Grain crops being grown on a large-scale basis are generally not being selected for their carbon-producing efficiency per unit of area, and this efficiency is essential for building, maintaining, and preserving soil fertility.

In an increasingly desertified world, limited focus is being given to varieties which produce significant amounts of carbon and calories per unit of water used.

Erosion of Genetic Diversity: Grain and Grass Species

Biodiversity: Genetic Diversity
of Grain and Grasses

Grain and Grass Seed Conservancy International (In Development)

Grain and Grass Seed Conservancy International (GGSCI) is a new non-profit organization, the purposes of which parallel those of Seed Savers Exchange, but which operates in the area of grain and grass crops. The purpose of GGSCI is to develop a seed bank with a large number of viable holdings and a sophisticated data base accessible to the public as existing seed banks have not proven adequate in their preservation of stored seed.  The initiative will facilitate this type of work in other countries. Up to 75% of the grain and grass cultivars in U.S. government seed banks reportedly do not germinate due to insufficient grow-outs of these varieties to ensure viability2. In addition, easy public access to information about these crops is limited.

Beginning the sixth year of this program one or more one-year Interns from other countries will be part of this work so that they can set up a similar programs in their own countries. Their work/study will be facilitated by a (bilingual when applicable) full-time coordinator.

In the sixth year, two educational videos will be developed about this work—a PBS-TV special for the general public and a “how-to” video to facilitate the setting-up of similar organizations.

• Detailed proposal in process.

top