Building Digital Education of Heirloom Crops
for the Resilience of African Food Systems in the Climate Crisis
Lecture 10
Latvia’s Story!
Seed Savers Movement in Latvia: from its beginnings to the present
2012-2015: Seeking like-minded individuals
The seed saving movement in Latvia is a shining example of how global ideas can be adapted to local circumstances. Inspired by global experiences, a movement started by a single individual has grown into a broad public initiative that promotes the preservation of local plant varieties, strengthens community ties, and encourages a sustainable lifestyle.
Sandra Stabinge, a gardener, biologist, entrepreneur, and mother of three, has made it her mission to encourage every Latvian to find the heirloom crops of their family. Sandra's call, "If each of us found just one family heirloom crop, we would be rich!" has become the movement's motto, inspiring people across Latvia. Together with Latvian Permaculture Association, Sandra has created an extensive network of seed savers and seed exchange points throughout Latvia, organized countless workshops and educational events, and developed a seed database. Thanks to her efforts and those of other enthusiasts, we are one step closer to preserving our unique cultural heritage for future generations.
But it all started slowly.
2012: First seed exchange event in Latvia
Seed exchange events were already organized within a closed community – "Vides un veselības saime" (Environment and Health Community), a subcommittee of the Latvian Organic Farming Association which organized monthly educational meetings.
In 2012, the courage and determination arose to organize the first public seed exchange. Anta Sparinska, the director of the University of Latvia Botanical Garden, supported this idea and permitted to organize such a public seed exchange within the framework of the Spring Garden Festival: "Latvia's first public seed exchange on April 28, from 12:00 to 14:00 at the Botanical Garden as part of the Spring Festival" –
https://www.botanika.lu.lv/par-mums/zinas/zina/t/31633/
Sandra Stabinge set up a booth and brought her own seeds for exchange. Garden festival visitors, of course, had never heard of such a thing before. Visitors didn't have their own seeds with them. Many took the seeds at the exchange point because they could get them for free.
2013: Latvian Permaculture Association and Sandra Stabinge join forces
A year later, Sandra Stabinge and the few founding enthusiasts of Latvian Permaculture Association decided to work together. An event was organized, the main goal of which was to gather and exchange knowledge about permaculture and organic farming. They shared solutions that work and ideas that are worth trying.
https://gaismasdarbinieki.blogspot.com/2013/02/permakultura-veseliga-partika-seklu.html
2014: Scientists join the Seed Savers Movement
A seed exchange event, attended by approximately 50 people, took place at "Ekovirtuve", health and natural food cafe. The event aimed to promote biodiversity by encouraging the preservation and cultivation of heirloom varieties.
Līga Lepse, a leading researcher at the Pūre Horticulture Research Center, shared her expertise in collecting high-quality seeds and answered participants' questions. The event concluded with a community sing-along and a free seed exchange. Attendees were encouraged to bring descriptions and photos of their seeds to share with others.
https://www.apollo.lv/5858857/darza-darbi-tuvojas-aicina-mainities-ar-seklam, https://zeme-buve.org/index.php/zinas/nekustamais-ipasums/it/454
2015: Pioneering regional seed exchange and cross-border collaboration
Latgale witnessed its first public seed exchange in Ambeļi, Daugavpils district, on March 7, 2015. Approximately 20 enthusiastic seed savers from nearby regions gathered to share seeds, knowledge, and heirloom varieties. The event featured an informative lecture by Līga Lepse on seed saving techniques.
http://latgola.permakultura.lv/2015/03/ambelos-notika-latgale-pirma-publiska-seklu-maina/#more-784
The annual central seed exchange in Ikšķile further expanded the movement's reach by attracting participants from neighboring countries Lithuania and Estonia. This cross-border collaboration laid the foundation for future international partnerships.
2016-2019: A quest for knowledge
As the seed savers community in Latvia grew, a pressing need for knowledge became evident. While many people attended seed exchanges to collect seeds, few understood the intricacies of seed harvesting. Even experienced seed savers often questioned their techniques, seeking assurance that their seeds would produce healthy and true-to-type plants. Despite the presence of knowledgeable scientists and gardeners in Latvia, the traditional practice of seed saving has largely been lost. Recognizing the importance of education for the movement's sustainability, the community actively sought partners to develop and deliver practical training programs.
2016: Developing a concept of the Seed Library
The annual seed exchange was held in partnership with Ikšķile Free School on January 9, 2016. This event marked a significant step forward, as the concept of a Seed Library was further developed and refined with the help of scientists. Together, they worked to establish standardized Latvian terminology related to seed saving. Pictured: Guntra Aistara, the pioneer of seed saving in Latvia, and Sandra Stabinge on the exciting day of the opening of the Seed Library.
https://www.facebook.com/permakultura.lv/photos/t.100005562188288/980219342076741/?type=3
Later that year, Sandra Stabinge traveled to Copenhagen to connect with Danish seed savers at a special seed exchange event. These valuable connections sparked the idea for future collaborations.
