![]() “If you’ve saved the seeds for a number of years in one location, you can fairly assume that they’ll survive without any chemicals. I ask Michel to elaborate on the benefit of locally-grown seeds: There’s more about this on the Seed Savers’ website. ![]() It’s concerning in a world that needs resilience to deal with climate change and other environmental challenges. Seed-patenting leads to limited varieties, often genetic modifications, and ultimately, a lack of biodiversity. It started at a time when large seed companies around the globe had made significant inroads patenting many seed varieties-something they continue to do and which poses challenges to the world’s longer-term food security. The Seed Savers’ Network was created as a registered charity to facilitate free access to locally-adapted seeds the development of a seed bank for non-hybrid, open-pollinated (naturally occurring) plant varieties and educational programs about preserving non-hybrid seeds and plant diversity. The pair soon started the national Seed Savers’ Network, and went on to teach Permaculture courses alongside Bill (who moved to Northern NSW in the early 80s) for around 15 years. In the meantime, he met and fell for the lovely Jude, an experienced Social Sciences teacher and passionate gardener from South Australia. The two bonded, realising that Michel’s approach aligned with Permaculture, and Michel helped distribute Bill’s classic texts, Permaculture One and Permaculture Two. Michel had his first garden underway when he met Bill Mollison (who co-founded Permaculture with David Holmgren). The majority prefer mild, sweet flavours, and plant breeders gear crops toward that market…You don’t find much that’s going to rattle your tastebuds.” My gosh, they were so huge! They were the kind planted in shallow soils with the tops poking out. I remember my mother’s sister (who’s now 90) saying things like ‘oh looks like you got something with your stomach and your posture,’ then she’d make a carrot soup with a very strong flavour, because they’d be white carrots. ![]() A lot of vegetables we’d use as medicinal plants, especially when they were closer to the original varieties. “My grandmother, my aunty, my godmother…they all grew food. He was deeply influenced by his peasant-like upbringing in a French village, and relays memories in his charming blend of Franglais: Michel settled in Northern NSW in the late 70s, and set to work creating a diverse garden. ![]() As early pioneers of the Permaculture movement, the Fantons’ quest has always been to gently educate others about the benefits of saving seeds through home and community gardening. ![]()
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