Insider Spotlight
Naturland and Global Seed Savers Philippines on July 31 introduced the Seed Catalogue of Traditional & Heirloom Seeds in the Philippines during the Organic Day celebration at Conrad Manila.
Developed by Global Seed Savers Philippines with support from Naturland, the publication documents 37 traditional and heirloom crops cultivated across the country, including staple crops such as rice and corn as well as indigenous varieties like adlai and kabog.
Why it matters
The partners said the catalogue seeks to close documentation gaps while making information on locally adapted crops more accessible to farmers, researchers, educators, policymakers, and seed savers. It also forms part of a broader collaboration on organic seed quality assurance, certification, and capacity building.
By the numbers
The catalogue covers 37 traditional and heirloom crops and builds on Naturland's collaboration with Global Seed Savers Philippines to promote agricultural biodiversity and sustainable seed systems.
What they said
“Every traditional and heirloom seed tells the story of the communities that have cared for it over generations. By bringing together these traditional and heirloom crops in one catalogue, we hope to ensure those stories are not lost,” Global Seed Savers Philippines executive director Hal Atienza said during the launch.
“We want more farmers, researchers, educators and even home gardeners to recognize their value, continue cultivating them and become active partners in protecting the Philippines’ agricultural heritage,” Atienza said.
“As we face growing challenges brought about by climate change and biodiversity loss, these seeds remind us that diversity is one of agriculture’s greatest strengths. Conserving them is not simply about protecting the past. It is about ensuring that farmers continue to have access to locally adapted crops while preserving the knowledge and traditions that make our food systems more resilient for generations to come,” he added.
“This catalogue gives farmers, researchers and communities a shared resource from which further action can grow. Our partnership with Global Seed Savers Philippines allows us to connect seed conservation with practical work on quality assurance, capacity building and organic agriculture.” said Naturland managing director for International Affairs and IFOAM vice president Marco Schlüter.
“The next step is to translate this knowledge into stronger local seed systems that give farmers greater confidence and choice,” said Schlüter.
The bottom line
Beyond documenting crop varieties, the partners said they intend to use the catalogue as a platform for advancing seed conservation, knowledge sharing, and stronger community-led organic seed systems in the Philippines. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
