Guardians of the Seeds: Preserving Chile's Agricultural Legacy

In Chile, a dedicated group known as seed guardians strives to protect traditional crops from industrial agriculture and genetic modification. By collecting and trading seeds, they preserve ancient varieties of vegetables like tomatoes and corn. Their work supports biodiversity, adapts to climate change, and finds niche markets in high-end cuisine.

A group of committed farmers and growers in Chile, called seed guardians, are actively working to preserve their ancestral crops from the threats of industrial agriculture and genetic modification.

These guardians engage in preserving and trading seeds of forgotten vegetable varieties, such as those once cultivated by the indigenous Mapuche people. Notably, seed guardian Ana Yanez highlights that these varieties face extinction due to environmental changes and a preference for high-yield crops.

Pablo Caceres, a chef and guardian, is reviving a plethora of tomato varieties at Vik Winery's Pavilion restaurant. Their efforts in biodiversity could help agricultural resilience in the face of climate change, with international calls for more initiatives like theirs.

(With inputs from agencies.)