This online learning platform, held in collaboration with the Alternative Agriculture Network (AAN), Food for Change, and Project SEVANA Southeast Asia, reflected key takeaways from the Seed Conferences in the Philippines. It invited Thai participants to join the “Conserve our Seeds, Secure our Food: A Regional Workshop on Farmers’ Rights to Seeds” held from April 7-9, 2025, in Davao City, Philippines. 

TOA was involved in recruiting participants, supporting the collection of their information for logistics, and purchasing air tickets and hotel reservations. The event, hosted by The Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (SEARICE) and supported by Earth Care Foundation (ECF), organized an international exchange in Asia to advance seed-related policies, share experiences, expand networks, and jointly promote common regional agendas. As a result, this online sharing aims to summarize impressions and lessons learned from the seed exchange forum with Thai participants and AAN. 

Thai participants emphasized resilient, farmer-led seed systems in Asia, which are often marginalized, face legal challenges, experience loss of local varieties, and are affected by climate change. Lessons from several countries highlight the value of bottom-up approaches, prioritizing seed conservation over commercialization, engaging with academia, developing market strategies, and involving youth in organic and community agriculture. They also called for shared discourse and branding around “community seeds,” better scientific support, diverse youth engagement, improved networking, policy monitoring, and clear role definitions across community, organizational, and policy levels. Overall, regional cooperation, effective policy communication, and integrated knowledge are vital to protect farmers’ rights and conserve seed diversity amid environmental and institutional challenges.