Food Safety and Security in the Philippines: the Role of Seed

Issue Date

2010

Abstract

Seed plays a vital role in most crop-production ventures. Various strategies for seed management are important for food security and safety. One of these is the use of organic seed. Organic production requires that farmers use fertilizers from natural sources and natural pest management techniques, but they must also use organic seed. Organic seed is locally adapted natural seed, not a product of genetic engineering. It should be farmer-bred, and its parents must have been grown organically for at least one generation. Organic seed production should be coupled with appropriate seed handling and processing, storage, and quality testing processes that are site-specific, cost e cient, and promote maintenance of a sound environment. Self-production of seed (seed saving) is another strategy that should be encouraged so that farmers are not dependent on private seed companies or government for their seed. This approach will also discourage the planting of hybrids and thus reduce the risk of genetic erosion. The role of seed in genetic conservation is particularly significant during times of disasters, famine, and climate change. Conservation of locally adapted and traditional seed varieties in community seedbanks will help to maintain sustainability in agricultural production and empower local communities by making them custodians of the genetic heritage of their crops. A university seed program that caters to the needs of students, researchers, farmers, and the private sector is needed. Tertiary education about seed should be improved and should focus not only on providing knowledge and skills but also on inculcating value systems. Current curricula should be examined to see if they address current needs. Informal seed education involving farmers in local communities should also be considered as this will empower farmers by increasing their control of the seed they use and the food they produce.

Source or Periodical Title

Journal of Developments in Sustainable Agriculture

Volume

5

Page

121-130

Document Type

Article

Language

English

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