2017: Starting cooperation with Danish seed savers
Latvian seed savers are joining forces with their Danish colleagues to brainstorm new ways to cooperate and develop seed libraries. Meanwhile, the annual tradition of seed exchanges continues to thrive, with popular events taking place in Riga's Kalnciema Street Market and Ikšķile's Free School.
For the first time, libraries are getting involved in the Seed Savers Movement in Latvia. Penkule Library has expressed interest in organizing a seed exchange event and maintaining an exchange point. The launch event was well-attended, with people showing great interest in seeds, exchanging them, and many bringing their own heirloom varieties.
2018-2019: Building international seed savers network
In 2018-2019, Latvian seed savers joined forces with their counterparts in Denmark, Estonia, and Lithuania through the NORDPLUS project "Growing Seed Savers". This collaboration led to the creation of valuable educational materials and inspired expeditions to diverse regions of Latvia, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of local seed diversity.
https://growingseedsavers.org/page/4/
https://growingseedsavers.org/educational-program-for-seed-saver/
International cooperation has highlighted concerns about whether Latvian laws adequately protect agricultural genetic resources. To address these concerns, in 2019 seed savers from the Baltic countries and Denmark met with Latvian policymakers and experts to discuss seed legislation.
2020-2024: Building the Seed Savers Movement
A training program developed in collaboration with seed savers from the Baltic States and Denmark bears fruit. Courses and training materials are helping Latvian seed savers become knowledgeable and grow in number, leading to a broader impact on society. Communication with the public requires a clear message, precise definitions, and a visually distinct image. Therefore, the brand of heirloom crops is being developed and strengthened in people's minds, and definitions and terminology related to seed saving are being clarified.
Discussions have taken place with government officials to establish a legal framework for seed saving, resulting in a compromise. These are strong years, with approximately 30 seed savers completing their training, receiving certificates each year, and increasing the number of seed exchange points across Latvia. Cooperation with cultural institutions strengthens ties to our roots. Seed saving goes hand-in-hand with preserving folk traditions and cultural heritage.
The restrictions imposed by the pandemic forced us to seek new ways to exchange and distribute seeds, bringing seed saving online. Even after lifting restrictions, training continues in a hybrid format: evening webinars culminate in on-site seed exchange events where training graduates receive acknowledgement of participation, and everyone exchanges seeds.
Cooperation with libraries is becoming widespread, and seed exchange events are transforming into seed exchange points that have been operating for several months. The most active seed savers are becoming ambassadors for heirloom plants and seed savers, creating regional seed saver groups, and involving the local community in the movement.
The movement is developing standards for documenting heirloom plants, and a database has been created that, by 2024, has registered more than 80 heirloom plants from all over Latvia.
There is still much to grow, but a strong foundation for a people's movement has been laid!
2020: Developing a design for the "Heirloom Plant" brand
The first seed saver courses were held in Ikšķile, and the first acknowledgements of participation were issued. A dedicated website https://www.mantots.permakultura.lv/zimols was created to promote this newly designed brand "Heirloom Plant".
On October 29, 2020, an organized work meeting titled "How to Protect Heirloom Plants" brought together key representatives from various governmental and educational institutions, including Latvian Permaculture Association, Horticulture Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, State Plant Protection Service (VAAD), and the Latvian Genetic Resources Centre. The purpose of this meeting was to strengthen the collaboration between these bodies to protect heirloom plants in Latvia.
The agenda focused on critical issues such as defining heirloom plant criteria, legal perspectives on seed exchange, and incorporating heirloom plant preservation into agricultural and horticultural education. A key outcome of the meeting was the confirmation from government representatives that seed exchanges in Latvia are legal under current legislation, providing much-needed clarity for seed savers.
This meeting was a pivotal step in formalizing Latvian Seed Savers Movement, emphasizing the importance of a supportive legal framework and raising public awareness. It highlighted the crucial role of government cooperation in protecting heirloom plants, ensuring their survival for future generations through education, legislation, and collaboration.
https://www.mantots.permakultura.lv/post/darba-tikšanās-kā-nosargāt-mantotos-kultūraugus-2020-gada-29-oktobrī
2021-2022: Online accessibility and expanded reach
In 2021-2022, the Seed Savers Movement in Latvia made significant strides in expanding its accessibility and global connections. One key development was the introduction of online courses, making seed saving knowledge more accessible to a broader audience. These courses allowed individuals from different regions to participate, enhancing community involvement in sustainable agriculture.
