SeedChange

rdf:langString SeedChange

rdf:langString SeedChange (Sème l'avenir in French), formerly known as USC Canada, is a non-profit organization that works with farmers around the world, including in Canada, to strengthen their ability to grow food sustainably with locally adapted seeds. The organization was founded in 1945 by Lotta Hitschmanova as the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada. It updated its name in October 2019, a few months short of its 75th year. The mission of SeedChange is to build food sovereignty by working with partners to enhance biodiversity, promote ecological agriculture and counter inequity. Its work serves to help farmers build and maintain strong rural communities thanks to resilient family farms and healthy ecosystems. The organization partners with other non-profit organizations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to design and deliver programs to help farmers strengthen biodiversity, food sovereignty, and realize their rights. SeedChange also works to influence global food production policies that protect farmers' rights and nurture fertile landscapes, regenerating the water, soils and vegetation that humans, plants, and animals depend on. As of 2019, the organization is run by a staff of approximately 25, most of whom are based in Ottawa, Canada. The organization's award-winning flagship program, Seeds of Survival, was featured in a National Geographic article in July 2011.