28 September 2024, Small Meeting Room, 6^th floor, The Church of Christ in Thailand

Morning Session: Seeds to Table showcased the diverse ways that different communities in Mekong countries utilize and conserve local seeds. In Myanmar, a display highlighted various beans, stressing their significance as a protein source and their free exchange within the community. In Cambodia, attention centered on Battambang Province, illustrating how local food traditions, represented by the signature spicy fish dipping sauce, are connected to the use of local seeds. In Thailand, Indigenous farmers demonstrated the role of seed diversity in preserving their cultural heritage and ensuring food security. Concurrently, organizations like Ginsabaijai and ISAAN Y-Farm emphasized community-based seed saving and distribution practices, including cross-border seed exchange initiatives. In Vietnam, the importance of preserving traditional seed-saving practices while addressing the challenges of maintaining seed quality during the rainy season was highlighted. Lastly, the session showcased herbs and local rice and vegetables in a community food forest in Laos. Overall, the workshop underscores the importance of local seed varieties in sustaining food security, cultural identity, and sustainable livelihoods in the Mekong region.

Afternoon Session: Key challenges young farmers in the Mekong Region face regarding seed saving and conservation include a lack of awareness about seed laws and their rights, the dominance of profit-driven monoculture, the increasing threat of climate change, limited access to information and training, and inadequate legal frameworks that do not fully protect farmers’ rights. To address these issues, common concerns emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach. This encompasses fostering community-based seed-saving initiatives, such as establishing seed banks and exchange networks, while raising awareness about seed laws, climate change, and sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, advocating for policy changes that support farmers’ rights and promote agroecological practices is crucial. Lastly, fostering cross-border collaboration and engaging all stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, and policymakers, in decision-making processes will conserve valuable seed resources and promote sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.