The Challenge
Global agricultural biodiversity is at critical risk as industrial seeds replace heritage varieties that are better adapted to local climates and resistant to pests. On Amorgos, traditional dryland seed varieties are at a crucial juncture.
If they are not preserved, the island’s farmers will lose the genetic resilience needed to withstand climate-driven droughts that are just around the corner. While there is strong local interest, a lack of structured knowledge exchange and awareness among the younger generations threatens the continuity of these essential agricultural practices. This loss would not only impact food security but also erode the island’s unique cultural and agricultural heritage.
The Solution
The Traditional Seeds Festival creates a vital platform for the exchange of seeds and ancestral knowledge, ensuring these varieties remain a living foundation for the island’s sustainability. Stemming from the farmers association’s recent interest, the project demonstrates significant maturity and community acceptance by bringing together local growers and experts from the Peliti community.
Through school visits, farmer-led workshops, and a scientific conference, the festival empowers the community to reclaim their agricultural sovereignty by cultivating heirloom varieties without chemical inputs. This initiative transforms preservation into a celebration, strengthening mutual support and sparking vital discussions on organic farming.
Activities
With the support of the Cyclades Preservation Fund, Nissos Amorgos will:
- Deliver educational presentations to all local schools on the importance and preservation of traditional seeds.
- Host town-hall meetings in Aegiali, Katapola, and Arkesini for farmers to exchange heritage seeds and discuss challenges.
- Organize a one-day conference featuring experts on dryland varieties, tree grafting, and traditional cultivation.
- Curate photography exhibitions showcasing traditional agricultural tools and heritage farmers from around the world.
- Produce video documentation and recorded interviews to preserve local agricultural knowledge for future generations.
About the Grantees
Founded in 2021, Nissos Amorgos is an association dedicated to protecting the island’s ecosystem while promoting sustainable tourism and developmental policies.
What You Can Do
- Seek local farmers who prioritize traditional, chemical-free cultivation practices.
- Check to see if there are any local seeds in your area and learn more about them.
- Donate to the Cyclades Preservation Fund to support more projects like this across the islands.
SDGs
CPF’s grants support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This grant specifically supports:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The project promotes resilient agricultural practices and the preservation of genetic diversity for long-term food security.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging chemical-free farming and seed saving supports sustainable and eco-friendly production patterns.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – The conservation of heritage seeds directly protects terrestrial biodiversity and native plant species.
