Seeds of Change: The Living Treasure

This book was published in 1994, so I'd really like to see an update, as this book chronicles the motivation for founding Seeds of Change (the seed company) and the company's genesis. The company Seeds of Change has been purchased by M & M/Mars, so although their catalog remains similar, I wonder if they are still holding true to their ideals. This book has good information on the importance of preserving/reclaiming biodiversity through heirloom and open pollinated crops. We have lost diversity in our diets, and we are paying the price with our health. Chemical monoculture negatively affects the food value of our crops, and Seeds of Change was one of the first commercial enterprises to sound the call of alarm in the US.

Facinating book describes the author's discovery of heirloom seeds and traditional farming methods. Though the book is written about starting a heirloom seed company -- it is really about food, farming, health, philosophy, big business, bio diversity, environment, nature, history, community, and what makes life worthwhile. Filled with stories and facts that make the topic come alive. Straightford writing style makes it easy to share the author's passion for a more honest and natural way of life. Highly recomended for anyone of any age. Especially if you know little about heirloom seeds or traditional farming methods.

I literally stumbled upon this book while "trapped" by a snowstorm. I'm a Master Gardener and I've purchased heirloom seeds from this company many times. I thought the book was going to be about how the company grew, and it is, but it is much more! In the discussions about loss of biodiversity and the dominance of mass production agriculture, I felt like I was being presented with a call to action. I'd considered vegetarianism off and on for some time (for nutritional reasons) and this book gave me the impetus to finally follow through. The information is presented in a straightforward manner, without inflammatory prose, and the authors have created an inspiring and motivational book that I've found to be quite empowering.