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May 5, 2022 – The Province announced that they are increasing support for seed production and processing in BC. The Province is investing $90,000 to support BC seed growers to enhance and expand their operations, bolster food security and create a thriving food economy.
David Catzel, our BC Seed Security program manager, says, “Through ongoing education and help establishing efficient and shared production systems, we can create a secure food system that values seeds as a shared resource that’s stewarded by growers for future generations. Continued support from the Province will allow us to build this system together, feeding British Columbians and ensuring we can do so into the future.”
The funding will be used to:
- support seed growers through seed-education workshops throughout BC;
- create a seed mentorship program and knowledge-transfer events;
- conduct seed trials to select breeds best suited to BC’s climate;
- continue seed-cleaning and processing services throughout B.C. using mobile seed-cleaning units;
- work with existing seed libraries to identify seed-storage capacity; and
- develop a database of seed-exchange systems.
This increase in support follows our report, funded by the Province, that reviewed the state of organic seed production in BC, explored the merits of incorporating seed-processing equipment into new and existing food hubs, and identified actions to boost BC’s seed production.