In November, on the occasion of the Campanha pelas Sementes Livres [www.sosementes.gaia.org.pt], Portugal will receive the visit of the Australian Seed Savers, Jude and Michel Fanton, precursors of the global awareness towards seed conservation and its dissemination with permaculturers and gardeners from all over the world. During their stay, they Jude and Michel will share their knowledge of permaculture and local seed conservation in events taking place throughout the country.

In Coimbra, in an activity developed by the Environment and Society Workshop/CES, in cooperation with Grupo de Transição em Coimbra, the documentary film “Our Seeds: Seeds Blong Yumi” [2008, 57’] will be screened, celebrating all the seed savers, farmers and gardeners who preserve and share the origin of our distinct food heritage. Filmed in eleven countries with twenty tribal groups, the documentary film shows that the threats to health and food quality have local solutions.

After the screening of the film, with English audio and Portuguese subtitles, there will be a debate session with the participation with Michel and Jude Fanton.

Short biography of Jude and Michel Fanton

 Besides their participation in several scientific research projects, both individually and together with universities and other institutions, these Australians' work consists on supporting the creation of local networks for seed exchange, seed banks and conservation gardens for traditional seed varieties, all over the world.

Among their publications, “Seed Savers’ Handbook” constitutes a reference for the cultivation, preparation and conservation of 117 traditional varieties of food crops from Australia and New Zealand. Soon, they will release a new documentary film, “Our Roots”, filmed in Vanuatu.

Michel and Jude Fanton are an inspiration for thousands of gardeners and supporters of a common food heritage. Long-time permaculturers, nowadays they are mostly committed to spreading the message of traditional seeds and supporting the creation of local systems for seed conservation and exchange.

More information about the Australian seed savers available at www.seedsavers.net

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