Ever wondered what a seed truly is? These tiny living entities contain the blueprint of life, giving us the food, fibers, fuel, and materials we rely on. Seeds can enter dormancy, a natural pause that allows them to survive tough conditions. This ability is key to gene banks, like the one at Agroscope in Switzerland, where seeds are preserved to protect our agricultural diversity. But while gene banks safeguard countless seeds, the diversity we see in our fields and on our plates has drastically shrunk. Today, just a handful of crops dominate, controlled by a few big corporations. So, where did all that diversity go? And why don't we think about the story behind seeds when – let’s say – we throw an apple core?


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SEED CARRIERS Episode 1 "Seeds As Time Capsules"
with Alexandra Baumgartner, Anna Froelicher, Kim Schelbert, Beate Schierscher, Boulos Chalhoub, Deborah Macauley, József Hegyesi and Katherine Dolan.  
Release 29.08.2024


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What is cultivated biodiversity and how can we stop losing more of it? SEED CARRIERS is an audio-documentary series about seeds. At the intersection of art, activism and science, we delve into the essential practices of sharing, the intricate relationships between humans and plants, and the intertwined history of plant domestication.

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SEED CARRIERS is a project by the Swiss association Institut Plapamco and was developed by Alexandra Baumgartner, Anna Froelicher, Kim Schelbert and Matthias Lorimer of the European coordination Let's Liberate Diversity!

SEED CARRIERS has been supported by Pro Helvetia, Migros Kulturprozent, Mobiliar Jubiläumsstiftung and Corymbo Foundation.
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(1/3) the potential of a seed

We're in the heart of Hungary's Great Plains with József Hegyesi, surrounded by an orchard brimming with 65 varieties of fruit trees – apples, plums, cherries, and more. His farm, like an island of diversity amidst a sea of monocultures, is a testament to his passion as a farmer and seed keeper. József not only preserves seeds in his on-farm seed bank but also shares them, along with the knowledge and culture they represent. He walks us through the meticulous process of harvesting seeds, emphasizing the patience and risk required to let fruits fully mature. Here, things go “full cycle”. But who truly owns these seeds? And how do farmers like József ensure diverse seeds continue to circulate freely? In part two of "Seeds as Time Capsules," we explore the seed diversity movement and the networks of activists, farmers, and gardeners working together to protect this vital resource. 
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SEED CARRIERS Episode 1 "Seeds As Time Capsules"
with Alexandra Baumgartner, Anna Froelicher, Kim Schelbert, Beate Schierscher, Boulos Chalhoub, Deborah Macauley, József Hegyesi and Katherine Dolan.  
Release 29.08.2024


-
What is cultivated biodiversity and how can we stop losing more of it? SEED CARRIERS is an audio-documentary series about seeds. At the intersection of art, activism and science, we delve into the essential practices of sharing, the intricate relationships between humans and plants, and the intertwined history of plant domestication.

-
SEED CARRIERS is a project by the Swiss association Institut Plapamco and was developed by Alexandra Baumgartner, Anna Froelicher, Kim Schelbert and Matthias Lorimer of the European coordination Let's Liberate Diversity!

SEED CARRIERS has been supported by Pro Helvetia, Migros Kulturprozent, Mobiliar Jubiläumsstiftung and Corymbo Foundation.
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(2/3) a garden full of diversity

A stomach is a carrier bag technology. Just as humans, non-humans plucked berries from shrubs, and picked up the best apples from the ground. The domestication of wild species is a complex and intertwined path to … ? Well, what is actually ‘wild’ in contrast to ‘domesticated’? In part three of “Seeds As Time Capsules” we return to the gene bank to explore how crop diversity came about and learn more about the intricate process of seed conservation and the resources it demands. Preserving an Eden-esk garden full of diversity in fortresses such as the doomsday vault in Svalbard can’t be the only way to go. We need diversity everywhere. By exploring new genomic editing technologies and the challenges the climate crisis poses to agriculture through the perspectives of a gene bank operator and a seed diversity activist, we emphasize the critical importance of protecting cultivated seed diversity and ensuring access for all. This underscores the urgent need for civil society's active involvement in safeguarding our agricultural future.
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SEED CARRIERS Episode 1 "Seeds As Time Capsules"
with Alexandra Baumgartner, Anna Froelicher, Kim Schelbert, Beate Schierscher, Boulos Chalhoub, Deborah Macauley, József Hegyesi and Katherine Dolan.
Release 29.08.2024

-
What is cultivated biodiversity and how can we stop losing more of it? SEED CARRIERS is an audio-documentary series about seeds. At the intersection of art, activism and science, we delve into the essential practices of sharing, the intricate relationships between humans and plants, and the intertwined history of plant domestication.

-
SEED CARRIERS is a project by the Swiss association Institut Plapamco and was developed by Alexandra Baumgartner, Anna Froelicher, Kim Schelbert and Matthias Lorimer of the European coordination Let's Liberate Diversity!

