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Emails with Johnny Zook of Penn Department of Ag
Emails with Johnny Zook of Penn Department of Ag
Date: 8/16/2014 10:33:59 AM ( 10 y ) ... viewed 1354 times
EMAILS FROM JOHNY ZOOK, PA DEPARTMENT OF AG WITH LESLIE GOLDMAN
To simplify my extensive Plant Your Dream Blogs, I am putting my emails with Johhny Zook, Seed Program Supervisor for the Department of Ag, here. here. I asked permission to post his emails.
THIS IS MY MOST RECENT EMAIL FROM JOHNNY ZOOK AUGUST 28, 2014
In recent weeks, after establishing communication with Johnny Zook, Seed Program Supervisor for the PA Department of Ag, the staff member who initiated the Letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to Simpson Library (PDF, 756KB, 2 pages) to let them know about the existence of Seed Laws, and after numbers of emails, I introduced him to a Seed Library Leader. In doing research on the Suggested Seed Library Protocol from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture that were accepted "as is" by the Simpson Seed Library, it became clear that additional Protocols were needed that would meet the needs of Seed Libraries. These Four Questions from Johnny Zook of Aug 28, 2014, are intended to Help Develop a National Seed Library Protocol.
On Aug 28, 2014, at 12:23 PM, "Zook, Johnny" wrote:
Hi Leslie,
Because the Seed Library issue is getting a lot of publicity, I think it is putting pressure on a number of States to consider how Seed Libraries relate (or will relate) to their Seed Laws.
With this in mind, I think it’s important everyone involved to be open to discussion and to be responsive to those discussions so that Seed Libraries’ concerns can be part of the formative process of working out the relationship between Seed Libraries – and the various Seed Laws.
Regards
Johnny
JOHNY ZOOK'S QUESTIONS FOR SEED LIBRARY LEADERS
On Aug 28, 2014, at 10:51 AM, "Zook, Johnny" wrote:
I’m trying to get a thoughtful response to some questions on Seed Libraries. I would very much appreciate your thoughts/concerns/suggestions.
1) One can develop local eco-type adapted seeds by simply obtaining one’s initial starter seed from a swap of locally harvested seeds – I believe this would answer the diversity concern. What do you think?
2) Every Seed Library protocol I have read online says that if you aren’t able to “return” harvested seed to the Seed Library; either give a donation so heirloom seeds can be purchased or buy heirloom seed yourself to return – no different than the protocol having the Library provided heirloom seeds – Or am I missing something here?
3) Why insist on a single collection point of seed? Wouldn’t having the members of the Seed Library store the seed make for a more robust system? Seeds stored at any single location are susceptible to a total-loss incident and years of adapting seeds to local climate and local taste could be completely lost.
4) Some people have said to me that not being able to “return” the seed to the library destroys the Seed Library – why? The Library still has an important role to play in outreach, tracking and organizing of seed’s and member’s information, Seed swap location/meeting place, seed growing/saving/storage education and resources, diversity education, promoting communal sharing, etc… Having more people capable of storing seed means more freedom and more security. In other words, why do some people consider having the harvested seeds returned to the library essential?
Thanks
Johnny
Johnny Zook | Seed Program Supervisor
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture | Bureau of Plant Industry
Subject: RE: Suggested Draft for an additional Protocol and Procedure for adding protocols. Please comment, Johnny.
Date: August 26, 2014 5:27:58 AM PDT
To: Leslie Goldman
Hi Leslie,
However, the protocols get worked out is not so much the issue, but rather does an action(s) cause the activity to be classified as “Seed Distribution”. As long as we can have a logical/reasonable way to say the activity is not seed distribution, then its fine to operate without concern of the Seed Act – speaking for Pennsylvania. Also, in PA, once the Seed Library is big enough it could function within the Seed Act. $25.00 for seed license fee and $7.00 for each 400 seed Germination test would be the ‘cost’; and, not that printing is hard, the seed label can be hand written as long as it is legible.
I am willing to take suggestions, and if you know people have ideas it would be good for me to have them sooner than later.
As to your suggested protocol – it’s more of a mission statement than a protocol – how would it actually work? I get the idea though that you would like something that says a sellect or exclusive group would share/pool seeds to work on developing locally adapted seeds; a members only kind of thing… I guess it would depend on how that is done and if then resulting seeds are kept within the group or if they then share them with the public at large… I don’t know… I need more concrete procedure to evaluate to give a definite answer.
Thanks
Johnny
"Pennsylvania seed libraries can operate within the law as a peer to peer seed exchanges" on the the seed library social network site, Neil Gorenflo of Shareable says.
Neil Gorenflo of Shareable says "Pennsylvania seed libraries can operate within the law as a peer to peer seed exchanges" on the the seed library social network site, http://seedlibraries.org/forum/topics/setting-the-record-straight-on-the-legality-of-seed-libraries
In an Email to Johnny Zook, Seep Program Supervisor I addressed the "Necessity" on the part of local Seed Libraries to adapt local seeds.
