Seed exchange includes seed initiative, networking

Farmers and gardeners interested in learning to grow, select, and save seed and in building food self-reliance resources are invited to the 8th Annual Hawai‘i Island Seed Exchange from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 19.

The exchange begins at 9 a.m. with a meeting to review the recent Hua Ka Hua—Restore Our Seed Symposium, which created a statewide seed working group of UH Manoa, UH Hilo, and island representatives. The next step is to form "seed working groups" around the island to share knowledge and network on variety trials and field days on farms and gardens.

Following the meeting, Nancy Redfeather, Hawai‘i Island Seed Exchange coordinator and co-owner of Kawanui Farm, will present a demonstration on saving and cleaning lettuce seed. Persons interested in demonstrating other crops may contact Redfeather.

For anyone not yet a seed saver, there is a $10 fee. Cuttings and roots are welcome, but no potted plants please because of concerns about the little fire ants.

Bring a picnic or purchase lunch from 12-1 p.m. at the exchange. Food (vegetarian/non-vegetarian/organic) by  the Lotus Cafe. Dessert Potluck Buffet to follow.