The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.

USC Canada looks back at its 70 year history and highlights its current work on foods systems around the world.

Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by USC Canada, 2018-11-16 15:32:06

Best of Jottings (HTML version)

USC Canada looks back at its 70 year history and highlights its current work on foods systems around the world.

Keywords: seeds,farming,food

GOOD SEED
GOOD FOOD

asia

Jit Bahadur Singar holds freshly cut
drumsticks. This nutritious fruit, and
traditional Nepali New Year delicacy,

fetches 200Rs per kilogram (about
$2.50 CAD) at market – about 10 times

more than tomatoes.

Photo: Elodie Mantha/USC Canada

Organic revived “My overall production varies a bit, and
in some ways is lower than when I was a
BRINGING BACK FORGOTTEN ORGANIC FARMING PRACTICES maize farmer. But I believe it will continue
to increase over time as we keep learning
There are hints of ecological farming their fields and demonstrate how to use new things and the land continues to
everywhere you look on Jit Bahadur compost and manure to enrich their adapt.”
Singar’s farm. Plastic bottles holding a fields,” he says. It can be hard to relearn ecological
few drops of imitation pheromones hang “Last month, I had a group of farmers practices after decades without them. Jit’s
among bitter gourd plants to attract from another village visit my fields. They parents and grandparents began using
pests. A home brew of animal urine, were very impressed with how productive synthetic fertilizers and pesticides more
leaves, and remnants of garlic, hot pepper they are even without irrigation.” than 30 years ago.
and tobacco – a bio-pesticide – sits in Jit and his wife Kanshi Maya are still “There used to be a lot more biodiversity
blue plastic drums. An invisible colony of learning too. For decades, they were on our farm and in the nearby jungles
worms composts animal and plant waste cash crop farmers, growing maize using before that shift.”
to feed his fields, protected from invading synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. In At 52 years old, the father of six nearly
ants by an ingenious water-filled groove 2009, Jit met staff from Parivartan Nepal qualifies as an elder in his community. But
Jit built into the sides of his composter. and jumped at the opportunity to attend even he couldn’t remember much about
Ants would create trouble for the worms, USC Canada’s Seeds of Survival training. the ecological practices his parents and
he explains. It did not take long for him to decide grandparents used before the synthetic
For the past five years, Jit has been an to shift to organic farming. He sees the inputs and commercial seeds. He’s
ecological role model for farmers in benefits everyday: a better diet for his learning though, and bringing his own
surrounding villages. With USC Canada’s family and diverse produce to sell at modern innovations into the mix.
regional partner, Parivartan Nepal, he market. “That’s what I try to convey to other
shows farmers what’s possible when you “Plus I don’t have to worry as much about villagers,” says Jit. “Relearning how to
go organic. any single crop failing,” he adds. farm in a way that supports greater
“I show them how to improve their animal But he understands why many others still biodiversity is exciting.”
sheds so they can collect urine to fertilize debate making the switch.

Since obtaining three saplings from EOSA a few years ago, the

department has added to their eld of native trees. Today, each

It’s actually the member of the department has “adopted” one seedling and

ern EtLYhiEoOpAiaU. ADnNdEGRSWibseHreeksepOIeoPpniMsnibgTleoEpfHoeNrrakRteioenpLOitnoEgUtihAtetGihrRrpivoHinlNicge. lTIyFhNdeAuyGthieaRsv.eMalsoIaNddeGd a
hSresAd, )t,howSpleuohlirnatpehlngoort,alcaigwncatrteloeilpdeanesaesn’trkaotbef.fnrfdeueairetll,atsthhettIenenuh.rscrePepnoioariuirsionennowsdttnpisnnsbitrgytbhihnaettigohcmskeytoyhoSkaeuerratedhds.sbyofshSCBcuoouaruwnilvndaiinvdtinragiyagltnpshoisrnenohcmgteahrvta1ehem9eds7,uew1tcph,oapUerdsokSeerCtsthpeCoaodaftli’nwiscnaepodtorahaksreesniobinwle in
off like an old pro: firm, aesthetically focuses the entire Bangladesh program
pleasing fruit, early sprouting, handled sounpspmoartll-wscitahle1a0Tg,0rI0iMc0uwlOtuoRrmaleLtnrEauiSnniTdneEgr and
heavy rain well. The list goes on. 30. This kind of long term partnership
means generations of women have
grown better lives for themselves and
their families – and are even passing
their skills down to young women like
Lucky.
If all these seem like good attributes to
you, you’re right. And that is precisely
why 14 year-old Lucky won’t be eating

YOU FUND AWARD WINNING WORKany of the fruit from this okra plant.

