Building communities and a sustainable seed system in Quebec 

Happy new year! 
Welcome to Bauta Family Initiative for Canadian Seed Security's regional e-newsletter.

Winter 2019 conference calls

This winter, USC Canada is organizing monthly conference calls to foster collaboration between seed growers, farmers and organizers.

• January 31st (12-13pm): Join a seed production and learners' cohorte  

• February 28th (4-5pm): Work with others to trial, adapt and breed crops

• March 8th (4-5pm): Promote local seed with growers, farmers and chefs.

• April 11th (3-5pm): Reflecting on the 2019 Seedy Saturday season

Please RSVP with Hugo Martorell (hmartorell@usc-canada.org) to receive the information ahead of the meeting and join via 1-888 396 8039 and the code 1593829

Recruiting growers in trials and breeding 

This year, we are working with University of British Columbia, the CETAB+ and the CAPÉ to recruit farmers wishing to trial (carrot, pepper) or breed (red pepper, tomato and squash) vegetable crops.

For the 6th year, we will work with University of Manitoba to recruit farmers wishing to breed spring wheat, oats  potatoes to adapt them to their region and farming conditions.

For more information, contact our team (hmartorell@usc-canada.org et hjensen@usc-canada.org).

Entreprise budget consultation for seed growers

2 hours seed economics consultations are available for growers. Seed enterprise budgets help you determine the cost of your labour and material inputs as well as potential sales revenue for seed crops. This consultation will help you understand and fit your own numbers in the spreadsheet in real time. If you wish to participate, contact Chris Thoreau, regional seed security coordinator in BC (chris@farmfolkcityfolk.ca).

Launching the Seedy Saturday season: let's promote local seeds! 

Each year, from January to March, Seedy Saturdays are organized across Quebec. They provide a unique moment for gardeners and farmers to learn about the work of seed growers and to promote local seed to the public.

1. Consult the dates and places of each Seedy Saturday or use the online seed finder
2. Submit and vote for the best flours and plants with the contest of the Exceptionnelles.
3. Join the le Community seed network to connect and share resources and information
4. Support the work of the Bauta initiative to improve our on-farm research and training program

Events and trainings 

January 18-20 2019: the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York Winter Farming Conference was a success to build seed community and skills.

February 20-21 2019 : this years Colloque Bio pour Tous at Victoriaville will be at the crossroad between garlic and cereals.

Consult the calendars of the Centre Paysan, the CAPÉ and the CETAB+.