A large and ambitious seed-saving program aims to safeguard the future of global agriculture. EarthSky spoke to Cary Fowler, executive director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, at a science meeting in early 2009.
Cary Fowler: In the next 2 years, we’re going to rescue from extinction about 100 thousand unique varieties of agricultural crops.
Seeds include rare varieties of wheat, grains, corn, and yams, among others. Plant breeders combine the genetic traits of different crops to create varieties that can overcome heat, drought, and pests in farmers’ fields.
Cary Fowler: We can’t assume that agriculture will simply be more and more productive because we want it to be more productive, we have to do something to make it more productive. The best, most efficient, greenest way to do that is to use the natural diversity that really exists.
Fowler said that currently these seeds are stored in unstable conditions, while losing their ability to grow. Fowler’s organization helps to plant and harvest the seeds, and the new seeds will be stored in seed banks including the Svalbard Global Seed Vault – known as the Doomsday Vault – near the North Pole. Fowler said the program will lower the threat of worldwide hunger.
Cary Fowler: Don’t make the assumption that agriculture is ready for climate change or ready to feed a world growing population. But do take some solace in the fact that it can be ready if we do our work properly.
Our thanks to:
Cary Fowler
Executive Director
Global Crop Diversity Trust
Rome, Italy
During the present cooling, I think I would put the ‘doomsday vault’ somewhere south where it won’t be covered in ice.
F1 and F3 hybrids produce much more, but do not breed true. You cannot collect seeds and replant. See Gregor Mendel’s work.
You folks in the city had best try to protect yourselves. You have three days food in your stores and no way to raise or harvest more. Our economy is on the brink of destruction. When the trucks stop, you starve. There are no reserves. In the colder climates, there is little chance to start unless it is early spring. There will be no food for several months after planting.
Do you know how to survive without grocery stores? Can you live without running water? Without showers? Without automobiles?
Please understand, the current climate is leading to the end of the industrial age. Quite possible a return to the dark ages. Are you ready?