Our radio program Si Se Puede featured a special guest, Nate Kleinman, co-founder of the Experimental Farm Network (EFN). Based in Philadelphia, EFN is a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable agriculture and climate action. In our interview, Nate shared his inspiring journey from activist to agriculture advocate, highlighting the crucial role of seed saving in creating a resilient food system.
From Activism to Agriculture
Nate’s roots in agriculture trace back to Eastern Europe, where his Jewish ancestors were bakers and wheat mill operators. Raised in Pennsylvania, Nate’s passion for agriculture was born out of his commitment to social justice. He participated in significant movements like Occupy Wall Street in 2011 and disaster recovery after Hurricane Sandy in 2012. These experiences propelled him toward climate advocacy and eventually led to the creation of EFN.
What Is EFN All About?
EFN’s mission is clear: transform food systems into tools for combating climate change. Nate emphasized the importance of working with perennial plants, which can help sequester carbon in the soil. He also pointed out that seed biodiversity is vital for facing environmental challenges and preserving our agricultural heritage.
“The loss of seed diversity over the past century has been alarming,” Nate noted. “Seed saving is essential to surviving in a world facing extreme climate changes.”
Understanding Seed Types
During the interview, Nate broke down some common terms found on seed packets:
Open-Pollinated: These seeds are ideal for saving because future generations will resemble the original plants.
Hybrid: These are the result of crossbreeding two varieties. They are not recommended for seed saving, as their offspring can vary significantly.
Heirloom: These seeds have been cultivated for over 50 years, carrying generations of history and resilience.
Concerns About GMOs
Nate also raised concerns about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in our food supply, noting that a significant percentage of foods derived from corn, soy, and canola are genetically modified. He highlighted Mexico’s recent decision in February 2023 to ban genetically modified corn and glyphosate in masa and tortillas, which has implications for our local community of corn consumers.
How to Start Saving Your Own Seeds
If you’re interested in starting your own seed-saving journey, Nate shared a few valuable tips:
Pay attention to crop isolation distances to maintain seed purity.
Consider seed shelf life to ensure successful planting in the future.
Try seed selection projects or greenhouse cultivation, a method we’ll be experimenting with in our garden this year to recover papalo seeds.
A Path Toward a Sustainable Future
In our conversation, Nate highlighted the collaborative nature of seed saving, emphasizing that it’s more than just a gardening technique—it's a powerful act that can lead to a more sustainable future for our community.
October 2024 Corn-Growing Project
This October, we’re hosting a small corn-growing project and masa-making workshop in our garden. While this event is not open to the public, we’re excited to share the outcomes and insights with you afterward. Stay tuned for updates on what we learned and how this project contributes to our ongoing efforts for a sustainable and pesticide-free food system.
How You Can Get Involved
If you want to learn more about seed saving or join our efforts, feel free to reach out:
Jose Spellman-Lopez
Co-Coordinator, Food Justice Program
Let’s work together to ensure a more resilient and sustainable future! 🌱
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