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The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food

1/22/2013

Same Story Different Seed

The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food by Janisse Ray

"This is not a textbook on seed saving. I am looking to inspire you with my own life." - Janisse Ray

I believe this excerpt taken from the introduction sums up the book rather well. Each chapter is a story in the authors life. A story about different types of seeds & the individuals involved in each seed. The story for each seed although different is essentially the same - the story behind the seed. The importance of saving seed. The dangers of genetically engineered seed & corporations rather than individual rights to seeds.

When I first began to read, I was enthralled. In nearly every page or two I found that I wanted to post quotes from the author. The importance of seeds resonates deeply within us. I run a small Eco-Farm so seed saving, digging in the dirt & GM avoidance are of intense interest to me.

The disappointing part of this book is that except for a few spots, you will not learn much about the how of seed saving. There is a good chapter for hand pollination of my favorite pumpkin the Musque de Provence. But as the author freely admits, this is not a book about how to save seed, it is a book about her passion & love of seeds. If you are searching for a book to instruct you on the hows, this is not the book you want. If you want to be inspired to save your own seed, this might work for you. I say might because even for me, a lover of dirt, sun & seeds, it got a little tiresome. Another story about another seed & someones opinion on seeds.

Even though this is not my favorite book, it still contains a very important message. The message is pure. The message is good. It is as sweet as a brand new day in its utter simplicity. If we don't take back our seeds, learn what our great (great?) grandparents knew, we may loose our seeds forever. Seeds shouldn't be owned & patented by corporations. They should be freely shared & traded. Local organic seeds are better than packaged seeds as they have adapted to your environment. The seed. So simple. So pure. It's all about the seeds & how we must protect them & in turn protect ourselves.

If after reading this book, you find yourself inspired to start your own seed saving journey, the author provides a section on resources. Listing organizations, publications, suppliers & more.

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The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food

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