more about the importance of the Seed Library being able to develop locally grown generations of seeds. I will discuss his response in another Plant Your Dream Blog
Here: http://curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2195490
AMONG THE PROTOCOLS I FOUND GOOD
IV. Library establishes mid-season and/or post-season seeds swap day(s)
Library acts as a meeting place for individuals to swap or trade harvested/saved seeds
with other members
The Library promotes that these seeds be planted the next season and any resulting
harvested seeds be used in the next season’s seed swap(s)
THIS ONE IS THE BIG CHANGE THAT MANY IN THE SEED LIBRARY MOVEMENT WILL NOT LIKE
Returns to the Library will not be allowed. Members may only “check-out”/trade/swap seeds with each other.
FIND THE PROTOCOLS IN THIS PDF
A CONCERN EXPRESSED BY A SEED LIBRARY FOUNDER
Update
August 9, 2014
In a subsequent conversation, with a Seed Library Founder I admire, I was reminded that seeds have great intelligence and the intent of the Local Seed Library would be to produce ongoing and adapted generations of heirlooms that are specifically suited to that local bioregion or even garden.
Seeds do adapt from generation to generation. One of the important contributions of a Seed Library would be to create a place where local adapted seeds could be stored and organized.
How this issue can be addressed and brought into harmony with the Protocols is a question I want to see addressed when next I talk to Johnny Zook.
AGRI-TERRORISM?
Johhny Zook said that he and members of the Pennsylvania Department of Ag were equally flabbergasted when the thought of identifying Seed Libraries as potential sites of Agri-Terrorism came up on the web.
In Naomi Cleason's story of July 31 in the Carlisle Sentinel, this idea first entered the conversation. She quoted Cumberland Commissioner Barbara Cross as saying:
Some of the commissioners questioned whether that was the best use of the department’s
[ Department of Ag] time and money, but commissioner Barbara Cross noted that such seed libraries on a large scale could very well pose a danger.
“Agri-terrorism is a very, very real scenario,” she said. “Protecting and maintaining the food sources of America is an overwhelming challenge ... so you’ve got agri-tourism on one side and agri-terrorism on the other.”
Cross said it made sense that the department [of Ag] would want to tackle the issue now while the efforts were small.
Information on the Cumberland County website.says that Commissioner Cross retired from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves after 25 years of service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was re-called to Active Duty from 2004-2006 to support the Global War on Terrorism.* It is easy to see that she may be sensitive to Agri-Terrorism issues.
I addressed my own concerns about Agri-Terrorism in my initial Plant Your Dream Blog called Reflections on an Assault on Seed Savers. This was written Aug 5, a day after a read first reports that in error reported a "shutdown" of the Simpson Seed Library.
GOOD COMMENT
I appreciate this comment that appears on the July 31 Story by Naomi Creason, Department of Agriculture Cracks Down on Seed Libraries:
voice of reason - August 01, 2014 10:51 am
It's completely inappropriate to be using terms like "agri-terrorism" when talking about seed libraries. Food security is a problem, yes, but that stems from companies like Monsanto that seek short-term profit and results rather than long-term food system wellness. Seed libraries, if anything, counter the threat of "agri-terrorists" by promoting the art of seed saving in the face of intellectual property/bio-patenting laws. Shame on Commissioner Cross for such fear mongering over seed saving.
SIMPSON LIBRARY DIRECTOR SATISFIED WITH PROTOCOLS
Sue Erdman, director of the Simpson Library told me that she was satisfied with the Protocols suggested by Johnny Zook and felt sad that the Department of Ag was getting so much bad public press about the issue. We spoke Friday, August 8, 2014 as well for the first time. She said she saw the Seed Library as a great new initiative of the Simpson Library that will continue to educate about Seed Saving.
The library has an outstanding selection of books on Seed Saving They will continue to offer classes on classes on the subject of Seed Saving.. ( The next being August 14,2014) as well as have the Seed swaps where members of the Seed Library can share their locally grown seeds. The library will continue to offer free seeds. I told her I wanted to send a contribution of seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. She said she would appreciate this donation.
A NATIONAL CONVERSATION IS NEEDED
I am grateful that the Simpson Library initiated this Seed Library. I have been involved as a teacher at the National Heirloom Expo the last two years and hopefully will be fulfilling my plan to teach at the 2014 expo September 9,10, 11, 2014.
My own initiative, that is part of my Campaign to Grow A Healthier Pizza, is called Helping Uncle Sam Marry Auntie ("Anti" GMO). I believe many more gardeners need to get engaged growing Heirloom Seeds and Ancient Grains so that Uncle Sam can get Married to Auntie (Anti) GMO.
My own Seed Dream is that events at the Simpson Library will continue to inspire a positive national conversation about Seed Saving, and GMOs. From my point of view, there is a potential of Heirloom Seeds being contaminated as long as GMO Seeds are permitted to be grown in the US.'
According to Jere Gettle, Founder of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, there is a constant need to test his Non GMO Heirloom seeds to keep them pure of GMO contamination. GMO Seeds can easily contaminate Non GMO Heirloom Seeds. This is a real concern of mine, especially as Seed Libraries continue to grow across the nation.
Many gardeners in America are not yet aware of the dangers of growing GMO Seeds, and this is a right now condoned and promoted by the USDA that as well supports Organic Agriculture.
I do see the Seed Libraries contributing to national health through promoting more and more the growing of local food and correctly labeled Heirloom Seeds.
To my mind, if there is a potential of Agri-Terrorism, this needs to be looked at. Many on the internet are saying, that the greatest threat of Agri-Terrorism today exists because control of our seeds are in the hands of a few multi-national corporations controlling our seed supply.
