|
Subscribe to Cool Beans!
It's a free magazine that supports communities to launch, maintain and grow their seed library and local resilience. Feel free to print any articles from our newsletters in your own community newsletters. Cool Beans! Seed Librarians' Newsletter
Current Issue: Issue #8 January-February 2016 Past Issues: Issue #7 August 2015 Issue #6 June 2015 Issue #5 May 2015 - Special Edition - International Seed Library Forum Issue #4 March-April 2015 Issue #3 January-February 2015 Issue #2 October 2014 Issue #1 August 2014 
What's a Seed Library?
A seed library is a place where community members can get seeds for free or for a nominal fee and is run for the public benefit. Many seed libraries are open in public libraries and community centers. For some communities, getting folks to garden and grow some of their own food is the focus. For other communities, seed libraries may be created as an important step to develop a network of seed savers, to create locally adapted varieties, to respond proactively to climate change or loss of gene integrity due to GMOs or to preserve genetic diversity. Seed saving is something humans have done for over 10,000 years. Rejoin the ritual and start to save seed and share the abundance in your community.
This website features free resources on how to start a library, how to connect with others who have started libraries and offers resources and insight into how to maintain a library once started. Let us know you're interested in starting a seed library by filling in our 2-3 minute survey. Periodically we send out awesome new resources or information on seed librarian gatherings. Once you've opened, we'll add you to our sister seed libraries list. |
Seed Libraries Legal Alert
Great News!
In July, the American Association of Seed Control Officials (AASCO), adopted an amendment to the Recommended Uniform State Seed Law (RUSSL) that exempts seed libraries from commercial regulations! This is great news because AASCO is a group of seed control professionals from each state department of agriculture that proposes the guidelines for seed that go out to every state legislature for consideration. Here is the non-commercial seed sharing amendment. Background on the process An AASCO working group met this past year to discuss seed libraries. The working group consisted of AASCO members, American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) members, and seed librarians. The amendment that the group wrote says that seed libraries are exempt from commercial seed law was adopted by the AASCO membership. Individual states adopt their own seed law, but it is excellent news that the recommendation from AASCO, ASTA and seed libraries is to exempt seed libraries and other non-commercial seed sharing from commercial regulations. States that have already passed laws protecting seed libraries:
Pennsylvania States that have pending legislation: Want to learn more or help change your state laws? Visit the Sustainable Economies Law Center (SELC). They have resources on how to get started. Want to stay informed? Sign up for our email alert. |
