Farmers and experts talk seeds: what did we discuss?

On 8–9 April 2023, the 10th Annual Meeting of the Farmer’s Seed Network was held at the Institute of Organic Cycling, China Agricultural University (Suzhou). As a co-organiser, Foodthink was on-site and deeply involved in the planning and moderation of the meeting’s agenda.

Four community partners funded by the third phase of the Lianhe Project, jointly supported by Foodthink and the Farmer’s Seed Network, were also invited to attend: the Ruzhou Ecological Agriculture Development Association (Henan), the Rongyan Ecological Breeding and Cultivation Cooperative (Guangxi), the Wuhan Little Farmer Ecological Farm, and the Guizhou Manyou Ecological Family Farm. Throughout 2022, these groups, along with eight other “Lianhe Partners”, established community seed banks in their respective localities to better implement the *in situ* conservation of seeds.

The inspiring discussions over these two days have further strengthened our conviction: landraces and local varieties are common resources shared by farmers and their communities, developed through practice and the accumulation of traditional knowledge, farming experience, and cultural customs. Their preservation should not be borne solely by the most marginalised farmers, but should instead receive support from both society and the government. Farmers’ rights to preserve and breed seeds must not be stripped away, and the value they create by protecting heirloom varieties should not be eroded by capital. Let’s look back at the highlights of this annual meeting.

Group photo from the 10th Annual Meeting of the Farmer’s Seed Network

DAY 1

Li Ji, Dean of the Institute of Organic Recycling (Suzhou) at China Agricultural University, delivered the opening address for the annual meeting, providing a brief overview of the Institute and calling for greater attention to soil health as well as high-quality seeds and food.

Li Ji, Dean of the Institute of Organic Recycling (Suzhou) at China Agricultural University, delivering his address

Song Xin, from the Farmers’ Seed Network, presented a review and showcase of the network’s work throughout 2022. The network’s ecological selection and breeding trials and specialised legume trials, under the theme ‘Small Beans, Great Health’, have accumulated rich experience in the sustainable utilisation of local varieties. Two seed training sessions in Kunshan and Nanning brought the community together. Additionally, the Farmers’ Seed Network attended the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) and the second phase of the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15), collaborating with domestic social organisations, media, and corporate peers to present Chinese case studies.

Song Xin reviews the key work of the Farmers’ Seed Network in 2022

Wang Qian from the Institute for Global Environmental Sustainability provided us with a detailed interpretation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the progress made by non-state actors in supporting biodiversity conservation. Built around the ‘Theory of Change’, the Global Biodiversity Framework is action- and result-oriented, setting medium-term goals for 2030 and long-term goals for 2050. Many of these objectives are closely aligned with the work of the Farmers’ Seed Network, including the conservation and utilisation of food and agricultural genetic resources.

Topic Discussion 1: Community-based In Situ Conservation of Crop Genetic Resources

The first discussion focused on the theme of “Community-based In Situ Conservation of Crop Genetic Resources“. Liu Xiting from Muyunpo shared how the Bosha Seed Bank makes full use of local resources, combining traditional culture with the villagers’ need for public community spaces to promote the establishment of a practical operational management system. Yu Jiangang from “Plum and Fish” discussed his motivations for returning to his village and his sense of cultural identity, the paths and principles of living conservation, as well as his pop-up projects for traditional foods and food-agriculture writing. Faced with the reality of village demolition and the disappearance of traditional family farms, Yu Jiangang hopes to work towards rebuilding a sustainable agrarian and sericultural cultural system.

Lu Ruixiang, from Aohan Banner, the birthplace of millet, shared how local seed companies collaborate with the community to promote the protection of Aohan Banner valley varieties. Lu Ruixiang aims to pursue circular agriculture combining planting and breeding, conduct conservation of heirloom seeds, and carry out variety adaptability trials.

Ni Yongwang, a young returnee from Queniao Miao Village in the Leigong Mountain area, shared the management of the Queniao Manyou Family Eco-Farm, and how cross-sector cooperation has helped promote Guizhou’s local “Banhe Gongzuo” heirloom rice seed exchange network, sharing farming wisdom with the public.

At the conclusion of the first discussion, Zhang Zongwen, from the Beijing Representative Office of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, provided a commentary on the current status and trends of in situ conservation of crop genetic resources in China.

Mr Zhang praised the work of the farmers’ seed networks and the approach of living conservation for heirloom seeds. He noted, “In the process of conservation, we are also utilising and selecting, continuously breeding varieties to adapt to improvements in nutrition and food, which can effectively support the development of our rural areas.”