These are all traits she has learned are

IN TIMOR LESTEworth saving for the next generation of
okra – she’ll use this particular plant for Shilpi Begum was a member of a USC
nexCtosnegasraotnu’slasteioendss.to our local partner orgaCnaiznaatidoanfianrmTimingorsLkeilslstep,rRoAgEraBmIA!bTehfeore
ihfntstwywvLmrohauoeauoeivetgcuvpltmsuX“cwtpHfhoiyrkeeonnhItooinri’oeyeiemtstlrggeortttuewahkrtnhtohishtonnabs1ewveeaftaefirrstr4doeslpycMvBroeneocrmctrirstceayhaolscmmsrayghoirtr’aehonauhslnrhitlroueloennepgestotlpceoa-winndhnngclsnawssroaf.tetseepicestemcvdriatcA.inash,velnyoogxeLreaiwflUvee.spodgpermuetnsci,yseSopwherhnecatfsgaomrCnsaokgnehrotrtrwntoerytooyrrsoeiCramamotafniikauiuvmcotagsktnswlwihecieepeynnlfrnodlleerolnaTyegassoftlninp.ewrnisetawod.pwmdTwtatrtrvaaoneortthnevtfsesoie-hioodgtoedalisnmwprihnteruetzrhhtsoLagytoeshthopfceeeheruahertoadenpeehls-srherneptnodttmooadearcaehitnsrnwwonrrt’esst’iugtledrbalisrendrutadahtdtlogeeeanudgpseyvaseSiaafltsteeahrhpexoRenflhxd.olasrtetneouaegIAdiimewrnlrwsmdcwnpenEeermtt.iijetgBiiiceemhaneuTp,tgaantdIlphoedgcscblAlhorcseytadorfi’tltteea1rsnienrthhfiuaeeenyo5nhoeayeongdwtod1fdmerxf,atoutrtuMehoSatrowksehposhnycthnareewraeodahokuegvidgndaswlo,ieimtipnngtrdnbawgisndovpiggiyltetgsuhreeowhoalroenlietotcogsmcrleadfodmaaftftogrflwroMeiwhaopded,orursardretrhnuaseeoatermkohochmosrsprragieiuetsldue-inee,otulhwh,fgarormprasafrbitieshdofonwophmrlorlebaiotraeugevetontrolneighzttielholLmnsdwthhytereMtdeluott.agaed,erieaceoyScrrmaauksiroyi,nfrmkahw.ynnegrslfmynoieudgwg2k,oa”o’,mstee0lrshfuekao–.ried
gtorog“uIropcwo, tnhoseirdgyeaarnreRicAevEveBegInAestotaanbrelteionsfgatnhtodemawsaaaryksetto conaLturiencukleeyatarhnneidnag9im,9n9oo9tfjooutushtretvrhisyeioobunenstgot twbraeoitmfsreefeon.rIt’s
theamn iinnstthreumcoemntmfournditeyvteologpamineannt,” he said. “aNnoowkrtahaptlawnet,hbauvtehforewedtoombe, wtheehnaevxetto
IA. incofomlloewthuapt wwaitshndoetvpeolospsimblenbte. Tfohraet.’s why Ig’menveraytmionucohf cleoamdmeristteodo.”.
Photo: Martin Settle/USC Canada

7

CHANGE IN AGRICULTURE IS SLOW

BUT THE BENEFITS ARE LONG TERM

Congratulations to our local partner organization in Timor Leste, RAEBIA! After
nearly two decades working with local farming communities, the country’s
president awarded our colleagues with the Medal of Merit for their unwavering
commitment to helping the young country grow through their work with small-
scale farmers.
“I’m from the generation that contributed directly in the fight for our freedom,”
said Xisto Martins, who accepted the award as RAEBIA’s executive director on
May 20 – the 14th anniversary of Timor Leste’s independence after a decades-
long struggle.
He says he sees working with farmers to grow more food, build soil health, and
protect the environment as the natural next step in working toward a better
future for his country.
“I consider RAEBIA one of the ways to continue the aim of our vision to be free.
It’s an instrument for development,” he said. “Now that we have freedom, we
have to follow up with development. That’s why I’m very much committed.”

Photo: Kathleen Clark/USC Canada

S7e0venYteyaYerasrsowfithCYaounadian

generosity at worKTake a trip around the world of seven decades of work – and all thanks to you,

the donors who make it possible. From 1945 and the early decades of relief and
rteofCFbortaouuonmnaidlddd1aea9iyrn,h4'Dsa5grs.fauotLnoodncututdctahhseeHeordeittnasthhrclfheyeaadlrnigvemoeucvsaieaddo,reftasoshnaoutconfnedrddearloeyieed’fsfasUfaroontScfdhutCh-srefooCrbuniauesfiannladnradidmndslgey.arus'asnagdfnoredirucEtunahrledtthuge-urrfr,iedieD,anwnrd.cliLeytohoagftytUriaocSuuCHltrCiutahrsneec,alUhdpSaa’CsUnoSCva,
Canada has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands.

Canada 2013-Now

France 1946-1980
Italy 1950-1964

Cuba 2007-Now Mali 1987-Now
Senegal 2002-2015
NEW 2015 Guatemala
NEW 2015 Nicaragua Burkina Faso 2001-Now
Honduras 2000-Now
Ghana 1997-1999

Bolivia 2007-Now Italy B
1950: In a matter of months, donors raise enough funds 1
Points along the way for 115 war injured boys to receive prosthetics.

