News From The Field: 
Visits with Benguet Association of Seed Savers

We are thrilled to announce the Benguet Association of Seed Savers (BASS)! The first of its kind in the Philippines, these dedicated organic farmers are committed to restoring the historical practice of saving their own seeds. Through this critical work they are no longer dependent on purchasing seeds after each planting. Saving them an average of $100 annually (roughly 10% of their annual incomes), farmers are no longer forced to use harmful chemicals to grow these seeds, therefore leading to improved soil health and productivity. 

During our monthly field visit in March, members of BASS toured each others' farms and we conducted inspections of the new members' fields. In addition, we checked on farm facilities and operations, such as composting, water sources, and proper space to propagate seeds. Many of these farmers once worked in isolation, but our monthly educational field visits now provide  an opportunity for the members of BASS to learn from their fellow seed saving peers and build a strong collaborative community from which to do their incredible work. 




Want to support the monthly education programs of the BASS? 
Sign-up to be a monthly recurring donor to Friends of ENCA Farm: 
$70 a month will support our monthly field visits.

Upcoming Events

SEED: The Untold Story 
Film Screening and Discussion 
Thursday, April 6th at 6pm 
at the Posner Center 


Join us and our friends at Denver Urban Gardens and the  Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance  for the film screening of SEED: The Untold Story at the  Posner Center for International Development on Thursday, April 6th at 6pm.

Film Synopsis:

Few things on Earth are as miraculous and vital as seeds -- worshipped and treasured since the dawn of humankind. This documentary follows passionate seed keepers who are protecting a 12,000 year-old food legacy. In the last century, 94 seed varieties have disappeared. A cadre of 10 agri-chemical companies, including Syngenta, Bayer, and Monsanto, controls over two-thirds of the global seed market, reaping unprecedented profits. Farmers and others battle to defend the future of our food.

There will be a Q&A after the film with Bill McDorman, the Executive Director of the  Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance that is featured in the film.  Discounted pre-sale tickets can be purchased here and $25 tickets will be available at the door.


Make a Difference Monday's
Monday, May 15th 
6 pm - onwards  @ the Ginn Mill 

Join us for drinks and fun at the Ginn Mill on Monday, May 15th. 100% of proceeds will support our programs in the Philippines. It also happens to be the day after our Founder and Executive Director's birthday, so join us for some drinks to celebrate with her.  We will be doing a small tomato seed saving demo during the event as well! 


Seed School Teacher Training 
October 1st - October 6th
@ the Posner Center

We are thrilled to be co-hosting Seed School Teacher Training at our beautiful collaborative office space, the Posner Center for International Development. In collaboration with t he Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance and  Denver Urban Gardens this dynamic training will prepare and empower you to become a seed educator in your community!
 
The training incorporates permaculture principles, infusing learning strategies with holistic perspectives to support participants' development in their areas of focus. These areas include: farming, backyard gardening, facilitating seed libraries or exchanges, education and advocacy for food or seed issues.  Learn More and Register Here! 

Mountain West Seed Summit: 
Lessons from the Past to Guide Our Future 


Sherry pictured here with Belle and Bill of the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance and Heather DeLong of DeLaney Community Farm. The dynamic facilitation team from our November Program in the Philippines last year.
Our Founder and Executive Director Sherry Manning, was honored to attend and have the opportunity to moderate and speak on a panel during the recent Mountain West Seed Summit hosted by our collaborators and friends at the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance in Santa Fe, New Mexico in March. 

The panel was titled,  "Working With Traditional Communities" which was a strong theme throughout the conference. Summit participants had the tremendous opportunity to learn from the wisdom of the many Pueblo and Native American communities located in Santa Fe and throughout the region. 

Learn more about the panel and Sherry's reflections from the Summit on the Friends of ENCA Farm blog!
Friends of ENCA Farm| www.encaorganicfarm.com

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