SEED CARRIERS has been supported by Pro Helvetia, Migros Kulturprozent, Mobiliar Jubiläumsstiftung and Corymbo Foundation.
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(3/3) seed keeping is a political act

SEED CARRIERS x SEEDS 4 ALL –  [mini-series] What Seeds For Tomorrow?
Episonde 1: Let's Liberate Diversity!

Why do we need to liberate diversity? How does this lead to a discussion about farmers’ seeds? And to what extent are these issues linked to the food sovereignty that affects us all? In the first episode of this audio-documentary series by SEED CARRIERS and Seeds4All, we take you to the Let’s Liberate Diversity forum in Diekirch, Luxembourg. This annual event brings together a broad community of people that defends farmers’ seed systems as a key lever for cultivating local biodiversity, and enabling the development of a farming model that can respond to changing conditions and local needs — from field to plate.

ABOUT THE MINI-SERIES

Right now in Europe, the rules governing our seeds are being rewritten, with powerful interests seeking to tighten their grip on food systems. In this new four part podcast series, SEED CARRIERS is joined by Seeds4All to explore the challenges facing agroecological seed operators — as far-reaching legislative changes could jeopardise the future of their practices. It is now more than urgent to shine a light on what this movement is contributing to the future of our food, and this is the purpose of the podcast you’re about to listen to. From farmers to seed producers and legal experts, we bring you the voices of those cultivating diversity as a guiding principle, not only in the seeds they plant but in the way they think about farming, food and community.

This podcast mini-series was co-authored and narrated by Adèle Pautrat and Alexandra Baumgartner. It’s a joint project by Seeds4All and SEED CARRIERS, supported by the European Coordination Let’s Liberate Diversity! and the ARC2020 association. Additional support comes from Natasha Foote. Music is by Andrew Morrisson. Mixing and Mastering by Julia Häller. Pictures of diversity by Adèle Violette. Graphic Design by Emmanuel Crivelli / Dual Room. 

The interviews forming the basis of this podcast were conducted during the 14th edition of the Let’s Liberate Diversity forum, held from 4 to 7 September 2025 in Diekirch, Luxembourg.

Give us your feedback and share this podcast to your friends and family - but most importantly get involved in supporting cultivated biodiversity, starting with your local agroecological farmers!

Our deep thanks to Frank, Matthias, Magdalena, Christophe, Eva, Riccardo, Holly and Maria for their precious contribution and their steadfast commitment to advancing agroecological seeds.

E1: Let’s Liberate Diversity!

SEED CARRIERS x SEEDS 4 ALL –  [mini-series] What Seeds For Tomorrow?
Episode 2: Legislating Diversity

In Europe, the trade and use of seeds is still governed by directives dating back to the late 1960s — a framework that has hardly changed in over half a century. Many of its rules are seen as limiting on-farm biodiversity and undermining farmers’ seed sovereignty. In this episode, we turn to legal experts to dig deeper on this topic and to unpack how the system deals with the specific needs of agroecological seed actors. But above all, we ask: will the ongoing reform — launched with a Commission proposal in 2023 — mark a real shift toward recognising and protecting the very principle of diversity in our farming and food systems?


ABOUT THE MINI-SERIES

Right now in Europe, the rules governing our seeds are being rewritten, with powerful interests seeking to tighten their grip on food systems. In this new four part podcast series, SEED CARRIERS is joined by Seeds4All to explore the challenges facing agroecological seed operators — as far-reaching legislative changes could jeopardise the future of their practices. It is now more than urgent to shine a light on what this movement is contributing to the future of our food, and this is the purpose of the podcast you’re about to listen to. From farmers to seed producers and legal experts, we bring you the voices of those cultivating diversity as a guiding principle, not only in the seeds they plant but in the way they think about farming, food and community.

This podcast mini-series was co-authored and narrated by Adèle Pautrat and Alexandra Baumgartner. It’s a joint project by Seeds4All and SEED CARRIERS, supported by the European Coordination Let’s Liberate Diversity! and the ARC2020 association. Additional support comes from Natasha Foote. Music is by Andrew Morrisson. Mixing and Mastering by Julia Häller. Pictures of diversity by Adèle Violette. Graphic Design by Emmanuel Crivelli / Dual Room. 

The interviews forming the basis of this podcast were conducted during the 14th edition of the Let’s Liberate Diversity forum, held from 4 to 7 September 2025 in Diekirch, Luxembourg.

Our deep thanks to Frank, Matthias, Magdalena, Christophe, Eva, Riccardo, Holly and Maria for their precious contribution and their steadfast commitment to advancing agroecological seeds.

Give us your feedback and share this podcast to your friends and family - but most importantly get involved in supporting cultivated biodiversity, starting with your local agroecological farmers!