Czechoslovakia South Korea
1945: USC Canada’s rst program country is Dr. Lotta's 1909 birthplace. 1952: Keen to help the children of the post-con ict
country, Canadians collect $50,000 in two months for the
France “Milk for Korea” campaign. Over 26 years, USC Canada
1950s & 60s: Donors raise money for the rst training program USC Canada donors help raise $13-million for the country.
supports for Spanish youth who had ed to France during WWII.
West Bank
Greece 1970s: USC Canada supports clinics and training in
Early 1950s: Tens of thousands of kilograms of food and supplies go to war amttidewntiifoenrytoinJOmthToeTthIBNeaGrlaaStna-drAeinfPufUagneBteLcIcCaarAmeT.pIOpNayOinFgUsSpCecCiaAl NADA
ravaged rural areas, with campaigns like “Bread for Greece” and “March of Diapers.”
In 1952, USC Canada donors famously send a tractor to Mesovouno.
For more info see usc-canada.org/Mesovouno

4

Early Days: An Evolving Mission: Today:
Post Con ict Relief & Rebuilding Seeds of Survival A Focus on Farmers

Canadians collect hundreds of In the 1980s, drought and civil war In 2007, after decades of increasing
thousands of kilograms of food, drive Ethiopian family farmers to eat the work with farmers around seeds,
clothes and supplies for post-WWII
and other con ict areas. Under the only food they have: their seed stock. sustainable agriculture, biodiversity
direction of Dr. Lotta, USC Canada Partnering with the Ethiopian Gene and food sovereignty through the
spends decades feeding children, Bank, USC Canada focuses on seeds:
awarding scholarships, training conserving them, bulking up the supply, Seeds of Survival program, USC
youth, rebuilding rural areas and and getting them into the hands of Canada o cially focuses
farmers who had lost their own. This is
supporting community the start of Seeds of Survival (SoS). SoS prpogroragmramimnginognofnamfaimlyilfyarfmaremrserasnd
development. training and projects spread to other agraon-dbiaogdriovebrisoidtyiv. Teorsditayy.,Taocdoamy,ma on
thceommembornidtgheesmaell bthreidwgeosrkaldl oUnSoCrs
countries. CalalonwadUa'SsCwCoarnk:ahdoawtowdeog: hroowwowuer

growfoooudr fmooadttemrsa.tters.

Czechoslovakia 1945-1949 South Korea 1952-1978

Austria 1948-1958 Nepal 1976- Now

Greece 1950-1979 Bangladesh 1971-Now Hong Kong 1952-1980
Cyprus 1977-1980
India 1953-1975, Vietnam (Hanoi) 1976-1979
West Bank 1970-1975 2005-2010
Gaza Strip 1956-1975

Ethiopia 1988-1997,
2002-Now

South Vietnam 1969-1975

Indonesia 1975-2009

Malawi 1997-1999 Timor Leste 1997-Now

Swaziland 1971-1989

Lesotho Ethiopia Canada
1971-2006 1988: The birthplace of USeSeCdCsaonfaSduar'vsivSaele.ds of Survival. 2013: UDSoCnoCra-fnuanddae'sdwSorSkwooverkrsoevaesrisnesapsirinespairCeasnaaCdaiannadpiraongram:
Botswana TphroegBraumt:aTFhaemBialyuItnaitFiamtivileyoInnitCiaatnivaedoiannCSaeneaddSiaencuSreiteyd. Security.
1971-1989 Honduras
2000: In the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, USC Canada
begins support for devastated hillside farmers. Nepal
2015: Earthquakes devastate many program areas and prompt
Burkina Faso a brief return to USC Canada's roots in relief work. Supporters
2001: The Burkina Faso program born out of a series of dig deep to help Nepali families, raising $167,022.01 for tents,
small sustainable agriculture projects and still runs today. food and fuel, and later, for replacing lost seeds, crops and
livestock. Rebuilding is ongoing.

SEPTEMBER 2015 Timor Leste Nicaragua & Guatemala 5
2013: USC Canada's eld o ce becomes an independent 2015: USC Canada expands the SoS program into two
organization.called RAEBIA. new countries.

africa

Climate change means Amadou Ongoïba’s (left) traditional grain won’t grow. Here he is standing with
his failed crop at harvest time in Dimatro, Douentza region, Mali. Those same seeds that won’t grow for

Amadou are now able to grow for Dji Diarra (right), 160 kilometres away in Ournion, Mopti region.