At the same time, Mr Zhang reminded us to pay attention to the new national policies recently released regarding the protection and certification of local germplasm resources, which could serve as important evidence for the confirmation of property rights in the future.

Mr Zhang Zongwen provides commentary and shares his reflections

Mr Zhang Zongwen providing feedback and sharing his reflections

Topic Discussion 2: Case studies on the use of farm seeds, from seed to table

The second discussion session focused on the theme “Case studies of heirloom seed utilisation: from seed to table”. **Xiao Yunsheng from the Beijing Organic Farmers’ Market** shared the **potential for heirloom seeds to be revitalised through the market**. Comparing the differing perspectives of consumers, producers, and researchers, Xiao suggested that farmers should return to the consumer’s point of view during the commercialisation process, asking: Is it edible? Does it taste good? How is it eaten? Can it be bought (or delivered)? Meanwhile, Xiao highlighted the advantages of physical farmers’ markets and the strong face-to-face connections they foster when promoting non-standardised heirloom varieties.

**Chen Ziyu from Wocuiyuan Ecological Farm** shared **experiences in bringing ecologically grown heirloom varieties to market**. Despite various challenges, Wocuiyuan has remained committed to cultivating heirloom varieties. Chen expressed gratitude to the Beijing Organic Farmers’ Market, noting that through the market, consumers and farmers have built a bond of mutual trust between town and country, meeting rain or shine.

**Li Zhi from Genben Farm** shared **stories of bringing heirloom sprout vegetables to consumers**. Genben Farm uses organic methods to grow sprouts, with products such as soybean, mung bean, and pea sprouts proving popular in the market.

**Wu Xiangxing from Sanniangwan Village, Qinzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region**, shared how “new” varieties introduced to vegetable gardens have supported the Sanniangwan Science Campus. **Through the power of the community, vegetable gardens were established within the primary school**, which not only greened the campus but also supported food and agriculture education for local primary school pupils.

At the end of the second session, Chang Tianle from Foodthink provided commentary on how heirloom varieties can be integrated into the ecological agriculture value chain. Chang explored the concepts of consistency and heterogeneity, and questioned whether one should compromise at every level to meet varying consumer demands. She argued that if our goal is to pursue an ideal lifestyle, then even if we do not make as much money as we might wish, living the life we want and staying true to our modest original intentions is, in itself, a fulfilling and self-consistent path.

Chang Tianle from Foodthink providing commentary

Thematic Discussion 3: Special Session on Ecological Seed Certification

The third session was a special discussion on ecological seed certification. David Gould, Secretary of the Seed Platform of IFOAM Organics International, shared the organisation’s positions and experiences across several dimensions, including how to safeguard the supply of organic seeds and protect farmers’ rights. Xu Qian from Beijing Ecolabel Certification Center Co., Ltd. shared certification standards for farm-saved ecological seeds and ecological products. Xu believes that heirloom varieties and ecological agriculture are a natural fit, and that certification models for farm-saved ecological seeds and products can offer a viable path for the sustainable use of farm-saved seeds.

Zhao Jianshe from the Henan Zhongyuan Organic Agriculture Research Institute shared insights on the production and certification of organic vegetable seeds in Henan, how the Zhongyuan Organic Research Institute promotes the protection of local varieties, and the organic seed project. Wang Rui from the Beijing Organic Farmers’ Market shared his reflections on the practical application of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS).

To conclude the third session, Professor Qiao Yuhui from the College of Resources and Environment at China Agricultural University provided commentary on the theme of the retrospect and prospect of China’s organic agriculture and organic seed systems.

Professor Qiao highlighted the vast disparity between the number of organic certifications (25,000) and organic seed certifications (45), as well as the opportunities inherent in this gap. He argued that local seeds are best suited for organic seed production and that the systematic planting process must be considered. Ecological agriculture and the conservation of heirloom seeds are mutually reinforcing, and their potential should be realised under natural conditions.

Professor Qiao Yuhui from the College of Resources and Environment, China Agricultural University, providing commentary

Open Forum: Agriculture and Climate Change — Perceptions, Impacts and Responses

On the evening of the first day, Wang Hao from Foodthink and Shen Ye from the Farmers’ Seed Network organised an open forum themed ‘Agriculture and Climate Change — Perceptions, Impacts and Responses’. Farmers from across the country were divided into five regional groups to discuss the challenges they have faced due to climate change in recent years, the measures they have taken to adapt, and the obstacles they encountered. During the discussions, the farmers shared strategies for tackling various climatic shifts, while highlighting the nationwide scale of climate change’s impact.

