Holly Whitesides and her husband are trying to go “against the grain” of industrial agriculture in the United States. They use their family farm and their work on saving seed to convince other farmers and groups of the importance of a sovereign seed stock.
My husband and I are trying to go ”against the grain” of industrial agriculture in the United States, through our family farm and by presenting to other farmers the importance of saving seed.
We own a biodynamic farm called Against the Grain. In addition to producing a variety of vegetables and grains, we raise chickens, dairy goats, and make products like sorghum molasses and cornmeal. Over the last few years, we have saved and produced seed as an additional income stream. Like many family farmers in the US who farm full-time, my husband and I both have second jobs.
I am passionate about sharing the importance of saving seed. Frequently, I present to other farmers and groups about the monopolisation of the seed industry and growing seed as a source of income. Recently I presented at the Young Farmers Conference in New York, and this winter, I am invited for a farmer entrepreneur series at our local co-operative extension. Through these presentations, we are hoping to expand the network of farmers who are saving seeds and regaining sovereignty over their seeds.
Everyone eats and therefore everyone relies upon safe, sovereign sources of seed. It is absolutely essential that farmers have access to seed stock that is sovereign. The more small farms that choose to engage in skillful and knowledgeable seed saving, the safer and more secure our food system becomes.
Holly Whitesides
Holly Whitesides and her husband Andy live in Boone, North Carolina. Read more about Holly and Andy: www.atgfarm.com