I see the national trend toward Seed Libraries and Seed Banks growing. I see a great need for education that comes in the farm bed. I see events at the Joseph T. Simpson Library of major significance to the growth of the Seed freedom movement.
I applaud Johnny Zook for stepping up and opening important communication on the subject that have been positively resolved. May the conversation continue. He pointed out to be that there were about 1% of people in the US growing their own food. He wholehearted supported more gardeners doing this.
THE SUGGESTED PROTOCOLS TO THE JOSEPH T. SIMPSON SEED LIBRARY THAT WERE PROPOSED AND ACCEPTED
TO
REBECCA SWANGER MA MLIS 07-10-14
SIMPSON LIBRARY
16 NORTH WALNUT STREET
MECHANICSBURG PA 17055
Dear Rebecca,
Thank you and the others for taking time to meet with us last week to discuss your library’s “Seed Library” project.
We found it a very useful discussion about how we can balance your desire to provide a positive gardening and seed saving experience for your members and the department’s statutory responsibilities under the PA Seed Act.
As agreed to at the meeting, I have prepared the draft protocol below for your consideration. Please review and offer comments at your convenience.
Seed Libraries – Draft Protocol
I. Library procures licensed and properly labeled seed to give away to its patrons.
How the library assembles this initial Seed Library is up to them to solicit patrons, local volunteer groups, social groups, churches, etc. for seed packets meeting their specifications (traditional, heirloom, organic, ect.)
monetary donations to purchase seeds from local retail stores in community.
seeds donated by local retail stores or seed distributors
II. Patrons“check-out”seeds from the Seed Library
Library gathers participant’s contact information as a member of the “Library Seed Club” (or whatever name the library chooses to call this group)
Library provides simple ‘informational cards’ for each type of seed given out.
Library provides information on seed-saving and saving/storage techniques.
III. Club members take the seeds home and plant and grow them.
Care for and harvest seeds doing their best to follow library guidelines for producing good seeds.
Fill out “informational cards” provided by the library to help the next growers know what they are getting and any other useful information.

IV. Library establishes mid-season and/or post-season seed swap day(s)
Library acts as a meeting place for individuals to swap or trade harvested/saved seeds with other members
The Library promotes that these seeds be planted the next season and any resulting harvested seeds be used in the next season’s seed swap(s)
Returns to the Library will not be allowed. Members may only “check-
out”/trade/swap seeds with each other.
V. Each year the Library starts with “fresh” seeds meeting their specifications
Ensures there will be seeds available to plant
Encourages new participants to participate and increase the community of growers.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts as we work toward a positive resolution of this matter.
Sincerely
Johnny Zook
Johnny Zook | Seed Program Supervisor
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture |
Bureau of Plant Industry 2301 North Cameron Street |
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Email: jzook@pa.gov http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us
FIND THE PROTOCOLS IN THIS PDF
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SIMPSON LIBRARY AUGUST 1 REGARDING NEW PROTOCOLS FOR RUNNING THE SIMPSON SEED LIBRARY
This is the Office Press Release from The Joseph T. Simpson Public Library regarding the future of its Seed Library and how it will continue to work in abiding by regulations from the State Department of Agriculture.
PRESS RELEASE DESCRIBES NEW PROTOCOLS THAT WILL SMOOTH OUT HOW SIMPSON LIBRARY PROCEEDS TO SERVE.
A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF CORRESPONDENCE AND PRESS ON THE JOSEPH T. SIMPSON LIBRARY SITE REGARDING THEIR SEED LIBRARY
http://www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/?q=SIM_SeedLibrary
ABOUT THE SIMPSON SEED LIBRARY FROM THEIR WEBSITE
http://www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/?q=SIM_SeedLibrary
SUPPORT THE JOSEPH T. SIMPSON LIBRARY
I thought the library did a get job detailing all the communications.
I ordered the tote bag and umbrella.
Tote bags and other gifts available.
See this Plant Your Dream Blog
http://curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2194394
HERE IS MY TAKE
HELPING UNCLE SAM MARRY AUNTIE GMO (ANTI-GMO)
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=2181365
LESLIE GOLDMAN, YOUR ENCHANTED GARDENER, SPEAKING AT THE USDA ORGANIC LISTENING DAY 2011. LOOKING BACK AND FORWRD TO A DAY WHEN SEED SAVING BECOMES A DOMINANT TRENT IN AMERICA
Events at the Simpson Seed Library brought to mind uplifting moments when I spoke at the Organic Listening Day at the USDA in 2011. I enjoyed visited the People's Garden at the USDA and meeting the staff. Mark Lipson, who organized organic Listening Day responded to my inspiration that I wanted to be the Enchanted Gardener for the USDA. I see a day when we have thousands more gardeners growing healthy food. This the Seed Library movement part of that trend. I look forward to a time when truly all seeds are free from the risk of GMO contamination, and many people have the fulfilling experience of Seed Saving healthy heirloom seeds and ancient grains.
EXAMPLE OF STORIES ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS INCIDENT
The information here underscores a real need for an honest and open dialogue on Seed Saving, GMOs, and many of the issues the incidents at the Simpson Library awakened.
http://www.naturalnews.com/046361_agri-terrorism_heirloom_seeds_home_gardening.html
REACTIONS TO THE SIMPSON SEED LIBRARY STORY
http://curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2193975
A NATIONAL SEED LIBRARY SUMMIT IS PLANNED
A National Seed Library Summit is planned for the upcoming National heirloom Expo. The dates of the expo are Sept 9,10,11 2014. The Library Seed Summit info is here. The summit is tentatively scheduled for 4-6 pm, Wed, Sept. 10. The location will be announced at the SeedLibrary of Los Angeles table, according o this:
http://seedlibraries.weebly.com
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