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Join the Farmer Seed Stewardship Network

The Farmer Seed Stewardship initiative represents a network of farmers who identify themselves as "seed stewards." To join the network, you must be a farmer who produces, saves, or improves at least one seed variety on your farm for commercial production or on-farm use. You may also be a farmer who conducts on-farm research or variety trials. As a seed steward, you support the following statement and principles:

Farmers who produce, save, or improve seed are central to expanding agricultural diversity and innovation. As a seed steward, I believe seed is an invaluable natural resource, and that I play an important role in managing seed in a manner that improves food quality, safeguards seed diversity for future generations, and advances organic and other forms of sustainable agriculture. I support the development of seed policy that adheres to the following principles:

• Farmers have inherent rights, including the ability to produce, save, and improve seed.
• Conserving, improving, and developing regionally adapted seed is essential for the success of farmers, organic agriculture, and the greater global food supply.
• Access to diverse seed options enhances innovation and reverses the negative impacts of concentrated ownership of seed, patents on life, and restrictive licensing.
• Given the known risks of genetically engineered traits contaminating seed, the genetic integrity of seed must be protected.
• Public research should be aligned with the diverse and regional needs of farmers and the communities they serve.