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The need for seed (14 photos)

Crowds fill Sault College to swap seeds, compost with worms

Saturday marked the ninth annual Seedy Saturday in Sault Ste. Marie.

The event was held at Sault College's Essar Hall.

The event is held by the Sault Ste. Marie Horticultural Society to bring together gardeners, farmers and environmentalists to promote and swap Canadian seeds and raise awareness of the need to protect those seeds that are considered endangered.

"We don't want big companies to come in and buy a patent and take them off the market so they can sell their own seeds," said Suzanne Hanna, Seedy Saturday event organizer, speaking to SooToday.

The event comes under Seeds of Diversity Canada (of which Hanna is chair). 

"In Europe it can be against the law to save seeds, so in Canada we came up with these events to promote seed saving," Hannah said.

There are about 140 annual Seedy Saturdays held in communities across Canada between January and April.

Apart from people buying and swapping seeds, Essar Hall was lined with tables occupied by food vendors selling organic eggs, honey, maple syrup,soap and other goods.

Taylor Wright, Invasive Species Centre project coordinator, was on hand to inform visitors of the dangers of bringing foreign exotic seeds into Canada.

In another corner, a youngster studied composting with worms, as demonstrated by the folks at Clean North.

40 exhibitors took part in Saturday's seedy event.

Hanna projected about 500 people would attend.

Admission was by donation.

 

 


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Darren Taylor

About the Author: Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is a news reporter and photographer in Sault Ste Marie. He regularly covers community events, political announcements and numerous board meetings. With a background in broadcast journalism, Darren has worked in the media since 1996.
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