The Struggle of Seed Farmers Amid Climate Chaos
In recent years, the once predictable growing seasons have become a thing of the past for seed farmers like Stacy Mates of Green Things Farm Collective in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Unpredictable weather patterns, characterized by droughts, torrential rains, and extreme storms, have led to significant challenges in seed production. As climate change intensifies, the very foundation of our horticultural endeavors is under threat.
According to Lane Selman, an agricultural researcher at Oregon State University, and founder of the Culinary Breeding Network, “We are not having normal seasons anymore.”
The hottest summer on record in the northern hemisphere only adds to the growing concerns. Alan Sparks, a seasoned industry consultant, acknowledges that the challenges faced by seed companies are widespread, even if they are reluctant to admit it.
While Green Things once produced all the seeds in its catalogue, many seed companies now collaborate with individual farmers due to space requirements and specific climate needs.
Open-pollinated, non-hybrid seeds demand careful spacing to prevent cross-pollination, a complex process that is further complicated by changing weather patterns. In the Pacific northwest, once a reliable seed-growing region, unpredictable weather events have added to the difficulties.
The complexities of seed farming extend beyond the planting phase. Poor-quality seeds may lead to lower germination rates and increased susceptibility to disease.
Plants grown for seed stay in the ground much longer than those grown for food, adding to the risk. Nathaniel Talbot, who raises seed and vegetables at Deep Harvest Farm, explains that the lifecycle of a cabbage, for instance, is much longer when grown for seed.
A cabbage seed takes two years to mature, from planting to bolting.
Brian Campbell of Uprising Seeds in Bellingham, Washington, highlights the time-sensitive nature of seed production. Extreme weather events can have a devastating impact, such as the heat dome that affected cauliflower production in 2021.
Jim Gerritsen, an organic farmer in Maine, echoes these concerns.
After several years of drought, extreme wetness has become the new challenge, necessitating innovative approaches to soil management.
However, the work doesn’t end with harvest. Seed drying and cleaning require precise conditions. Even the slightest moisture during this process can lead to seed damage.
For larger seed companies, the option of relocating production to more stable regions is feasible, albeit with challenges. However, for individual seed farmers, adaptation is the key to resilience.
As climate change continues to disrupt traditional growing seasons, the need for seeds with robust genetic traits becomes paramount. Hybrid varieties, bred for specific pest or disease resistance, have their place.
Yet, open-pollinated varieties hold a unique advantage with their ability to withstand a range of regional stressors. Nathaniel Talbot emphasizes the importance of resilience, stating,
“We want plants with a resilient enough genetic makeup that they can survive if not thrive in both of those situations.”
Supporting local, small-scale seed companies emerges as a crucial step for home gardeners. These companies play a vital role in preserving seed diversity and adapting to the challenges presented by our changing climate.
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