Watch Seed Battles

Seed Battles is a thought-provoking documentary exploring the importance of preserving and conserving crop diversity. The film follows the story of Cary Fowler, an American agriculturalist and pioneer in the fight for crop diversity, and Marieke Jeuken, a young Dutch agriculturalist, as they travel the world in search of rare and valuable seeds.

The documentary begins by showcasing the effects of monoculture farming that has led to the loss of crop diversity across the globe. With the majority of large-scale farms growing just a handful of staple crops, there is little incentive for farmers to preserve lesser-known varieties, leading to their continued decline and potential extinction.

Fowler, who has dedicated his life to preserving the world's seeds, and Jeuken, a newcomer to the field, team up to search for rare and valuable seeds that have the potential to help fight against climate change and other future threats to agricultural output. Together they travel to Peru, Lebanon, and other countries in search of these vital seeds.

One of the highlights of the documentary is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault located on a remote island in the Arctic. The vault is a secure storage facility designed to protect the world's most valuable seed collections from any possible disaster. Fowler played a key role in establishing the vault, and he takes viewers on a tour of the facility, showcasing the importance of seed conservation to ensure food security for future generations.

The documentary also highlights the challenges faced by small-scale farmers whose lands often hold valuable seeds that have been passed down from generation to generation. These farmers face various challenges ranging from unpredictable weather patterns to industrialization, leaving them with few options to grow and sell their crops. Jeuken and Fowler's journey takes them into fields where they discuss with farmers the challenges they face and the importance of crop diversity in ensuring their survival.

The documentary also touches on the monopolization of the seed industry by big corporations. The film highlights the controversial case of Percy Schmeiser, a Canadian farmer sued by Monsanto after their genetically modified canola seeds were found growing on his farm. The legal battle went on for years, ultimately ending in a ruling that was viewed as a victory for small-scale farmers and the preservation of seeds.

Throughout the documentary, Fowler and Jeuken share their insights and experiences as they come across various crop varieties, some of which are near extinction. They also explore different methods of seed preservation, such as seed banks and community seed sharing initiatives, to ensure that the future generation has access to diverse crops.

Seed Battles is not just a story about seeds but a commentary on the larger issue of sustainable agriculture and the need for change. It highlights the importance of collective preservation efforts to ensure a better future for the agriculture industry and for humanity as a whole.

In conclusion, Seed Battles is an eye-opening documentary that highlights the importance of preserving crop diversity to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture. By following the journey of Cary Fowler and Marieke Jeuken, the documentary presents a compelling case for the conservation of rare and valuable seeds. The film not only educates the viewers about the current state of agriculture but also encourages them to take action to make a positive impact on the world.