Photos: Abdrahamane Goïta, USC Mali

THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FARMERS

Finding what works, what seeds will grow where has always The seeds these farmers are testing – the seeds that produced
been a tricky science. And climate change is making it all the no grain in Douentza – are traditional Douentzan seeds. And the
trickier – a struggle that can be life or death for some farmers. failed crop is a snapshot of what’s happening to farmers all around
You wouldn’t know it but the crops in the two photos above the world.
began from the same seed stock. Year after year, the Douentza area experiences worsening
Separated by 160 kilometres of Malian landscape, the crops on the droughts. This year, Amadou and other farmers recorded rainfall
right are full of grain while the crops on the left... well it is harvest in their regions. According to these records, Douentza (top
time and Amadou Ongoïba has nothing to harvest. Amadou is a left photo) had less than half the rain of Mopti (the test region
farmer participating in a USC Canada-supported initiative to test pictured on the top right). The seeds that were once well-
a specific set of seeds’ ability to grow in different regions of the equipped to deal with Douentza are no longer prepared for
country. It is called adaptation testing. the weather there and farmers in the region are having trouble
The premise is straightforward: since saved seeds develop traits keeping the variety of seed alive.
over many years of farmer selection and careful breeding, they But Douentza isn’t giving up on its traditional seeds. With a
become adapted to the local climate and soil. But climate change network of farmers around the country keeping the variety alive
is dramatically altering weather. Many farmers are finding that through these adaptation tests, growers like Amadou will continue
their long treasured traditional seed varieties don’t thrive or even to sow their own. The combined effort from Douentza and farmers
make it to harvest. The side effect: what once grew in one part from tests sites around the country may one day yield a seed with
of the country is now beginning to grow successfully elsewhere. the adaptive traits necessary to survive the changed climate.
By growing seeds in a few different climates across the country, Farmers, like their seeds, will adapt. Programs like this one in Mali
adaptation tests find the regions where these seeds will thrive. can help.

Photo: Abdrahamane Goïta, USC Mali AMADOU’S GRAIN CROP IS LOST
THIS YEAR - BUT HE HAS A PLAN B

Adapting to climate change can be as simple as having
access to a community garden plot.

In Mali tomato harvests are usually come once a year.
Yet Amadou harvests them, and some other fruits and
veggies he can sell at market, from his community
market garden plot throughout the entire year.

This community garden is a hub of innovation where
farmers work with the support of USC Canada to
increase the growing season of market crops. And it
worked. Community members now harvest food from
the garden all year long, instead of just in the summer.

Which is good for Amadou. With climate change
making his grain crops less reliable, he and his family
can now count on the produce from the market
garden.

of all kinds dot the yard, here and there protected In Woreilu, about 400 kilometres north of the capital, Addis

rd or supported with sticks. Yellow box beehives are Ababa, the police department is looking to be a positive
r a small wooden structure across from the main

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS FARMING SECTORuniformed people crowd around a bowl of combs
role model for youth in the area by showcasing EOSA’s work.
h honey, eager to taste-test. Since obtaining three saplings from EOSA a few years ago, the

department has added to their eld of native trees. Today, each

n idyllic farm scene, doesn’t it? It’s actually the member of the department has “adopted” one seedling and
e department, in remote northern Ethiopia. And is responsible for keeping it thriving. They have also added a
ust be the “sweetest” police. beekeeping operation to their policely duties.

go, the Woreilu police approached our local partner Inspired by the Seeds of Survival program, these police are in
Ethio-Organic Seed Action (EOSA), with an idea. turn inspiring youth by showing them the work that’s possible in
t EOSA works with young farmers, the police asked their own backyards.

TIMOR LESTE

YOU FUND AWARD WINNING WORK
IN TIMOR LESTE

Congratulations to our local partner organization in Timor Leste, RAEBIA! The

country’s president awarded our colleagues with the Medal of Merit for their
unwavering commitment to helping the young country grow through thPehiortow: Goernkevieve Grossenbacher/USC Canada

Elsa Abate is a force in her field awnidthaswmoamll-ascnaolef ffiarrsmtse. Srsh. e was the where family farmers conserve crucial genetic resources adapted
CfwirShsBteswreaorfemarpamanerttrossocccahinaailgrheautCbloo, ampnamsrtoutfnrasi“XteiInyi’emsitSdnoefsgreMoacdtmeatBrnhttatihernneesbk,age(wnCegdhSninoBepn)raa.aincrItntcigoepEnopltafhttcethiehodapettihccaore,onaptwribarud–tCtoSesaBdttshrsaRdeatAiierrrEeeglBcoicetIceAlsyan’stliithnteryaexttseahacnoerudfetigidnevhnesesvtodeefvonilarortetipiocaotlubnofrao,rfctrorrkecan-eliuinMdmpionaasmygtteo2,a”rc0nsehads–iadoknfnglooewcaaldeladspegteead-tsisohunapr.ipnlgie.s
planting season. She just becamteheth1e4fthirastnwniovemrsaanrytooffilTlitmhoerroLelestoef’s inPdaerptiecnipdaetnocrey vaaftreier taadl seeclaedcetiso-nloinsginstteruggragtleed. into the CSB work,
deputy chairperson (a position similar to a deputy mayor) of the and is a powerful way for farmers to be actively involved in the
town of Segno Gebeya, EthiopiaH, aecscaoyrsdhinegsetoesowurolrokcinagl pwairtthnefar,rmers ptorogcreosws omfoserelefcotoindg, baunidldtseostilinhgeanlethw, acnrodp varieties that are
Ethio Organic Seed Action (EOSAp)r.otect the environment as the naturaaldnaepxttesdtetpo itnhewiroorkwinngnteoewdasradnadbeentvteirrofnumtuerents. It’s a space where
farmers can share information about watershed management
As Elsa takes on leadership in hefrolrohciaslcgoouvnetrrnym. ent, her daughter and soil and water conservation.
is following in her fCoSoBts, twehpes.reAlsmh“IeaczhoAenlbspiasdteeorrjgoRaiAnnEeiBzdeIAtghoeenncedooemrf mthiettweeays CcoSnBtsinaluseotohfefearimtheofchoaunr cveistioonletaorbne, tfhreroeu. Igth’s farmer field schools
that runs her local to

