The Seed for the Future: Future of Young Farmers and Seeds in Agriculture festival, held on January 23-24, 2025, in Yasothon Province, Thailand, highlighted the importance of preserving traditional agricultural practices and the seeds that sustain them. As climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and economic instability challenge modern agriculture, traditional seeds face the threat of extinction. Protecting the right of farmers to own and save seeds is essential for ensuring food sovereignty and the survival of local plant genetics.
The event, organized by a coalition of organizations, played a key role in fostering sustainable agricultural networks and engaging younger generations in farming. The festival was a vibrant gathering, with young organic farmers from Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, exhibiting their seeds and local products. Visitors were able to exchange knowledge about seed saving, collect rare varieties, and purchase seeds to contribute to preserving these unique plant genetics. The event also featured diverse seed varieties, including traditional rice from different regions of Thailand.
One of the festival’s key discussions was centered on the importance of plant genetic resources, seed production, collection, and sales. Experts emphasized the urgency of preserving traditional seed varieties, which are increasingly under threat due to factors like monoculture farming and seed monopolies. The session highlighted how maintaining a diverse seed bank could enhance food security and agricultural resilience. Furthermore, workshops on innovation, knowledge sharing, and the practices of young farmers offered practical insights. Topics such as water management, adding value to organic farm products, cooking with local rice flour, and seed selection techniques were explored in depth.
Another panel discussion explored the impact of agricultural policies on seed security in Southeast Asia. Experts discussed how international trade conventions, such as the UPOV and CBD, have influenced national laws, often limiting farmers’ rights to save and exchange seeds. The challenges posed by monoculture farming and the widespread use of chemical fertilizers were also highlighted. Speakers shared experiences from their respective countries, including Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, where farmers are facing legal restrictions on seed saving, climate change impacts, and economic struggles. Despite these challenges, many farmers are shifting towards organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices to protect local biodiversity and enhance long-term food security.
In addition to discussions, the festival also featured hands-on workshops in a session called “Shim (ชิม) and Shine,” which explored the creative use of local ingredients. Participants had the opportunity to taste and learn about local herbal teas, innovative traditional beverages, and unique fruit varieties, all made from regionally sourced products. These workshops showcased how traditional knowledge could be applied to enhance market value and promote the local agricultural economy.
On the second day, young farmers shared their personal stories in a TED Talk session about the happiness and fulfillment they found by returning to their hometowns to integrate modern agricultural knowledge with traditional practices. Their journeys underscored the potential for organic farming to create lasting value within communities.
Another important discussion revolved around the guidelines for the registration and protection of local plant varieties under Thailand’s Plant Varieties Protection Act. The panel explored the process of registering traditional plants and the challenges involved, particularly the need for collaboration between farmers, local authorities, and researchers. The goal is to create a system that acknowledges and protects the history and uniqueness of local plants, empowering farmers to safeguard their genetic resources.
The festival concluded with a seed exchange, reinforcing the spirit of community and sustainability as participants shared seeds, crops, and fruits from Thailand and Southeast Asia. This exchange further strengthened the connections between farmers and communities, contributing to the shared mission of preserving biodiversity and fostering a sustainable agricultural future.
Following the event, participants visited local initiatives focused on rice genetic conservation and sustainable farming practices. These visits highlighted the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and the role of organic agriculture in addressing climate change, ensuring food security, and promoting community resilience.
