The event seeks to strengthen the network of native or heirloom seed guardians in the State as a way of preserving biodiversity and promoting food sovereignty.

Repeating the attendance of previous years, more than 600 people from different municipalities in the State will participate in the XI Organic and Biodynamic Seeds Festival of Southern Minas, which will take place on November 12, at the Figueira Light-Community, in Carmo da Cachoeira.

Seeds Festival
Seeds Festival

The event will have an opening presentation, “Pure seeds and the support of a constructive relationship with the planet,” by Friar Luciano, general manager of the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Federation (FIHF), 12 concurrent workshops and on-site visits, and ending with the traditional Seeds Exchange Fair. Registration is free and must be done by email at eventos@comunidadefigueira.org.br or through the link http://forms.gle/4Y53fQzTrb3eQA3X7. More information can be obtained by calling (35) 9 9781.2025.

Seed guardians network

The purpose of the Organic and Biodynamic Seeds Festival of Southern Minas is to provided farmers and other seed guardians, technicians, supporters and other interested parties in general with a place for fraternization, dissemination of knowledge and an exchange of heirloom seeds.

Besides this, it aims to strengthen the network of seed guardians, taking care of the need for implementing sustainable policies for the production, distribution and consumption of food that ensures a supply for all of society.

Native or heirloom seeds: a genetic and cultural heritage

Throughout history, native seeds were domesticated and reproduced by the traditional peoples of Brazil without going through any artificial genetic modifications or the use of agrochemicals.

According to Friar Renatto, coordinator of the Crops Sector of the Figueira Light-Community and member of the Organizing Committee of the event, these seeds were selected and propagated in their natural environment, generation after generation, and are currently being preserved by small farms and by seed banks.

“Heirloom seeds have a great genetic variability, are adapted to local cultivation, and are part of the identity of indigenous and country peoples. For this reason, they are a genetic and cultural heritage, the continuation of which is fundamental for the preservation of biodiversity and for the food sovereignty of the population,” he explained.

Schedule

From 8 am to 12 noon, the Festival activities will take place at Figueira farm 2 of the Figueira Light-Community (Fernão Dias Highway, São Paulo direction, Km 716.5). The Seeds Exchange Fair will be from 2 pm to 5 pm, in the Nossa Senhora do Carmo plaza, located in the centre of Carmo da Cachoeira.

Seeds Festival

See the complete schedule:

11th Organic and Biodynamic Seeds Festival of Southern Minas

8 am – Welcome of participants

9 am – Opening, with the presentation of the Light-Communities Choir and the presentation “Pure seeds and the support of a constructive relationship with the planet”, by Friar Luciano, general manager of the Fraternity – International Humanitarian Federation (FIHF).

10 am – Start of the concurrent workshops.

  1. 1. Visit to seed field
  2. 2. A superior approach to seeds
  3. 3. Astronomical rhythms in the production of biodynamic seeds
  4. 4. Seed production and participatory improvement
  5. 5. The importance of heirloom seeds for indigenous peoples
  6. 6. Who are the guardians of seeds in agriculture
  7. 7. Seed origin centres
  8. 8. The importance and challenges of seed production by farmers
  9. 9. Basic principles and knowledge for the conservation of seeds
  10. 10. Native bees in seed pollination
  11. 11. Storage of organic coffee seeds for seedling production
  12. 12. Seed workshops for children

12 noon – Lunch

2 pm – Seed Exchange Fair (Nossa Senhora do Carmo plaza

5 pm – Closing

Implementation

This year, the 11th Organic and Biodynamic Seeds Festival of Southern Minas is carried out by the Brazilian Association of Biodynamic Agriculture, the Carmo da Cachoeira municipal government, Sul de Minas Organics, the Federal Institute of Education, Science & Technology of Southern Minas, the Nucleus of Studies in Agroecology and Entomology Raiz do Campo, the Figueira Light-Community and the Fraternity – InternationalHumanitarian Federation (FIHM).