awareness training for the seed abnaninks’strmumemenbtefrosr. development,” he saaidn.d“Ntroawinitnhgatfowrewhoamveefnreaenddoymo,uwthe ihnacvreotpoproductivity and
isto MarTtinhse, efxoeucuntidveatdiiorenctoorfotfhReAESBeIAe.ds of Sfoulrlvoiwvaul pprwoigtrhadme,vCeSloBpsmareenpt.laTcheast’s whinycIo’mmveegreynmeuracthincgomacmtivititeieds.”.

7

MAKING THE

MOST OF LOCAL

DIVERSITY

With our partner in Burkina Faso, we will
explore the potential for creating value
added products. The Dolotieres are
women who produce a local beer called
Dolo or Chapalo made from fermented
red sorghum and millet. There may be
an opportunity to scale-up production
as well as extend its distribution.

Photo: Genevieve Grossenbacher/USC Canada

Latin america

RECIPE FOR A
SUSTAINABLE FOOD
SYSTEM

For millions in Central America, 2015-2016
was the driest year in recent memory. With the
triple threat of climate change, a strong El Niño,
and the region’s natural tendency for drought,
farmers in the Dry Corridor, a swath of land
encompassing parts of Guatemala, Honduras
and Nicaragua, were especially vulnerable. It’s
estimated that 3.5 million people were in need
of humanitarian assistance.

We work with family farmers to make sure
they can navigate times like these. Here are
some activities farmers use to adapt to climate
change in Central America.

DIVERSIFY BREED CROPS TO BUILD COMMUNITY
SURVIVE DROUGHT SEED BANKS

“The solution is to diversify,” says Juana Farmer Santos Manuel Miranda (above) Seed banks give communities a secure
Mercedes López, a member of Seeds has not seen a normal corn harvest in place to save seeds, keeping diversity from
of Survival Nicaragua. Farmers you seven years. Unpredictable precipitation being lost and giving farmers like Santos
support throughout the Dry Corridor are – often no rain at all – has made growing in Nicaragua more options when breeding
diversifying their fields as an insurance maize in rural Madriz, Nicaragua near crops to handle drought. In Guatemala,
policy against increasingly erratic seasons. impossible. Family farmers have picked up four new seed banks will help our
In Madriz, Lino Paz Lopez (above) sows their lives and moved to cities in search of partner ASOCUCH safeguard high levels
maize and millet together. So if the maize work as many local maize varieties have of maize diversity in the Cuchumatanes
dies, he still reaps millet, a grain that vanished, having died out after years of region.Farmers also use seed banks as
thrives with little water. Next he plants crop failures. Santos is part of a network of safe deposit boxes for surplus seeds,
sorghum, a quick growing grain, to make corn breeders who are working together withdrawing them if they lose their crops
up for the lack of maize. to improve the plant’s ability to survive to drought, food or other climate event
drought, with USC Canada support, so common in the Dry Corridor.
farmers won’t be forced to leave their
homes.

Why Local?

This photo was taken after an early
frost in the Bolivian highlands. On
the left are local potato varieties. On
the right, a frost damaged imported
variety. Imagine if this farmer was
only planting the imported variety?
USC Canada works with farmers in
Bolivia to keep important local crop

varieties from going extinct.

KEEP WATER IN
THE SOIL

DISAPPEARING CORN

MAKING TORTILLAS WITHOUT THE MAIN INGREDIENT

“By planting trees, there is water,” explains Photo: Beatriz Oliver/USC Canada
Juan González. Father and son farming
team Juan and Daniel swear by planting What can family farmers turn to when variety, Nicaraguan farmer researcher
trees amongst their diverse range of crops they can’t harvest maize? It turns out, groups actually bred the sorghum by
in Totogalpa department, Nicaragua. sorghum – specifically the variety selecting the ones that become the
These trees not only bear fruit but grow Sorgo Blanco Tortillero – is a pretty best tortillas.
soil health by keeping moisture in the tasty tortilla alternative. Soon, farmers we work with in
ground. Juan even teaches his neighbours “Tortilla is so important,” says Marvin Honduras will have the chance to
about the benefits of trees, passing Gómez, our Seeds of Survival grow Sorgo Blanco Tortillero too, when
along seedlings and instructions. In the facilitator based in Honduras, of they begin adapting the Nicaraguan
past year, 236 families in Guatemala and the daily staple. Whether or not a variety to their own fields. Having the
Nicaragua received seedlings and training sorghum strain is good for tortillas option to switch to sorghum is crucial
on how to use them. That’s 236 families can make or break the variety, he in the Dry Corridor: the grain uses half
who are now better prepared for drought. says. Crossing a sorghum variety the water corn needs to grow.
from Burkina Faso with a local

