Community Seed Bank Options is the compilation of many individual research experiments, papers, ideas, technologies, and experiences offered over several years by individuals working to further best practices in community seed banking, seed saving, and genetic preservation.

The idea for this publication came with the realization that we needed to compile ECHO’s extensive collection of seed-related work into one place to integrate it all. Building on ECHO’s prior collections of agricultural and development best practices in Amaranth to Zai Holes (Meitzner and Price, 1996) and Agricultural Options for Small-Scale Farmers (Motis and Berkelaar, 2012), this publication follows a similar format but focuses on one of ECHO’s greatest strengths as an organization… seeds. With dozens of ECHO Development Notes, ECHO Asia Notes, peer-reviewed journal articles, and how-to manuals devoted to small-scale seed banking practices, it was time to bring them together to form a comprehensive collection that is now Community Seed Bank Options.

While ECHO has collected and validated these best practices over many years, ECHO does not take credit for each individual innovation, as many come from network members (maybe even you!). The book features images and graphics that explain, illustrate, and simplify much of the information.

Intended Use(s) of This Resource

This publication’s design accomplishes several objectives, for serving current or prospective community seed bank managers. The authors hope this publication is used as a practical tool in the following ways:

1. As a Reference Guide: Whether you are a current manager of a community seed bank or hope to operate your own in the future, this book may serve as a technical reference guide. Note that this book includes reference tables and appendices summarizing detailed information, such as acceptable seed germination rates for specific crop species and recommended planting distances for maintaining seed purity, and other information you may need to reference from time to time.
2. As a Collection of Practical Options: This book serves as a practical guide for practitioners working in resource-constrained contexts, complementing many scientific publications on the subject. The techniques, technologies, and best practices presented in the following pages have been carefully selected for their practical usefulness, as ‘options’ for those seeking to affordably operate their own seed saving entities.
3. As a Training Curriculum: This book's format serves as a curriculum checklist for community seed bank manager students and interns. This book guides the reader step-by-step through the process of operating a seed bank. From selecting crop varieties, to harvesting, drying, cleaning, storing, inventorying, and seed sharing. Trainers and students alike may use this book as a guide for community-level seed banking.

References

Meitzner, L.S. and M.L. Price. 1996. Amaranth to Zai Holes: Ideas for growing food under difficult conditions.

Motis, T.N. and D.R. Berkelaar. 2012. Agricultural Options for Small-Scle Farmers: A Handbook for Those Who Serve Them.

Informations de publication

• Publié: 2024
• Éditeur: ECHO Inc.
• ISBN-10: 1946263346
• ISBN-13: 978-1-946263-34-6