As the global economy is struggling along these days, I’m increasingly approached by people with an open request for ‘free seeds’. In particular the last few months they’ve come from Pakistan.
I believe these requests are genuine, but I’m not really sure what to do with them.
I don’t really have the kind of seeds someone should grow in a climate very different from mine and expect to feed themselves. I’m also really only prepared to send out small samples, for people to regrow and save their own seeds.
In today’s world we fund organizations like the Red Cross, who are supposed to work for the common good in times of crisis, and in fact do really good work. When it comes down to helping one person in need, as a world we really fail. There’s usually no place for these people to turn to.
Does anyone have any suggestions for sources of ‘free seeds’ in cases like this? I can only imagine requests like this are going to become more common.
It seemed to me that some sort of microfinancing system like Kiva would be a good starting point. Perhaps we seeds savers could get a lending consortium together with the aim of supporting small farmers and families keen to restart their market gardens. The small loans would enable them to buy local seeds suited to their environment.
But, having just looked at the site there seems to be no ‘funding partners’ (who administer loans locally) or borrowers anywhere in the Indian sub-continent which I find surprising.
So that’s an idea but it seems to be a non-starter.
Hi Cat!
I found your first comment in my spam filter. I think the HTML was the problem, but it’s back now.
I’m always a little two-faced about Kiva. On one hand, if there are no other alternatives, it’s nice there’s an organization like that to help people. On the other hand, the poor people in the world are the last ones who need to be saddled with more debt, however small or informal this may be. I would also hate it if the people who accepted a debt, then defaulted, were the ones that benefited the most from something like Kiva. I would generally prefer my money be given in the form of a gift, if at all possible.
Having said this, maybe you’re right. The Kiva model might be a good one to pursue, and maybe through Kiva themselves.
Generally I’ll send out free seeds to those in need via Oss Bank.
I can send out a few packs of tomato seeds. “Mountain Princess” & “Hillbilly”. And a pie pumpkin “Small Sugar” ,a mild pepper Anaheim type “New Mex 6-4L”.
If those seeking free seeds are unable to buy seeds due to low income or to lack there of have them contact me. Hopefully those seeking free seeds are not the types that are looking for what ever they can get for free. While they are able to still obtain seeds the conventional way.
i am in childrens hosp son has cystic fibrosis we are on limited income can u please help me out with some garden seeds i would be deeplt thankful harold stapleton 806 east chestnut st apt#1 mt vernon ohio 43050 ph# 1740 397 0083 . thank you may god bless u all
@ Harold
I’m getting together a few seed packs for you and will mail them out to you tomorrow.