Seeds are commonplace again
At the end of the gardening season, flowers, legumes, and fruiting vegetables use the last of their energy to produce seeds. Nature ripens these seeds for the next season. Farmers choose the best and strongest fruits, from which the seeds are extracted for the following gardening season. This is how farmers cultivated for years. Each farmer had their own specific seeds. But this has changed. After World War II, vegetable cultivation became industrialized. As a result, multinationals (such as Monsanto and Corteve Agriscience) eventually gained a monopoly (power) over most seeds. By genetically modifying the seeds, seeds can no longer be extracted from the fruits. These seeds are patented, meaning that farmers cannot or are not allowed to use the seeds from these crops the following year. Farmers have to buy new seeds from these multinationals every year. Nature intended it that when a plant grows, its seeds can be used again, and patents and/or DNA manipulation are not part of that. Modifying crop DNA is irresponsible and can cause significant damage that may be irreversible.
“If you control seeds, you control life on Earth”
Multinationals also control what we eat (which varieties can be grown), causing vegetable varieties to disappear, and that's a bad thing.
Gaia Seeds wants to contribute to the distribution of open-pollinated seeds. We reclaim the seeds (hopefully with you), so that they become commonplace again for ourselves and future generations. To ensure greater reach, we keep seed prices low because we prioritize purpose over profit. This site will regularly post information about wonderful initiatives in the field of natural gardening, and of course, we'll feature organic farmers. You can help by not buying seeds that have been manipulated or patented; this will create independence and freedom.
What is Natural Farming?
Organic food production takes the environment and animal welfare into account as much as possible. Natural farming goes a step further than organic farming by applying additional requirements and unique principles.
The Basis of Natural Farming: The Soil
The structure and fertility of the soil are at the heart of natural farming. Through the use of animal manure, compost, crop rotation, and special preparations, the soil is naturally enriched. This promotes healthy soil life and contributes to a natural balance.
Difference between Organic and Natural
While both organic and natural farming methods are environmentally and animal-friendly, there are some important differences. Organic farming focuses on avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, while natural farming goes a step further by using preparations and taking a holistic approach to agriculture. Natural farming also places great value on the connection between soil, plants, animals, and the cosmos, and often operates according to a specific calendar.
Unique Characteristics of Natural Farming
Natural farming distinguishes itself by preserving the unique character of animals and plants, as well as the authentic taste of products. Cows retain their horns and chickens their beaks, and free-range breeds are used. This means that farmers can breed or raise their own crops, unlike many conventional agricultural breeds. In addition, natural farmers use composted organic manure, organic straw, and natural animal feed from their own farms.
Recognition of Natural Products
Natural food products can be recognized by the Demeter quality mark. This quality mark guarantees that the products meet the strict requirements of natural farming. Visit the Demeter website for more information about the criteria producers must meet to obtain this quality mark.