Redesigning the Global Seed Commons: A Blueprint for the Future of Food Security

The world is facing a food security crisis. The global population is growing, and the climate is changing, putting a strain on our food systems. At the same time, the seed industry is becoming increasingly concentrated, with a few large corporations controlling a majority of the market. This is a serious problem, because seeds are the foundation of our food system. Without access to diverse, high-quality seeds, we will not be able to feed ourselves.

The good news is that there is a growing movement to redesign the global seed commons. This movement is based on the belief that seeds are a common heritage that should be shared by all, and that we need to develop seed systems that are sustainable, just, and resilient.

This article will explore the urgent need to redesign the global seed commons. We will discuss the challenges facing our current seed systems, and we will present a blueprint for a more just and sustainable future.

Redesigning the Global Seed Commons: Law and Policy for Agrobiodiversity and Food Security (Earthscan Food and Agriculture)

by Phil Simpson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5223 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	293 pages
Hardcover	:	348 pages
Item Weight	:	1.5 pounds
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.81 x 9 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Our current seed systems are facing a number of challenges, including:

• Concentration: The seed industry is becoming increasingly concentrated, with a few large corporations controlling a majority of the market. This concentration of power gives these corporations the ability to set prices, control access to seeds, and influence agricultural policies.
• Lack of diversity: The seed industry is also promoting a lack of diversity in our crops. This is a serious problem, because genetic diversity is essential for resilience to pests, diseases, and climate change.
• Dependence on fossil fuels: The seed industry is heavily dependent on fossil fuels. This is a problem because fossil fuels are a finite resource, and their use is contributing to climate change.
• Injustice: The current seed system is unjust. Indigenous and peasant farmers, who have been the stewards of our seed diversity for centuries, are being marginalized and displaced. Women are also marginalized in the seed industry, and they often lack access to the resources and knowledge they need to participate fully.

The redesign of the global seed commons will require a fundamental shift in the way we think about and manage seeds. We need to move away from the current industrial model of seed production and distribution, and towards a more decentralized, participatory, and sustainable system.

A more just and sustainable seed system would be based on the following principles:

• Diversity: We need to promote the diversity of our crops. This means supporting indigenous and peasant seed systems, and encouraging farmers to grow a wide variety of crops.
• Local control: We need to give farmers more control over their seeds. This means supporting community seed banks, and developing seed laws that protect farmers' rights to save, share, and sell their seeds.
• Sustainability: We need to develop seed systems that are sustainable. This means using agroecological practices to grow seeds, and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
• Justice: We need to create a seed system that is just and equitable. This means supporting indigenous and peasant farmers, and ensuring that women have full access to the resources and knowledge they need to participate fully in the seed sector.

The redesign of the global seed commons is a complex and challenging task, but it is essential for the future of food security. By working together, we can create a more just and sustainable seed system that will nourish our communities and our planet for generations to come.

Redesigning the Global Seed Commons: Law and Policy for Agrobiodiversity and Food Security (Earthscan Food and Agriculture)

by Phil Simpson

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5223 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	293 pages
Hardcover	:	348 pages
Item Weight	:	1.5 pounds
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.81 x 9 inches
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE