LEARN ABOUT SEEDS
Through Training & Networking Opportunities
Our program is proud to co-create engaging learning spaces with farmers and seed savers across the country. Our knowledge exchange programs include dynamic virtual events with national reach, as well as regional events and initiatives which facilitate grower connections, develop the skills and knowledge of local seed stewards, and provide opportunities for the community to see this important work in the field.
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Webinar & video catalogue |
EVENT LISTINGS |
SEEDHEADS PODCAST |
Farmer to Farmer Mentorships
Practical mentorship, rooted in local experience. Looking to strengthen your seed production skills, or share your knowledge with the next generation of seed producers? Our mentorship programs connect experienced seed producers with newer growers for flexible, 1-on-1 support throughout the season. Through this program, beginner and aspiring seed growers have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of seed crop production, seed business, plant breeding, and more. Because programs differ slightly across regions, each mentorship is uniquely tailored to local participants - contact your Regional Program Manager or check out your region's webpage to see if there’s a mentorship program near you. READ MORE.
ORGANIC VEGETABLE SEED PRODUCTION COURSE
Seed is the foundation of our food system. Becoming an organic seed producer offers growers a profound opportunity to shape the food and farming systems they engage with. The Bauta Family Initiative is proud to have partnered with Canadian Organic Growers (COG) in the design of Canada’s first Organic Vegetable Seed Production course, addressing foundational knowledge needed for organic seed crop production and business. This course is a comprehensive, self-directed, 8-week program focused on supporting the next generation of Canadian seed producers! It offers flexibility for learners to access content at their own pace, while also taking advantage of live, virtual classes, and office hours with the instructor. READ MORE.
RESOURCES FOR CONTRACT GROWERS
Many seed companies in Canada and the USA are interested in purchasing seed grown by Canadian farmers to distribute as part of their catalogue offering. Contract seed growing is becoming an increasingly popular option for farmers who are interested in integrating seed crops onto their farms. We manage a listserv to connect companies and growers. Email contract-seed-in-canada@weseedchange.org for details. Please note: This is not a group for general ecological farming or seed saving information. If you are a grower seeking seed contracts, please include your name, location, available acreage, and crops you are interested in growing. If you are a company seeking contract growers, please include your company, location preferences for growers, and crops/varieties you're looking for. You can also watch our 2024 webinar and our 2021 webinar about growing seed on contract.
REGIONAL GROWER MEET-UPS
Several regional programs host regularly scheduled, virtual meeting spaces for seed growers. In Ontario and Atlantic Canada, these are informal, "drop in" spaces, hosted monthly for growers to chat, commiserate, or problem solve. In Quebec, they are more formal, hosted for that province's "community of practice" on plant breeding. They require an RSVP and feature a guest speaker. See our events page for details.
