ALBANY — The third biennial Northeast Organic Seed Conference will take place virtually from January 16 – 24, 2021. A “conference within a conference”, this event is held in conjunction with the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York’s 2021 Winter Conference.
Historically, seed growing and seed distribution was embedded within the work of farmers and gardeners in the Northeastern US. While the last 70 years has seen a consistent decline in the local knowledge and infrastructure needed to adapt, grow and steward our own seed supply, some individuals and communities have persevered in keeping seed traditions. Thankfully, a revival of seed skills is gaining traction. Also rooted in that resilient seed ethos of our past, steady patronage to regional seed companies reflects a social understanding that good seed choices yield successful harvest.
In contrast to that rebounding strength, climate change pressures as well as the global health crisis of the past year have revealed vulnerabilities within the seed supply chain that supports our Northeastern gardens, farms, and overall food system. Within these crises, we are recognizing the value of community and asking good questions about the potential and viability of seed sovereignty.
The Northeast Organic Seed Conference will offer a week of virtual workshops and discussion groups on topics including seed saving, organic seed production, seed rematriation, Indigenous seed stewardship, and plant breeding. Featured speaker Banu Subramaniam, Professor of Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, will offer a keynote address on Thursday, January 21 .
Visit nofany.org/2021-winter-conference/seed-conference/ to access the full event schedule and register for the conference.
–Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York