Genebanks

January 6, 2010January 6, 2010

Plant exploration is not dead

Not that we ever thought it was, but there are souls out there who seem to think that we already have in hand all the agricultural biodiversity we’ll ever need, so there’s no need to hunt for more or bring it back alive. The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service yesterday announced its seed-hunting plans for 2010.

[W]alnuts from Kyrgyzstan, grasses from Russia, and carrots and sunflowers from fields across the Southeastern United States.

These are just some of roughly 15 expeditions that the USDA sends out each year to look for potentially useful crops and their wild relatives. There’s more in a longer article.

December 22, 2009December 22, 2009

Nibbles: Stilton, India, food Crisis, Banana Genome, Uganda, GMOs, Fruit Hunters

Stilton cheese from Stilton village? Illegal. h/t CAS-IP
Is Indian agriculture heading for disaster?
“If you read any economic, financial, or political analysis for 2010 that doesn’t mention the food shortage looming next year, throw it in the trash, as it is worthless“. Riiiiiight.
Banana genome to be discussed.
Uganda’s National Genebank online.
GM crops to free third-world women from the drudgery of weeding! h/t reviews The Fruit Hunters (a book).

December 18, 2009December 18, 2009

Seed Savers Exchange under new management

George DeVault has resigned as Executive Director and President of Seed Savers Exchange, the Iowa-based non-profit dedicated to saving and sharing heirloom seeds.

Speaking for the Board of Directors, Chair Amy P. Goldman said, “We were saddened to learn of George’s resignation, but we understand his reasons for leaving. George was a boon to Seed Savers Exchange, and we are deeply appreciative. In just a short period of time, George managed to endow Seed Savers Exchange with new energy and vitality; he has set new standards of excellence; and he was respected and admired not only by the members, staff and Board of SSE, but by the wider community as well.”

DeVault and his wife are moving back to their own farm in Pennsylvania, and he will continue to work with Seed Savers Exchange on future projects. He is handing over to Aaron Whaley, son of Kent Whealy and Dianne Ott Whealy, the co-founders of Seed Savers Exchange.

The Board of Directors has appointed Whaley Acting Executive Director and President. Board Chair Goldman said “Aaron is uniquely qualified for this job and the Board has full confidence that he can advance his family’s legacy at Seed Savers Exchange in this new and challenging role.”

Whaley has worked at the organization in a full-time professional capacity since 1996, primarily as head of the commercial seed sales operation. He has degrees in Biology and Public Communications.

Seed Savers Exchange’s full press release can be downloaded as PDF file.

December 13, 2009December 13, 2009

CIP to provide way out of root and tuber genebank database hell?

The International Potato Center (CIP) has announced the launch of two databases. One is on its potato and sweetpotato genebank holdings, and the other on advanced potato varieties and clones. Will their usability and content satisfy Jeremy? Do they satisfy you? Check them out and let us know what you think, we promise to pass the message on.

December 10, 2009December 12, 2009

Irish Seed Savers Association relaunches website

They’re on our list of seed sources, but of course we don’t check each of those all that often, so thanks to our friend Danny for pointing out that the Irish Seed Savers Association has launched a funky new web site. Go, enjoy, help them out.