Community resilience

Save and exchange seeds at events organized by the Cooper Institute

The public is invited to attend Seedy Saturdays at a variety of locations this month to save and exchange seeds and learn how seed-saving can increase community resilience.

The first event is on March 7 at 1-3 p.m. at the Confederation Centre Public Library in Charlottetown.

The events are free, although donations are accepted. Seedy Saturdays are a global initiative to save and share locally adapted seed and

Prince Edward Island, also known as Canada's Food Island, is a part of this global movement. There is a culture of strong community connection on P.E.I. and this sets us up for a strong network of local seed-savers.

This year, P.E.I. farmer Carina Phillips will lead a workshop on seed saving, followed by a community seed exchange. All are welcome to

attend, regardless of gardening experience. The workshop and seed-exchange can be attended separately if time is limited.

This year's events will be centered on sovereignty, a food system in which communities have control over the production,

trade, and consumption of their food. It prioritizes farmers' and community members' rights to food and a livable income. It actively

resists the oppressive corporate food regime which restricts access to food for vulnerable populations. This is important on an Island the size of P.E.I., where available farmland is limited.

For more information, call or email Shelby Downe at 902-894-4573 or shelby@ cooperinstitute.ca.