Agro-Biodiversity Archive
Are we Losing our Bananas?
There’s nothing banal about bananas. They’re one of the world’s favourite fruits. Like so much of our food, however, because of a lack of diversity in commercial banana crops, it’s vulnerable to disease and demise. The Globe & Mail peels off some interesting banana history in a recent article. Read More…
National Geo Spotlights Seeds of Survival
A new story in National Geographic wonderfully captures the essence of our mission to preserve and rebuild agricultural biodiversity in countries like Ethiopia. The piece chronicles the important work of farming community leaders like Jemal Mohammed, and the co-founder of our Seeds of Survival program, Dr. Melaku Worede. Read More…
Spotlight on Mali
Our Africa Program Manager, Sarah Dalle, has just returned from a visit to the Douentza region of Mali with a wealth of stories and pictures. Take the tour yourself on this eye-opening visit with local farmers’ groups working to strengthen community seed banking networks, market gardens, and the participation of young farmers and farmer apprentices. Read More…
Bolivia’s Growing Biodiversity
Shy no more, Ignacia Aguilar, a farmer in northern Bolivia, stands out as a passionate and enthusiastic advocate of crop diversity, anxious to tell visitors of the tremendous success of new vegetable crops now growing in her Andean community. Read More…
Get Growing! A USC Challenge
Do your part to expand the world’s biodiversity by planting a few seeds. Take a look at the giant cauliflower farmer Purna Maharjan grew in Nepal after taking USC training on natural pesticides and fertilizers; or the giant sorgum Ken Torrence grew in Ottawa; or the beans 9-year-old Laura grew and saved last year after attending a USC seed talk. If they can do it, so can you. Read More…