canada

Gretchen Bauta and farmer Jeremy
Pitchford discuss radish seed pods at
Glorious Organics in Aldergrove, B.C.

Photo: Kathleen Clark/USC Canada

THE GLOBAL STRUGGLE FOR SEED SECURITY

CANADIAN FARMERS NEED OUR HELP TOO

It began as a love for a good loaf of bread. funding led to The Bauta Family Initiative the country, like short growing seasons,
This simple pleasure led Gretchen Bauta on Canadian Seed Security, our Canadian droughts, pests, or disease.
to wonder about what goes into every Seeds of Survival program – an initiative USC Canada links them with our country’s
slice: the baking, the farming and – like she says she is proud (and a little shy) top researchers to breed crops that are
following a trail of breadcrumbs – back to to lend her name. Today, the program is perfectly adapted for where they’re
the seeds that grow the wheat. advancing seed diversity and security in growing and that are hardier than their
The further she looked into seeds, the Canada with a network of partners and imported cousins.
more she realized Canada was losing farmers from coast to coast. We are also supporting the creation and
them. Large-scale production of a few Seed security isn’t a new idea. Farmers expansion of regional seed banks that
commercial crops is the backbone of have been doing it for millennia – picking store locally-adapted seed and keep it
Canada’s agriculture. A narrow seed the best seeds, saving them, adapting in the public domain! Seed banks are
stock bred for yield, uniformity and the genetic strain with time and patience key to preserving seed heritage and
growth under controlled conditions, to grow faster, produce more, and taste stopping corporations from profiting from
leaves us vulnerable to the uncontrolled, better. But as more and more seed is something we all need to survive.
unpredictable conditions climate change imported in Canada, it’s becoming a lost All thanks to a bright idea from Gretchen
brings. art. Bauta, who saw a problem and jumped on
“It struck me as very, very important to We’re working to connect farmers to one the opportunity to fix it. And after seeing
maintain the biodiversity which is being another to exchange information, share the work farmers are doing first hand,
lost at a tremendous rate in all directions,” best practices, and develop seed security she says it only reaffirms to her that this
said Mrs. Bauta. She realized Canada’s together. And because no one knows program is a necessary investment for a
vast land of extremely varying climates seeds like farmers do we’re integrating flourishing future.
would need a diversity of seeds to match. them more deeply into the process of “I just had a great feeling of satisfaction
“We have to keep as wide a range of plant breeding. Farmers can shape and that this is the right thing to do,” she said.
biodiversity as we can.” diversify crops to address the issues they “This is what needs to be done.”
So that’s what she did. Her vision and most commonly face in their part of

and family and move to the city or out of the country in search ETHIOPIA

of work. What they can nd instead is more unemployment or
precarious, even dangerous jobs outside of Ethiopia.
TO SER VE AND PROTEC T… BIODIVERSIT Y!A member of the police department with her adopted sapling.
es of all kinds dot the yard, here and there protected In Woreilu, about 400 kilometres north of the capital, Addis
board or supported with sticks. Yellow box beehives arePhoto: Sylvie Perras/USC CanadaAbaba, the police depatrhtemoerngtainsilzoaotikoinngfotrosbaeplainpgosstithievey could nurture and grow on
nder a small wooden structure across from the main role model for youth inththeeiracroema pboyusnhdow. TchaesipnlganE,OthSAey’sswaoidr,kw. as to promote growth and
nd uniformed people crowd around a bowl of combs Since obtaining three scaopnlisnegrvsafrtoiomn oEOf nSaAtiavefetwreyeesaarnsdagmoo, ttihveate people in the region to
with honey, eager to taste-test. department has addeddtootthheeisrameeld–oefsnpaetciviaelltyreyeosu. tTho.day, each

e an idyllic farm scene, doesn’t it? It’s actually the member of the departmEtehniotphiaasis“aodnoepotefdth” eonfaessteesetdelixnpgaanndding economies in the world
olice department, in remote northern Ethiopia. And is responsible for keepibnugtirtutrharlivyionugt.hThoeftyenhadvoenaolstoreaadpdethdeabene ts of this growth.
ht just be the “sweetest” police. beekeeping operationGtoettthinegir apcocleicseslytodfuatrimesl.and in or around their villages can be

rs ago, the Woreilu police approached our local partner Inspired by the Seeds onfeSaurrivmivpaol spsriobgler.aWmi,ththneosepplaocleicteoafraermin, they leave their homes
on, Ethio-Organic Seed Action (EOSA), with an idea. turn inspiring youth byasnhdofwaminiglythanedmmthoevewtoorkththeacti’tsypoorsosiubtleofinthe country in search
hat EOSA works with youAnmgefmabrmer oefrtsh,ethpoelipceodleicpearatmskeendt with of work. What they can nd instead is more unemployment or
htehr aediropotwednsabpalicnkg.yards. precarious, even dangerous jobs outside of Ethiopia.

