Why I give: A seed farmer on why she donates to SeedChange
May 27, 2021
“Seeds. Incredible capsules full of three very important things: hope, life and promise. Three things I also wish for all families near and far.”
By Bronwen Heinrich, seed producer at The Secret Garden
Seeds. Incredible capsules full of three very important things: hope, life and promise. Three things I also wish for all families near and far.
As a seed grower, I feel that seeds connect us not only to new life and new growth, but also to each other as we all strive for that vital connection with nature and the Earth. Seeds in our hands also mean that we hold the ability to grow on our own, strengthening families everywhere.
Donating to SeedChange was motivated by a strong desire to help others maintain seed sustainability and therefore food security. Recognizing that not all families are as lucky as we are, I suggested that my boys donate as well. Our family’s contribution was small, but it was made with huge hearts.
When asked why he wanted to donate to SeedChange, my son Raine (age 12) said, “I wanted to donate so that people have food security. I know how nice it is to always have lots of food.”
When I asked my 10 year old son Kai the same question, he answered, “I like that people will be able to grow and save seeds. This way they can keep seed for themselves and the seeds stay around.”
As a seed grower I recognize that seeds which grow well in my environment won’t necessarily grow well in another farmer’s environment. As such, donating to SeedChange was a way to contribute to the seed movement on the ground level, with the aim of helping farmers near and far to produce and sustain their own seeds and hence strengthen their ability to produce their own food.
When I hold seeds in the palms of my hands, it feels like I am holding history, adaptability, food security, beauty and the promise of life.
Seeds – so small and yet they encapsulate huge hope and the incredible power to grow.