Seed Savers Aotearoa is wishing to update its web page with current information about the seed exchanges in NZ. It would be extremely helpful if you could send in current information about your local seed exchange. This is some of the information that is required for the web-site:
Also add any other information that might be useful.
Any information listed on the web page about your seed exchange will help other interested people in your area or around NZ or even overseas make contact with your group or become seed growers or curators. Any link between people growing heirloom seed plants or between people wanting to grow them is extremely valuable. I hear of people in the Nelson region asking for seeds or the stock of the old plants. I presume there are similar requests in other area.In this time the Internet is a valuable tool that enables people to share vast amounts of information. It extends the range of localised seed exchanges. The more information there is about seeds and seed exchanges on web pages, the greater will be the use.
I know we are into spring and you are probably very busy growing on your special old heirloom plants but it would be really great if you can make the time to send some current information about your group.
With the threat of genetically engineered crops in NZ, despite proposed 'buffer zones' and the realization that there may already be imported seeds in NZ garden shops that are already contaminated. It is really important that in every area there are curators or guardians saving seeds of the heirlooms. It is also important that we continue the networking on all levels.
We expect to have a seed register on the web-page very soon. Individuals or groups can list the seeds they are holding. It is hoped that through this listing we will all have a better understanding of the varieties of heirlooms and open pollinated plants being held and grown. We will be able to see where we are doubling up on particular varieties and where there are varieties of plants that really need growing or need to be maintained in larger quantities..
It is also hoped in the near future to have a web-users page for regular dialogue between seed growers. I'll keep you informed.
Contact: John Massey
Email: john@seedsavers.org.nz
Phone: 0-3-546 7098
Post: 45A Washington Rd, Nelson