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Our new Power of the Pod report offers an antidote to the food crisis

In our new research paper, Power of the Pod, our associate director of science Bruce Pearce discusses the critical role of seed conservation for the future of food.
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Our research paper shows there’s been a steady erosion of seed growing and saving skills (Credit: Ffern.co)

Until only a few generations ago, gardeners and growers did not rely on the big seed companies for their seeds but bred, maintained and shared varieties that fitted their specific environmental and customer needs. This created a highly resilient food system built on genetic diversity.

But over the last two centuries a number of climatic, social and horticultural factors have triggered a major decline in vegetable diversity. Many heritage vegetables have disappeared, and there’s been a steady erosion of seed growing and saving skills – and even, a loss of nutrient content. 

Our report is launched on 17 November. If you would like to read the full report please email [email protected].

Why it’s vital to safeguard seeds

Published to mark our Heritage Seed Library’s 50th year, our Power of the Pod research paper shows why fighting to protect heritage seeds and seed-saving skills before they’re lost can bolster our food security.

Genetic diversity is essential for climate resilience, food security and nutrition. Heritage and open-pollinated varieties often possess valuable traits that address climate resilience such as drought tolerance, disease resistance and adaptability to local conditions.

Support from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall 

The report contains a special foreword from chef, gardener and environmental campaigner Hugh Feanley-Whittingstall. In it he says:

“We cannot take the Earth’s ability to feed us for granted and we cannot trust industrial agriculture, with its vast monocultures, to do the job indefinitely…we’ve got to find better ways.

“We need vegetable varieties that are resilient and locally adapted…we need the tradition of growing vegetables and saving and swapping seed to thrive. As this report sets out, seed saving nurtures food resilience. It supports food systems that are local, self-supporting, community based, and truly sustainable.”

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Key findings from the report: 
  1. The reasons behind the loss in vegetable varieties - such as the industrialisation of agriculture and prohibitive regulation, and its impact.
  2. How seed saving skills have been lost – putting growing choice and long-term sustainability at risk.
  3. The debate around F1 seeds and seed patents, which puts food security and sovereignty in the hands of a few powerful companies.
  4. Government needs to do more to support heritage seed conservation and training, and the relocalisation and regionalisation of food production.

If you would like to read the full report email [email protected].