E2: Legislating Diversity

SEED CARRIERS x SEEDS 4 ALL –  [mini-series] What Seeds For Tomorrow?
Episode 3: The Diversity We Stand For

An Italian seed grower walking us through sustainable ways of breeding for diversity. A Scottish farmer highlighting the direct benefits of training for seed sovereignty. And a Spanish agronomist, stressing the importance of empowering municipalities to secure access to local biodiversity. In the third episode of their audio-documentary series, SEED CARRIERS and Seeds4All dive into the heart of the matter to explore what seed diversity truly looks like in practice — and what kind of support it needs to take root across broader lands, flourish in the hands of farmers, and reach tables everywhere.

ABOUT THE MINI-SERIES

Right now in Europe, the rules governing our seeds are being rewritten, with powerful interests seeking to tighten their grip on food systems. In this new four part podcast series, SEED CARRIERS is joined by Seeds4All to explore the challenges facing agroecological seed operators — as far-reaching legislative changes could jeopardise the future of their practices. It is now more than urgent to shine a light on what this movement is contributing to the future of our food, and this is the purpose of the podcast you’re about to listen to. From farmers to seed producers and legal experts, we bring you the voices of those cultivating diversity as a guiding principle, not only in the seeds they plant but in the way they think about farming, food and community.

This podcast mini-series was co-authored and narrated by Adèle Pautrat and Alexandra Baumgartner. It’s a joint project by Seeds4All and SEED CARRIERS, supported by the European Coordination Let’s Liberate Diversity! and the ARC2020 association. Additional support comes from Natasha Foote. Music is by Andrew Morrisson. Mixing and Mastering by Julia Häller. Pictures of diversity by Adèle Violette. Graphic Design by Emmanuel Crivelli / Dual Room. 

The interviews forming the basis of this podcast were conducted during the 14th edition of the Let’s Liberate Diversity forum, held from 4 to 7 September 2025 in Diekirch, Luxembourg.

Our deep thanks to Frank, Matthias, Magdalena, Christophe, Eva, Riccardo, Holly and Maria for their precious contribution and their steadfast commitment to advancing agroecological seeds.

Give us your feedback and share this podcast to your friends and family - but most importantly get involved in supporting cultivated biodiversity, starting with your local agroecological farmers!

E3: The Diversity We Stand For

SEED CARRIERS x SEEDS 4 ALL –  [mini-series] What Seeds For Tomorrow?
Episode 4: Reclaiming the Seed Narrative

We suggest you take a moment to pause and think: what comes to mind when you hear the terms “seed saver”, “biodiverse food systems” or “farmers' seeds"? In this fourth and final episode of the audio-documentary series by SEED CARRIERS and Seeds4All, we focus on narratives. The stories we tell are powerful because they shape how we see the world — and the decisions we make. For too long the agroecological seed movement has been pushed to the margins by a dominant narrative that downplays its ability to feed communities and address today’s farming challenges. The voices we bring you offer another story — one where diversity and the people who nurture it stand at the heart of a resilient and sustainable future.

ABOUT THE MINI-SERIES

Right now in Europe, the rules governing our seeds are being rewritten, with powerful interests seeking to tighten their grip on food systems. In this new four part podcast series, SEED CARRIERS is joined by Seeds4All to explore the challenges facing agroecological seed operators — as far-reaching legislative changes could jeopardise the future of their practices. It is now more than urgent to shine a light on what this movement is contributing to the future of our food, and this is the purpose of the podcast you’re about to listen to. From farmers to seed producers and legal experts, we bring you the voices of those cultivating diversity as a guiding principle, not only in the seeds they plant but in the way they think about farming, food and community.

This podcast mini-series was co-authored and narrated by Adèle Pautrat and Alexandra Baumgartner. It’s a joint project by Seeds4All and SEED CARRIERS, supported by the European Coordination Let’s Liberate Diversity! and the ARC2020 association. Additional support comes from Natasha Foote. Music is by Andrew Morrisson. Mixing and Mastering by Julia Häller. Pictures of diversity by Adèle Violette. Graphic Design by Emmanuel Crivelli / Dual Room. 

The interviews forming the basis of this podcast were conducted during the 14th edition of the Let’s Liberate Diversity forum, held from 4 to 7 September 2025 in Diekirch, Luxembourg.

Our deep thanks to Frank, Matthias, Magdalena, Christophe, Eva, Riccardo, Holly and Maria for their precious contribution and their steadfast commitment to advancing agroecological seeds.

Give us your feedback and share this podcast to your friends and family - but most importantly get involved in supporting cultivated biodiversity, starting with your local agroecological farmers!

E4: Reclaiming the Seed Narrative

What is cultivated biodiversity and how can we stop losing more of it? SEED CARRIERS is an audio documentary podcast about seeds. At the intersection of art, activism and science, we delve into the essential practices of sharing, the intricate relationships between humans and plants, and the intertwined history of plant domestication.

SEED CARRIERS

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