He wrote:
On Aug 11, 2014, at 6:04 AM, "Zook, Johnny" wrote:
THE ISSUE OF THE LIBRARY RECEIVING SEEDS BACK INTO THE LIBRARY AND STORING THEM AS A "NECESSITY" TO DEVELOP LOCAL ECO-TYPE ADAPTED SEED IS INTERESTING.
Hi Leslie,
The issue of the Library receiving seeds back into the Library and storing them as a "necessity" to develop local eco-type adapted seed is interesting.
Couple issue:
-If the Library does this, accepting then distributing seed, they should be licensed and have the seed properly labeled, and they need testing to do this. I don't think a PA $25.00 seed license and a $7.00 germination test per variety will break the bank so to speak, but to have an official test we need 400 seeds and that may be hard to obtain for some kinds/varieties.
-The library instruct patrons who were not successful in harvest/saving seeds to buy heirlooms to have something to return/swap.
-But this is a sticking point, have people obtain their starter seed from a seed swap. This would answer this concern. The Library can still act has the focal point for the seed swaps, and the source of knowledge on seed saving and storage, and events to encourage seed saving and promoting community through gardening.
Why does the Library have to store the seed? Why can't the patrons store the seed? If the patron store the seed it will be spread out over many locations and far more robust to resisting "total loss".
If a Library burns down (God Forbid) then all those years of development could be lost in a single night - sorry to be so dramatic, but wouldn't multiple locations be "safer"?
Regards
Johnny
ON AUG 13, 2014, AT 5:41 AM, ZOOK, JOHNNY WROTE:
The protocols were developed based on the information that the Simpson Library gave us.--Johnny Zook, Seed Program Supervisor,Penn Department of Ag
Hi Leslie,
The protocols were developed based on the information that the Simpson Library gave us. They told us their goals and intentions. They did not mention anything about developing local eco-type adapted seed/plants. But even so, I don’t see the protocol as written preventing that from happening.
The meeting with the library was on the 8th of July in Rep. Delozier’s office. The people in attendance were Beverly Kawaller - from Rep. Delozier’s office, Jay Howes - Deputy Secretary of Ag, Kerry Golden – Agricultural Liaison, Erin Bubb – Agronomic and Regional Services Division Chief, myself - Seed Program Supervisor and three reps from the Seed Library.
I don’t remember the term “patent infringement” coming up, but I think proprietary rights being considered, was talked about.
I don’t mind inputs/feedback from other people.
Regards
Johnny
This meeting July 8, came in response to the initial letter from Johnny Zook that is available on the Simpson Seed Library site.
I explored the Protocols in this Plant Your Dream Blog
http://curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2194704
Planting Clarity! Simpson Seed Library and Ag Dept Wrap Up
Planting Clarity! Simpson Seed Library and Ag Dept Wrap Up: I have been writing about events with the Simpson Seed Library and Pennsylvania Department of Ag for a number of weeks. This is my wrap-up addressing What the Seed Libraries need to do to come into alignment with current Seed Laws. I report on my conversations with Johnny Zook, the Seed Program Rep. I am aiming to clarify some of the information that created a Viral firestorm.
Date: 8/15/2014 8:20:11 PM ( 14 h ) ... viewed 245 times
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=2196853
SIGNATURE FOR PLANTING CLARITY! SIMPSON SEED LIBRARY-DEPARTMENT OF AG COMMUNICATIONS
I ordered some memorability from the Simpson Public Library site that arrived August 18, 2014. I would like to take these to The National Heirloom Expo September 9,10,11 in Santa Rosa, Ca, where I will teach as well as participate in a National Seed Library Summit. I went into the garden to plant Ancient Grains of Kamut ® Khorasan wheat today that had been sprouting during the last week. I am planting seeds for clarity around the Simpson Seed Library-Department of Ag Communications. May good come from the communication. May all our work pave the way for Seed Libraries to continue to flourish with the well wishes of all. May a National Conversation emerge in support of Seed Saving, Support for Seed Libraries, and GMO Education. I wrote Plant Your Dream Blogs to contribute to this clarity and good outcomes. Today, I heard from Johnny Zook, Seed Program Supervisor, Penn Department of Ag, and Jonelle Darr, Cumberland County Executive Director, home of the Simpson Seed Library. Darr thanked me for attempting to correct the facts and said, "From what I could see, the information that you have regarding my statements, and the library's actions are correct." Johnny Zook said he liked the story and that I included what needed to be told regarding their communications. Here is the story, "Planting Clarity! Simpson Seed Library and Ag Dept Wrap Up," "Planting Clarity! Simpson Seed Library and Ag Dept Wrap Up," --Leslie Goldman, Your Enchanted Gardener, August 18, 2014.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HELP DEVELOP A NATIONAL SEED LIBRARY PROTOCOL & CHANGE SEED LAWS AS NEEDED
View the future! This is the Petaluma Seed Bank, where the dreams and visions of a teenager years ago, Jere Gettle, gave birth to the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed collection, and with the help of an outstanding staff, the upcoming National Heirloom Expo September 9,10,11, 2014. The national Seed Library movement was not on my radar until Johnny Zook, Seed Program Supervisor for the Penn Department of Ag wrote a well intended letter to the newly formed Simpson Seed Library in Mechanicsburg, PA, June 12. He let them know that there were state Seed Laws. A few months later, we have an opportunity, as Departments of Ag everywhere are looking into Seed Library Protocols and how individual Seed Laws relate to Seed Libraries. Will you, as a Seed Saving Enthusiast, as a Supporter of Seed Libraries, as a GMO Educator. answers some informed answers to Johnny Zook so that National Seed Library Protocols can reflect deep wisdom?
