Watchword: Seed Sovereignty

In an effort to draw attention to the best and brightest ideas in sustainability, the Lexicon of Sustainability's Food List project defines the words that are integral to a healthy, transparent, accountable food system. Each week, we explore a new word through information artwork, films and written works. See the full list of Food List words here.

Seed Sovereignty: "The farmer’s right to breed and exchange diverse open source seeds which can be saved and which are not patented, genetically modified, owned or controlled by emerging seed giants."-Vandana Shiva

In this photo: Dr. Vandana Shiva is a scientist and environmentalist. She combines resistance to giant corporations seeking to privatize and own seed and water with building alternatives so that the basis of life stays in the commons and supports all life.

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Check out this short video on PBS and then pass it along! In the last century nearly 75 percent of our agricultural crops have disappeared. Traditionally, farmers would save and share these seeds with each other, but now most seed production is controlled by only a few companies. Vandana Shiva explains the importance of protecting the culture and biodiversity of seeds. It’s what she calls seed sovereignty. Download the film discussion guide here.

For the past three years, the Lexicon of Sustainability has sought out the foremost practitioners of sustainability in food and farming to gain their insights and experiences on this important subject. What began as a photography project to spread their knowledge has grown to include short films, study guides, traveling shows, a book and lastly a website where people can add their own terms to this ever-evolving lexicon. See more at: www.lexiconofsustainability.com

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