Independent Lens Season 18 Episode 13 Seed: The Untold Story

"Seed: The Untold Story" is the thirteenth episode of the eighteenth season of Independent Lens. This documentary focuses on the importance of seed preservation and the dangers of losing such valuable resources. The episode showcases activists, farmers, and experts from all over the world to highlight the crisis surrounding the lack of diversity in seeds and the impact it has on our food system.

Viewers are taken on a journey to different parts of the world where they witness first-hand the struggles of farmers and the challenges they face in preserving seed diversity. The episode starts by diving into the history of seed collection and the value of preserving heirloom species, showcasing rare seed collections from around the globe. The documentary then progresses to show how the development of hybrid seeds has led to the extinction of many native species and the consequences it has to our food security.

Next, "Seed: The Untold Story" states the significant impact that corporations and monoculture farming have had on the decline of seed diversity. Monsanto, one of the largest seed corporations in the world, is cited several times throughout the episode, exposing how their business practices have undermined small farmers and have made them dependent on their patented seed varieties. The episode also covers the threat of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) to seed biodiversity and the issues that arise from them.

The documentary continues to showcase a series of examples on how people are taking action to confront these issues. It features a seed library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where patrons come together to borrow and exchange heirloom seeds. Such initiatives are shown to be vital in preserving rare species and promoting cultural and agricultural diversity. Online seed exchanges are also highlighted as essential resources for independent farmers looking for unique and local seed strains.

Other examples of seed preservation and protection are also highlighted in the show, including a farmer's seed bank in India dedicated to preserving indigenous seed varieties, and a seed-saving cooperative in Norway striving to maintain the country's traditional seed diversity. The documentary brings to light the work of groups like the International Seed Treaty, the Native Seed Network, and the Seed Savers Exchange, whose mission is to maintain biodiversity and support independent farmers.

"Seed: The Untold Story" is a touching and informative documentary that exposes the gravity of the seed biodiversity crisis and the issues that surround our food systems. It stresses the importance of seed preservation and promotes the idea that we all have a role to play in preserving seed diversity. This episode provides viewers a lens for exploring this critical issue further and underscores the critical impact that biodiversity has on our environment, health, and livelihoods.