It's Seeding Season, and this year at Anna's we went all out by stocking up on as many seeds and bulbs as we could get our hands-on, so you could create the garden of your dreams!
This week we wanted to introduce you to Tourne-Sol Co-operative Farm, which started in 2004 in Les Cèdres Quebec. A group committed to producing the highest quality organic products in the most sustainable ways possible to nourish their local community and enrich the landscape.
Their cooperative farm has 7 members and a dozen employees who are all passionate about good food, gardening, seed production, and ecology.
Running the business as a worker co-operative, they farm together following ecological principles, and have built a democratic, diversified and sustainable enterprise.
Here at Anna's, we are thrilled to be able to bring you Tourne-Sol seeds to hopefully inspire you to get your hands in the dirt and grow some of your favourites - whether it is to feed your family, or begin a community garden in your neighbourhood!
About Tourne-Sol seeds
Tourne-Sol seeds are open-pollinated. They will breed true to type. You can save their seeds. Our seeds are certified Organic by Ecocert Canada. They were produced ecologically with organic methods. Tourne-Sol does not offer GMO seeds. The seeds were selected for their bio-region. They are adapted to our climate and our weather.
Where do Tourne-Sol seeds come from?
- 70% of the varieties are grown at Tourne-Sol
- 10% of the varieties are grown by local farmers (many of whom are past Tourne-Sol apprentices!)
- 20% come from growers in other regions and wholesale suppliers.
Tourne-Sol doesn’t grow all of their seeds because the seeds of certain crops are difficult to produce in their climate and they don’t have the space to grow everything.
Tourne-Sol has signed the Safe Seed Pledge
"Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities."
So what are you waiting for? Make this the year you finally try your hand at gardening and seeing something grow because of your hands sowing, and tending to the needs of a few baby seeds. This is what it means to live simply, and slowly and with honour to the earth's rhythm and natural cycles. We can't wait to see what you grow this year!
