

894: Why Seed Saving Disappeared with Bill McDorman
Our monthly Seed Chat at SeedChat.org
In This Podcast: Greg and Bill McDorman explore why seed saving virtually disappeared. They reveal how, historically, seed saving was an integral practice for gardeners and farmers, promoting more resilient and adaptable crops. However, the industrialization of agriculture and commercialization of seeds in the 20th century led to a decline in this practice due to economic pressures and the introduction of laws favoring seed patents and protections. Bill recounts the historical developments, including the idea of patenting of plants in the 1930s and the eventual patenting of seeds in the 1980s. The conversation also highlights success stories like the revival of Sonoran White Wheat in Arizona, demonstrating how communities can reclaim and share seeds to build local resilience. They encourage listeners to engage in seed saving and participate in seed libraries to foster a sustainable and abundant agricultural system.
Visit UrbanFarm.org/894 for the show notes and links on this episode!
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