Behind the Packet: The Hidden Worlds of Hybrid Seeds

The Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security, a program of SeedChange, is building a movement for resilient seed systems in Canada. Our events are designed and hosted in collaboration with partner organizations across Canada, including FarmFolk CityFolk (BC), Organic Alberta (for the Prairie region), the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO), and the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network (ACORN).

Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security

Many growers don’t think deeply about the seeds we plant—but there's a complex story behind each packet of hybrid seed.

Webinars & Virtual Farm Clubs

Seed webinars in 2023 and 2024 from The Bauta Family Initiative.

At the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security, we work toward a future where farmers have the power to save, improve, and share the seeds they rely on. That means building a seed system rooted in genetic diversity, regional adaptation, and collective care.Seed systems are complex—shaped by geography, labour, economics, policy, and culture. They involve trade-offs. No single model is perfect. This series is about holding space for nuance, highlighting under-recognized work, and building shared understanding of the systems that feed us.We invite you to join us—with curiosity and care—as we shine a light behind the packet.------------------------------<h2>Behind the Packet: The Hidden Worlds of Hybrid Seeds</h2>It may be that many growers don’t think deeply about the seeds we plant—but behind each packet lies a complex web of decisions, relationships, and global infrastructure.This conversation dives into the world of hybrid seed production, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how hybrid seeds are grown, who produces them, and what that means for farmers, biodiversity, and seed sovereigntyHybrid seeds can offer significant benefits, especially in certain farming contexts. But they’re also part of a broader system that relies on intensive labour, specialized technologies, and globalized supply chains. We'll explore how these seeds are produced—from hand pollination in crops like squash, peppers, and tomatoes, to the increasing use of genetic tools—and why much of this work is concentrated in specific regions of the world.This webinar is an invitation to think more critically and curiously about the origins of our hybrid seed and what a more transparent, just, and regionally resilient seed system could look like.This webinar features Adrienne Shelton of Enza Zaden, who brings expertise from her work with one of the world’s leading vegetable seed companies, and Jason Cavatorta, Plant Breeder and Research Director at EarthWork Seeds, LLC, where he develops high-yielding, flavourful varieties with strong disease resistance and adaptability, with a focus on solanaceous and cucurbit crops. Together, they’ll share insights from their experiences in hybrid seed breeding and production, offering participants a rare look into the decisions, practices, and global networks that shape the seeds we grow.Presentations will be in English with translated slides in French.Please note: A copy of the slides will be shared after the event, but this session will not be recorded, so please plan to join us for the live event! ----------------------------------- D’où viennent vos semences? Comprendre les différents systèmes de semences<h2>Regarder au-delà du sachet pour découvrir le monde caché des semences hybrides</h2>Les agricultrices et les agriculteurs sont probablement nombreux à ne pas trop réfléchir aux semences qu’ils plantent. Cependant, derrière chaque sachet se cache un monde complexe de décisions, de relations et d’infrastructures mondiales.Cette conversation aborde l’univers de la production des semences hybrides, en donnant un aperçu de la façon dont elles sont produites, des gens qui les produisent et de ce que cela signifie pour les agricultrices et les agriculteurs, la biodiversité et la souveraineté des semences.Les semences hybrides peuvent offrir des avantages considérables, surtout dans certains contextes agricoles, mais elles font aussi partie d’un système plus vaste qui dépend d’une main-d’œuvre intensive, de technologies spécialisées et de chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales. Nous allons examiner leur production, qui inclut une pollinisation à la main pour des cultures comme les courges, les poivrons et les tomates, ainsi que l’utilisation de plus en plus répandue d’outils génétiques. Nous allons aussi montrer que la majorité de ce travail se concentre dans des régions précises du monde.Ce webinaire se veut une invitation à faire preuve de curiosité et à réfléchir de manière plus critique à l’origine de nos semences, et à quoi pourrait ressembler un système semencier plus juste, transparent et résilient sur le plan régional.Veuillez noter : une copie des diapositives sera partagée après l'événement, mais cette session ne sera pas enregistrée, alors prévoyez de nous rejoindre pour l'événement en direct ! Photo credit - Bangladeshi farmer works on tomato plants: This photo was captured at a Tomato Hybrid Seed Production Plot as a tribal woman emasculates tomato plant flowers for crossing. This photo was taken in Bashon, Bangladesh by Md. Shafiqul Islam Shafiq.

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Behind the Packet: The Hidden Worlds of Hybrid Seeds

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Behind the Packet: The Hidden Worlds of Hybrid Seeds

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