DAY 2: Exploration and Debate

The morning session analysed the specific connotations and practical pathways for the conservation and utilisation of biodiversity from multiple perspectives, encompassing both scientific and local government viewpoints. Cheng Chen, from the Shan Shui Conservation Centre, interpreted the 2030 biodiversity targets set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. He expressed strong support for the “small and beautiful” family farming model and called for collective effort in agricultural production and seed conservation to transform risks into opportunities.

Liu Qianqian from Westlake University presented the team’s latest progress in agroforestry research and introduced ecological monitoring technology based on artificial intelligence. Zou Yi from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University shared the team’s quantitative research findings on biodiversity, using robust data to demonstrate the close correlation between increased biodiversity in a particular region and ecological farming practices.

Following this, staff from local agricultural bureaus shared their experiences in regional farming practices and seed conservation. He Xianlin introduced the dryland terracing system of She County, Hebei, emphasising the importance of stimulating farmers’ intrinsic motivation. Feng Eryong, Director of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau of Qiongzhong County, and Li Qing from the Grain and Material Reserve Bureau of Yuanyang County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, detailed local conservation efforts for Qiongzhong Shanlan rice and Hani terraced red rice, respectively. Wang Chengfa from the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau of Kaihua County, Zhejiang Province, presented a case study on the collection and preservation of local varieties in Kaihua County. Having worked on the front lines of agriculture for decades, they illustrated the role of local governments as guides in promoting ecological farming practices and the preservation of crop varieties.

Embracing Nature: Seed Exchange

On the afternoon of 9 April, everyone took a coach to the Kunshan Yuefeng Island Organic Farm, located 43 kilometres away. Adjacent to Yangcheng Lake, a sense of vitality greeted us the moment we stepped through the gates. Guided by ‘Brother Tom’ (Tang Yaozhong), we strolled along the stone paths, embracing the gifts of ecology.

As we reached the wooden cabin, we tasted ‘White Jade’ glutinous rice cakes. Made from the local ‘Su Yu Nuo’ rice variety, coated in locally produced soybean powder, and drizzled with brown sugar syrup, a single bite swept away all fatigue. This was a special stall set up by Yuefeng Island Organic Farm for the “Little Beans, Big Health in the Perspective of Biodiversity against the Backdrop of Climate Change” project, supported by the Vanke Charity Foundation. Six canvases showcasing specialty beans from different communities stood out on the walls, while the table displayed a rich variety of beans preserved by the farm, with the unique local ‘Niu Ta Bian’ (Ox-Trodden Flat beans) capturing everyone’s attention the most.

The diverse bean varieties and the fragrant rice cakes with soybean powder drew in weekend visitors to stop, watch and taste. Representatives from Yuefeng Island Organic Farm, Shitoucheng, and Wangjinzhuang shared stories of these ‘little beans’—some discovered by chance, some linked by connection, and some preserved through effort. The variety of beans and their associated culinary culture captivated consumers and visitors alike; while admiring the ‘Niu Ta Bian’ and ‘Yangyan Wuzhu’ (Sheep-eye Black Beads) closely, many marvelled at the value of these beans, expressing a firm and urgent commitment to upholding local cultivation and improving their own healthy eating habits.

Meanwhile, fellow farmers were warmly exchanging seeds. Led by Tian Milin, the group ‘flew’ from Suzhou to Banna, then to Guizhou, passing through Guangxi, Henan, and Hebei, before finally arriving in Inner Mongolia. The farmers vividly shared their stories of seeds and signed the “Seed Exchange Initiative”, exchanging friendship, trust, and promises of reciprocity alongside their seeds.

DAY3

After two days of substantial discussions and learning, everyone was still eager for more on the third day. They spent the final half-day before departure visiting the Institute of Organic Waste at the China Agricultural University and its ecological rice experimental fields, bringing this gathering to a perfect close with a scientific visit. The Farmers’ Seed Network has grown step by step through everyone’s joint efforts; it has now spanned ten years, with nearly a hundred participants this year. The Farmers’ Seed Network is like a cross-disciplinary experiment: a tiny seed connects farmers with scientists and social organisations, links those born in the 1950s with those of the 2000s, and bridges villages thousands of kilometres apart… We were brought together by seeds, and through the process of protecting and utilising them, we have come to better identify with ecology and respect nature. Dear teachers and friends, we shall meet again next year!

Written by: Wen Xinquan, Li Meng

Edited by: Li Guanqi, Liang Weiwei

Photos: Zhu Yu, Shen Ye