Island seed haven planned

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Published: December 12, 2002

A group of organic producers hopes to make British Columbia’s

Saltspring Island a seed sanctuary.

Dan Jason of Saltspring Seeds said 10 people are involved in the

project to preserve edible and medicinal seeds and plants on the

largest of the Gulf Islands.

He believes its relative isolation, small population and acreage make

it an ideal sanctuary, free from disease, large-scale agricultural

operations and genetically modified contamination. The temperate

climate will allow growers to single out strong varieties based on

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characteristics of nutrition and maturity and learn what can be adapted

for Canada.

Unique plants such as bamboo and nut trees are now grown on the island,

Jason said.

He said government seed storage sites and plant research stations once

maintained numerous varieties. Through downsizing and elimination, much

of the research has been farmed out to private corporations, often

pursuing the development of new genetically altered species.

A website will one day provide information on plants and seeds. Seed

keepers from other parts of Canada will also be invited to preserve

older varieties.

“We will connect people so they can get it from each other,” he said.

The project is an extension of what Jason has been doing with his seed

company for the last 15 years. It also builds on the work of three

island farms and their organic apprenticeship and ecoforestry programs.

Jason’s company handles about 500 different seeds, mainly beans, grain,

garlic, tomato and lettuce.

A charitable foundation will likely be created to provide funding, he

added.

About the author

Karen Morrison

Saskatoon newsroom

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