Seed exchange events also transformed during this period. What began as seasonal events evolved into ongoing seed exchange points in libraries and community spaces, creating a more continuous and accessible way for people to share heirloom seeds.
Additionally, the international collaboration project "Growing Seed Savers in Museums" was launched in partnership with Nordic countries, which expanded the movement’s reach and impact beyond Latvia. This initiative not only raised awareness of seed saving but also fostered cross-border cooperation in preserving heirloom plants.
These advancements mark a significant step in broadening the accessibility of Seed Savers Movement and strengthening its international presence.
2023: Annual traditions and expanded society
In recent years, the Seed Savers Movement in Latvia has grown into a deeply rooted tradition, spreading its message throughout communities and strengthening its cultural impact. A key development has been the establishment of annual Seed Savers Courses, culminating in a large-scale seed exchange event. This yearly tradition has become a centerpiece for the movement, with follow-up regional events and lectures occurring throughout the year.
The network has also expanded significantly, with 24 seed exchange points operating for three months each spring, attracting over 500 visitors. In 2023, 50 participants enrolled in an online seed saving course, with 21 successfully completing all tasks and receiving acknowledgement of participation, further cementing the movement's educational role. The online courses concluded with a lively seed exchange at the National Botanical Garden in Salaspils, marking a high point of community engagement.
The seed saving message has also woven its way into Latvia’s cultural fabric. The 2023 event “Grow, Bean!,” held in the autumn, saw the involvement of folk musicians, emphasizing the link between seed saving and Latvia's rich cultural heritage. These efforts demonstrate how seed saving has moved beyond agricultural practice, becoming a celebrated tradition that connects people with nature, food security, and cultural preservation.
https://www.mantots.permakultura.lv/post/2023-macibas-un-seklu-maina
2024: Expanding the seed savers network
Growing network and experience: The network of seed exchange points continued to expand in 2024 as more individuals became involved in seed saving and gained valuable experience.
Partnership with "Lieto vēlreiz": The "Use Again" zero-waste initiative joined the movement, promoting seed exchange points on its platform and reaching a broader audience. This partnership helped increase seed saving awareness and connect with a new audience.
-
Link to article about 2024 online courses and seed exchange:
https://www.mantots.permakultura.lv/post/macibas-maina-2024
Successful Seed Savers Courses and seed exchange: The 2024 seed savers courses attracted 47 participants, including experienced seed savers, and 15 individuals received a recognition. The courses concluded with a seed exchange event at the Ādaži Library on January 27th, inspiring participants and seed ambassadors.
Community-led seed exchanges: Seed ambassadors organized seed exchange events in various locations across Latvia, including Dundaga, Kolka, Liezēre, Kuldīga, Riga (near Gemoss stores), Valmiera, and Liepāja.
-
Example of a seed exchange event:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1392946174921217&set=gm.7389223104500108&idorv
Growing interest from libraries: Several libraries (in Krapē, Viļāni, and Aglona) expressed interest in hosting seed exchange events and establishing permanent seed exchange points, inviting seed ambassadors to lead these initiatives.
Summary of key points:
-
Expanded network: The network of seed exchange points continued to grow, with increased participation from individuals and organizations.
-
Digital outreach: Partnerships with organizations like "Lieto vēlreiz" helped to reach a wider audience through online platforms.
-
Successful training and events: Annual seed saving courses and subsequent exchange events attracted a growing number of participants.
-
Community-led initiatives: Seed ambassadors played a crucial role in organizing local seed exchange events.
-
Increased institutional support: Libraries and other community organizations showed a growing interest in supporting seed saving initiatives.
Overall, 2024 marked another year of significant growth and development for the seed saving movement in Latvia, demonstrating the increasing popularity and impact of these grassroots efforts.
The Seed Savers Movement in Latvia is still far from widespread recognition and integration into everyday life, but the idea has gained recognition at various levels of society. A significant portion of the public recognizes the brand "Heirloom Plant," and many have heard of the importance of growing one's own seeds. Even if people don't personally grow their family's heirloom seeds, they generally agree with and support the idea of self-sufficiency and the right to food independence.
Our goal remains unchanged: to create a future where every family in Latvia has access to and cultivates their own heirloom plants. We will continue to work diligently to make seed saving a common practice, empowering individuals to grow their own food and strengthen their connection to the land and their heritage.
The content of this page was created as part of the project 'Building Digital Education of Indigenous Inherited Crops for the Resilience of African Food Systems in the Climate Crisis Development.' The project was funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2024 from the development cooperation budget. This content reflects only the views of the project partners.
