USC Canada

Peru Bans GMOs for 10 years

Both activists and scientists consider this a coup. “In the end, it’s not a law that’s ‘against’ anything,” says Antonietta Gutierrez, a biologist at Peru’s National Agrarian University. “This is a law in favour of biosecurity. The idea is that there should be a responsible way of using technology, so that it helps us develop resources – and at the same time, doesn’t destroy what we already have.” Read More…

New Book Features USC Canada in Nepal

Best-selling food writer Sarah Elton features a story about our seed work in Nepal in her new book, Consumed: Food for a Finite Planet. Sarah tells the story of a 2008 crop failure caused by poor, imported seed and how our Nepali partner, Parivartan, began helping local farmers return to using and saving their own diverse heritage seeds. Read the excerpt here…

The Hidden World Under Our Feet

Without robust soil ecosystems, the world’s food web would be in serious trouble. This excellent NY times story explains why and how the effects of conventional agriculture have undermined soil health. Read More…

Weird and Wonderful

Want a break from your regular staple of veggies? Chances are you may not have tried out these marvelous exotics before. Read More…

Seed Saving Threatened in Europe

A new, restrictive law in Europe would make it illegal to grow, reproduce or trade any vegetable seed not “tested, approved and accepted.” Nearly all varieties of heirloom vegetable seeds would be criminalized under the proposed law. Read More…

Timor Leste’s Transformation

In a relatively short time, our partners in Timor Leste have had a major impact on the lives of farming communities there. The landscape within the Laclo River basin has changed from one of barren, degraded hills into lush and productive soils, replanted with native trees. Read More…

Is Organic Better? Ask a fruit fly!

A fascinating story in the New York Times looks at a new research study inspired by a young student that has produced some very interesting evidence…and all with the help of fruit flies! Read More… Read More ...

Global Community Gathering

In the last week of April, our entire USC community came together – partners from every corner of the globe. Many challenges lie ahead. But so does our confidence that, together, we’re on a path to a more just and healthy food system for all. Read More…

Hey Honduras!

Tim Baker – the lead singer of the Juno-nominated band, Hey Rosetta! – visited our Honduras program last August. This video highlights the lessons he took away from this beautiful but challenging country. More…

Our Canadian Seed Program

We’re thrilled to announce The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security. With a generous grant from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, this initiative promotes local and diverse seed countrywide and a ‘made-in-Canada’ seed supply. Read more.

Walk or Run or Ski for Biodiversity!

Join dedicated runners, walkers, skiers and snowshoers across Canada in the Run for Biodiversity (R4B). Help raise funds to support seed-saving farmers in Ethiopia, Nepal, and Honduras.

Halifax, May 18-19, Ethiopia
Ottawa, May 25-26, Ethiopia
Vancouver, Jun 23, Nepal
Victoria, Oct 13, Nepal
Toronto, Oct 20, Honduras

Email David at r4b@usc-canada.org for details.