The Saving Your Seeds tour began Tuesday in Perry Paige auditorium. The four-day state tour focuses on the multiple roles of organic seeds and building sustainable food support systems.
Ira Wallace, an author and seed-saving pioneer from the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, said she began gardening, or seed saving, as a young child with her grandmother. Wallace said planting and educating others on biodiversity benefits is important to her because she believes food has a direct impact on health.
Gardening or purchasing organic produce might cost more initially, but she said it’s an investment worth making.
“You’re spending more money on food at this moment, but you are investing in the health of your family and especially your children,” Wallace said.
Jennifer Taylor, event organizer and coordinator of the Small Farm Program, said homegrown food creates self-sufficiency, and it allows communities to live healthier lifestyles.
“It’s for nursing mothers and our children,” Taylor said. “It’s important for communities. It’s important for the farming population to be able to build a healthy food support system. The primary way of doing that would be to save your organic seeds.”
Heidi Haire, a Florida State University adjunct professor and horticulture technician of FSU’s nursery, described the event as revolutionary. Haire said shopping in grocery stores often makes her feel restricted as to what organic products she can buy.
“I’m not into the monopolization of our food,” Haire said. “When I go to the supermarket, I am disappointed by the small options, and I know there are more options than what I am being exposed to in the store.”