Every autumn, gardens and fields fill with ripening fruits that offer us seeds brimming with nutrients and possibilities . In many green spaces, such as urban or school gardens, the collection, care, and storage of these seeds are encouraged so that nature can renew its cycle year after year, involving the community and promoting the transmission of knowledge about biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
The tradition of collecting and preserving seeds not only allows new generations of plants to grow the following spring, but is also fundamental to preserving the genetic diversity of our plant species. Many seeds exhibit surprising adaptations for dispersal in the environment. Participating in workshops and educational activities focused on this process is an opportunity to discover fascinating facts about nature and connect with our agricultural origins.
Projects to recover seeds from ancient crops
The agricultural landscape of places like Guisguey, in Fuerteventura, is notable for the presence of gavias, structures that collect and distribute rainwater to make the most of water resources in an arid environment. These traditional techniques can be adapted to the present day thanks to the incorporation of new technologies and digitalization , all without losing the essence or the ancestral wisdom of the area.
Various government bodies and organizations are promoting the creation of native seed banks , whose purpose is to rescue local varieties of cereals and legumes, some of which are threatened by changes in agricultural practices, the abandonment of fields, or their replacement by more profitable commercial crops. Conserving these seeds is key to maintaining the agricultural identity and cultural heritage of rural communities.
Experts and farmers agree that the challenge lies in identifying how many varieties remain, understanding their characteristics in depth, and identifying the factors that have jeopardized their conservation . It's not just about protecting a biological resource, but about creating spaces for collaboration and intergenerational dialogue, where traditional planting, harvesting, and storage techniques can be shared.
Innovation and tradition: a commitment to the rural future
The development of initiatives like Routes 2030, within the framework of sustainability programs, seeks to integrate science and technology into the management of agricultural resources . The goal is to connect traditional production sectors with new approaches that prevent depopulation and promote the local economy, while keeping alive the customs that define each region.
The Canary Islands Government and local entities see the recovery and use of heirloom seeds as a way to preserve both agroecological biodiversity and ethnographic heritage . The traditional gavias (terraced fields) and the seed bank of Guisguey are considered examples of how adaptation, resilience, and the effective use of technology can contribute to the survival of rural ecosystems and cultures in environments particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Collaboration and future for traditional seeds
The recently established national working group on plant reproductive material serves as a forum for dialogue to coordinate efforts among government agencies, farmers, and cooperatives. Its goal is to strengthen the role of seeds and nursery plants in an agricultural context that must adapt to new market demands and environmental challenges, such as pests and water scarcity. Effective certification systems, the promotion of digitalization, and constant interaction between science and traditional knowledge are essential to guaranteeing high-quality seeds with significant cultural value.
The conservation of traditional seeds is essential in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture that is resilient to global change. The combination of technological innovation and respect for tradition fosters hope that our agricultural and natural heritage will endure, protecting landscapes, flavors, and ways of life.