Corn as “Bio-Artifact.” Corn through which to understand the relationship between humans and a biological seed, through the dynamics of history. Corn as a lens to view the tension between Food as a Commons and Food as Commodity. Corn as a brilliant idea for an art exhibition. Beam me to Oaxaca, Scotty!
Last week I received some exciting seeds in a Seed Swap, yet I still need to order a few more packets of particular veg I want to grow, so I’m thinking about seeds… I know so little really, so what I share may seem basic, or maybe not…
In a recent post on Syngenta’s Kumato Tomatoes, I discussed some social-political-ecological problems inherent in the patenting of seeds, in this case, a hybrid variety.
This is a really good, concise piece by Vertical Veg on the problems with F1 hybrids.
Hybrids are often promoted by big seed companies, but they are less desirable for small, ecologically minded growers. Open Pollinated seeds, as this excellent resource of a website explores:
“are naturally pollinated – by insects or wind; not enforced pollination or in-breeding.
•contribute to food plant biodiversity
•are adaptable – they are genetically variable and therefore able to adapt to climate change, to particular landscapes and environmental conditions and evolve along with them.
•can be seed-saved by farmers, market gardeners, home gardeners and allotment holders.
•seed saved will breed true-to-type plants, resembling parent plants – unlike hybrids.
•can be used to develop local varieties.
•are non-GM, non-hybrid, and non-patented.”
Kitchen Counter Culture 