Jacksonville Seed Exchange - In-Depth InfoI started the Greater Jacksonville Seed Exchange in February 2008 for a number of reasons. As a quick background, I have self-educated myself on all aspects of environmental concern as well as progressive ideas, and have strong feelings for doing something worthwhile in the local community.
Concerning the seed exchange, I had some seeds on hand that I wasn’t doing anything with. I have long thought about doing a seed exchange and decided to start a blog for it, at http://jacksonvilleseedexchange.wordpress.com/.
I envision it to be a great way to trade and exchange seeds, as well as stockpiling seeds for future use, such as community gardens, personal gardens, etc. Also, I want to express concern on a number of issues and try to educate people about them. The local food movement, organic status (foods produced without fertilizers and pesticides), promotion of biodiversity, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), ownership of patents and claiming intellectual property on food items are just a few of the issues I hope to raise some awareness on.
Just a few generations ago, people grew their own food. They were usually limited to what their region had available, as well as seasonal fluctuations. With industrialization, free trade, and a host of other issues, food started becoming more and more manufactured for convenience.
Now, few people can or do grow their own food. Most of the food we eat is processed and contains many additives, preservatives, and genetically modified organisms. If every part of town in the greater Jacksonville area had a community garden, backed up by farmers markets, we could avoid many of these problems as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The average American meal travels 1,500 miles to reach the plate.
As to how the seed exchange works, most importantly we do not accept genetically modified seeds. If you are unsure if it is genetically modified, or where it came from, please do not send it. The most common GM seeds are soybean, corn, canola (from rapeseed), cotton, maize, and wheat. GM food has not necessarily proven dangerous, but it is too early to tell. Further, behemoth corporations such as Monsanto control most of the GM market, meaning a corporation controls much of our food supply, which is inherently dangerous. Groups have tried to get GM manufacturers to include a label on food products if any of it is GM, but they continue to fight it.
You can request one seed if you have none to exchange. I appreciate a seed or two coming back to the seed exchange after harvesting, of course. If you mail five seeds, we will send 3 in exchange. Feel free to mix and match.
Please try to include the species of the seed as well as the source (whether seed company, supermarket, back yard, farmers market, etc.)
I do accept seed and monetary donations. 100% of all monetary donations will go towards purchasing additional seeds.