Young trees of all kinds dot the yard, here and there protected In Woreilu, about 4T0I0MkilOomRetLreEsSnTorEth of the capital, Addis
with cardboard or supported with sticks. Yellow box beehives are
Ababa, the police department is lookingPthoobtoe: HaelpenoJseintisveen/USC Canada
NOT YOUR AVERAGE CORNnestled under a small wooden structure across from the main role model for youth in the area by showcasing EOSA’s work.

YO U F U N D AWA R D W I N N I N G W O R KnMoatutdhbdeeruFiripeoldpgritiunenlggahraawfnsaidtarheuphdnaooisfnsmoieorimynn,aeeftodainrgpgceeorCortanpon.letBaaducsrtatoe’sw-tedsat.ro(bPuaPsnBed)dmaobonodawe“llp.oTaofrtcgiocemitphabetsro, rbyrepelSdadienneptrcsaberarotenmbedtdeaniinntgihn”ags
thr“eTehsaatp’sliwnghsy fproamrticEiOpaStAoaryfebwreyeedainrsgago, the
adpdreodjetcottshaerier anelidnotefgnraatlivpearttreoefsU. TSoCday, each
I N T I M O R L E S T Ec“msiwtinnhIaothtuyarhesenstcaor.nhwed“fmWTKtoSi.BswdeehIhotrnoulroiegefedrunoegtenresansgweceteedesn.hodilnialeimmynauluzsenivetakglolieepd’daigstekulitorthoowwbehswosltpniaeahahcyesj,etgeuneyog’eErdEolseelrdtIileOtodoh,flerQsootbwywSiepohorvlueAbilame-elniceuOictrwvoWghbtmeifremlroeeagdsonvsyrrco“aietarkmnsvowenncrswmgaiicoitoelscwrku,evaaitcrieSeiikennfepetnetetCwcurhynsisoereeeoeenoo,eei”slmyddwdtusiwn,mtschon”dhogeAauopstoerrvcranmeatoeeytepgtilsr’auoispinncflnlnlpera’ao-togr.srtlano“vnf(rimoeaicaEtTtancoreehacs?rOcghoredwnmihlaeidIaeeSmrdstlernsneelA’otnssfiytd,miusnario)ret-caoss,Egrttahosiucmwrfottccadaeuithmielotrunswuiaaeroitipnrowoipreahtrlsacogohsdlnplntsoril.alveecteyidaitichthnacaadylietsatee.olrothccidlwisArrpdneaoepeaihnotaeestlsnieaaeei.trkadruevdrsgt,ele.rtpsnecsetndbcoinehowneovrrntafegrailitvcoltdorehtoecniahretnargatbiItmugotensnnhutliaenuie.serfyremonaeTiieepnsomqtinilkhrssozistutuiraepeooboanhwdeneleotwesederchfgiippnefortarrnlahbinsesiarcnornmuiyobaviftbgnidlhtouantttsleglheohsecun,e”T:kepertyfMiorymeodSyarerueeoargkdtedptrehra“oiYAsCcidsaosLoSeuole.fasbrewpsnoposamtSnyesotmamifrutanatesfmnsoMehdriegeihSone,vnrautnteuoRoilfaihgi’vtntsrmrwoAbhueiavtihttafgalEtihilaeierapnfyvcrBhprnosdspahgpilItrrgvoiAt“looeortwhatiticpo’!nlfbshghdgieasToarcgelretoloeihecaerarh.miftkgphernlTmowe–ytrthldoihtaaeooa,dn”ehdmtdebnrnsuyeeko”aadplst,ryhuowyi,ketretFashroenweaosovergddJe.sraseerstklusystoeynraecentebfslh–’pteosceseaiadoooerertnlteenllndaSi.a’issacnt.ee”dulempgydedlotadaesfsrosn.desrdiabinle in
universe of corn in Canada.” “I’m from thseaygseHneerleatnioJnenthseant ,coounrtrQibuuetbeedcdrieregciotlnyailn the egxhpteforirmoeunrtferedewdoitmh ,t”hseaipdroject’s four new
IYNOTUI MF UONRDL EASWTAE R D W I N N I N G W O R KXisto MtTofTmpFGAahohhrraneragorrreemndoittagzieeufpnnererarsegarori,acoscbsmhevtlejxuaueeoieTestgirsccfhdl,osuedrtLmeesti,ifcia.wewnviBuolesClgehasldttaortuihsiuecrohoteferhaancpeeftrco.oiFtmsAiuhrsatgpor.emedrfArareeRso-irsnleAlvtbyetteEieaihdBIdoglnloeIlAsbayidpt.DproiuefeauiridretgnQneidvafcudooientnéertXf“HfparoigoooghbIdcnrireascnrleoeltoinoshctno1eanwi,isc4sycMsttsticruhduaothpaerhmunetrweinnensRonmgEcmcgdctieienstoohAavrfrruinh,seiotyooceroatEstwtv.snnifwwhrsrldarBmoilisdwhroetneoIvenafroAiieonaccvaoournrdnwurseygernorwtamemilksleaeianctootovteioursotcilenhfenepnerierprcCrneaTeglo.mgeoobopnnori“sttum,pfowopTuetocendafttetrfhotmonontsoigbihiptdtcolertmwterehrteebeoer.rathtr,LaynTioesnhmhfwsttteeyb’athuttsiradeetizsiao,rkui”ncalesripiltmeayraitriahinttaelntdreditsedw’tnoeyst’ieeisgydte.oustsansrawytspOoispnsriwnaonfrsadaefohdwsto.nctddialiehddoryIotrotdceeanfnhetooa.lnefIgpsrooee“t’rhbemtsNtfowrednxrRaiacihiognguluntnogAwrreieowvatuimhnsrodwlEtyevpanltbeeeliteBemroeqr,ae.itt”rerndyctIptorhsciurAhsohaceiamlaeatoi’bo,eeresdnlteldneyupieaawokwsfgcxaifoeumteheoreortcrhcrndockuoaaeo,iftnvmbrtsy“onSvecilodvlehgTaoeaoaouerueemgyherasofaritcrkilrsgyydaerogerkidaevestnaFiwettcuytdeciresi–oonesidaeoehedecoapidrincounsswesozriutc.tldy-”nae!efwmgoplohsoto.wraertiri“eeus,rnotnoktToaabwahrhgnchevniwbvleeoodettleeasiehthsyiMnmmttyhtroe,ererefhiTeaeaauurweiwsrneMivvyntarg-mofheiegeginudecg2eep.erroosdtttew0ldIoreueToo.trreawTn’ts–.snrsLIalaue.hoeMniosapnenfstnafoetittetOrMedrrehhmr,gseeeoeRtRatexhruAnnmirkcatrsLEeiiicnt’tfafBxeomclEroctIwhdrkAoSuafee.t”he!rrrhTtnnTkwas,”eshetEaiterre
Canadian Seed Security, USC Canada’s quality cropusn. wavering commitment to helping the young country grow through their work
016 Canadian Seeds of Survival program, is 7
with small-scale farmers.

