Farmer seed systems are a critical contribution to food sovereignty and farmers’ rights. Farmers know that good food comes from good seeds. However, farmers’ varieties have become increasingly vulnerable due to climate change, loss of small farms, market pressures, and seed privatization. As a result, farming communities have seen their local seed systems eroded, with grave repercussions on food production. Based on the experiences of SeedChange partners in 11 countries, this document outlines the importance of farmer-led solutions including the conservation of traditional varieties, the participatory development of new varieties through selection and breeding, and ways to support farmers exchanging and selling their seeds. SeedChange advocates for greater support and recognition of farmers’ seed systems in order to strengthen seed security, food sovereignty and farmers’ rights.
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