http://plantyourdream.net/?p=19058
WORKING TOWARD A NATIONAL SEED LIBRARY PROTOCOL & CHANGING THE SEED LAWS AS NEEDED
This was started Thursday, August 28, 2014.
http://seedlibraries.org/forum/topics/working-toward-a-national-protocol-changing-the-seed-laws-as-well
PLANTING CLARITY! SIMPSON SEED LIBRARY AND AG DEPT WRAP UP
http://curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2196853
SEED PROTOCOL DISCUSSION GROUP NOTES
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=2197727
PLANTING SEEDS FOR A NATIONAL CONVERSATION
http://curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2193937
AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA ASKING FOR SUPPORT FOR SEED LIBRARIES AND GMO EDUCATION
http://curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2193991
HELPING UNCLE SAM MARRY AUNTIE (ANTI) GMO
http://curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2181365
TEACHINGS FOR THE NATIONAL HEIRLOOM EXPO FROM LESLIE GOLDMAN 2014
TEACHINGS FOR THE NATIONAL HEIRLOOM EXPO FROM LESLIE GOLDMAN 2014
I am schedule to teach Helping Uncle Sam Marry Auntie (Auntie) GMO
at 11:30 Tuesday, September 9, in Kraft Hall.
I am scheduled to teach Growing a Healthier Pizza with Plant Your Dream Seeds, with the youth, at 12:15-12:45 pm,, Wed, September 10, 2014 in the Educational & Fun Area.
Got the National Heirloom Expo on my mind, Sep. 9,10,11 2014
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. 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.
http://theheirloomexpo.com/speakers/
http://theheirloomexpo.com/speakers/
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=2197699
COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE SIMPSON LIBRARY AND THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AG ON THE SIMPSON LIBRARY SITE
The Simpson Public Library has done a wonderful job of detailing the main communications about the unfoldment of these events.
http://www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/?q=SIM_SeedLibrary
This Art, How Fast Can a Dream Grow! As Fast as a Blade of Grass! is the centerpiece of our Grow A Healthier Pizza Campaign. Canvas copies are available. Contact me, 619.384.2631.
A GROWING NUMBER OF SEED LIBRARIES NOW EXIST IN MANY PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
This is the way the Seed Library has been working;
Seed libraries, often located in public libraries or other community gathering points, are institutions created for the purpose of sharing seeds. The idea is that a library patron can “check-out” seeds to grow themselves, let “go-to-seed”, and then return seeds to the library to share with other community members. The seeds circulated at lending libraries are usually regionally-adapted and heirloom (unlike most commercial “hybrid” seeds, so that the next generation of seeds will produce plants similar to the parent plant). The purpose of most seed libraries is to provide an alternative to genetically modified seeds, increase biodiversity and plant resilience, and reconnect local people with their food systems.
More about Seed Libraries are found on the seed library social network site
RETURNING SEEDS TO THE SIMPSON LIBRARY
The issue that surfaced through interactions between the Simpson Seed Library and the Pennsylvania Department of Ag was the problem of returning seeds to the Public Library Seed Library. This brought the Seed Library under regulation through the Seed Law of Pennsylvania that has specific rules for seed distributors, Many States have similar seed laws that mirror a Federal seed Law.
MANY SEED LIBRARIES BECAME CONCERNED WHEN THE STORY ABOUT THE SIMPSON SEED LIBRARY AND ITS INTERACTIONS WITH THE PENN DEPARTMENT OF AG WENT VIRAL
David King, who founded the Seed Library of Los Angeles, asks the question in one recent Post, "Are Seed Libraries Illegal?" He is heavily quoted on other subjects in Naomi Cleason's August 5 story in the Carlisle Sentinel "Pa. department backs seed library protocol as reaction grows" . Others are exploring, "Setting the Record Straight on the Legality of Seed Libraries".
HELPING UNCLE SAM MARRY "ANTI" GMO
http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=2181365
A WORKSHOP AT THE NATIONAL HEIRLOOM EXPO 2014, SEPTEMBER 9,10,11 IS NOW SCHEDULED
MAIN GRAPHICS
PLANT PARENTHOOD GARDEN MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
WILL YOU HELP UNCLE SAM MARRY "ANTI" GMO?
This is the Bio Note that appears on the National Heirloom Expo Website:
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.
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.
Speakers at this years National Heirloom Expo
http://www.theheirloomexpo.com/speakers/
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