ASSESSING SEED SECURITY IN CUBA“I’m from the generation that contributed directly in the ght for our freedom,” said
Xisto Martins, who accepted the award as RAEBIA’s executive director on May 20 –

Photo: Kathleen Clark/USC Canada If builditnhgea1n4tihnacnlunsiivveer,ssaercyuorfeT, liomcoarl Lseeestde’ssyisntdeempeisntdheengcoeaalf,tiet’rsaimdpecoardtaenst-ltoonkgnsotrwuggle.
what the starting point is. That’s where our unique Seed Security Assessment (SSA)
comes iHn.eTshaeysSShAe scereeastwesoarkpinicgtuwriethoffatrhmeecrusrtroengtrostwatme oorfesefoeodds,inbuailcdosmomil huenaitltyh, , and
includinpgrosteeecdt athveaielanbviilriotyn, macecnetssaisbtilhitey,nqautuarlaitlyn, leoxctasltaedpaipntwatoiorkni,ndgivteorwsiatryd, aanbdetter future
farmersf’ocraphaisccitoyutnotrpyr.oduce their own.

pThaertiScSipA“aIwtceaodsn. ssWuidocecrrkeRisnsAgfEuwBllIyiAthpoillnooecteaodlfftianhrmeCuwebrasayh,swetolhpeceordeneatsinctaurobeslitssh-hseeaacbitmiaosnoefolionf ufearfrvrmoismeiorsnwthoicbhetfhreee. It’s
farmersa, lnoicnasltNruGmOesnatnfdorUdSeCveClaonpamdeancta,”nhwe soarikdt.o“Ngoetwhethr atot wmeahpaovuetfrsetreadtoegmie, ws teohave to
Xisto Martins, executive director of RAEBIsAt.rengthfoelnlotwheupsewedithsydsetevmelo, rpemduecnet.rTishka,ta’snwdhbyuIi’lmd lvoecraylmseuecdhscoovmermeiigttnetdy.”

Photo: Michel Pou/USC Canada

SEPTEMBER 2016 7

CELEBRATE seedS

and the farmers who save them

Growing good food means growing good seed.
Become part of a worldwide movement to build a healthier

food system.

usc-canada.org


Click to View FlipBook Version