Fare Share Commons
6–8 PM Tuesday, March 24^th, 2009

Location: The Commons, 445 Main Street, Norway, Maine
Speaker: Scott Vlaun, Moose Pond Arts+Ecology
Date: 6–8 PM Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Cost: Free

As the global seed market continues to consolidate, leaving nearly 75% of vegetable seed varieties in the hands of just 5 seed companies, our treasured heirloom varieties continue to disappear and seed diversity remains under threat. A new movement is developing to promote seed security for gardeners and farmers and the development of open-pollinated, bio-regionally adapted seed varieties. Farmers and gardeners are returning to saving seeds as a way of conserving our genetic heritage and developing new robust varieties for the future.

Towards these ends Moose Pond Arts+Ecology will hold their annual Seed Exchange at the Fare Share Commons on March 24th from 6-8 pm. Join local gardeners and farmers to discuss favorite varieties and techniques. Attendees are encouraged to bring whatever extra seeds they might have of their tried-and-true varieties, (whether they saved the seed themselves or not) and to take home many new varieties to try in their garden. A short talk and discussion will focus on dwindling genetic diversity and the importance of maintaining a diverse, locally based supply of bioregionally adapted seeds that are appropriate for low-input organic gardening and farming. We will also discuss collaborating on bulk seed purchases in the future and how to save seed on various crops. Envelopes for collecting seeds will be provided. Bring seeds and ideas for building bioregional seed and food security.

For more information contact Brendan Schauffler at brendan@moosepondarts.com or (207) 739-2409.