“...one answer to 'Why plant breeding' is that you improve plants for human nutrition, for adaptation to your locale, for vigor and for productivity.” Former Seeds of Change Research Director Alan Kapuler, Ph. D., from Farmer Interview, eNewsletter #63

Dear Organic Gardeners,

Harvest time always inspires hope. In spite of the dire environmental news that bombards us daily, sitting down to a meal of freshly harvested food, or simply strolling through the abundance of a late summer garden, seems to restore one's faith in the earth to heal itself and provide for the needs of its creatures. Like the harvest season, this eNewsletter is full of hope (and a little dire news).

Our interview this month is with Alan Kapuler, Ph. D., the former Research Director of Seeds of Change and an exceedingly hopeful individual. Alan has worked for over thirty years to breed robust, nutritious and beautiful cultivars for the public domain. Besides his insights into what it takes to save seeds and breed your own varieties, Alan reports some astonishing new discoveries in microbiology that could revolutionize organic agriculture.

On another hopeful front, Kelle Carter, Seeds of Change Farm Field Manager, reports back on a recent workshop in Agroecology. People from all over the world came together to learn how to design more sustainable, community-based, food systems. In her farm report she describes how some of the techniques she learned are being implemented on the Seeds of Change Research Farm.

	Farmer Interview Scott Vlaun sits down with Alan Kapuler, the third in a series... Read More >
	Disease Corner A new issue focusing on the Curly Top Virus... Read More >
	News & Views Seeds of Change Research Farm to host Permaculture Design Workshop... Read More >

In the disease corner this month, Seed Pathologist Emily Gatch provides some important information about Curly Top Virus. And finally, our News and Views section is full of hope and a bit of despair. It lists permaculture workshops that are happening all over the country, including at our own Research Farm, as well as reports on how organic agriculture can feed the world, but is balanced by reports on the connection between childhood disease and environmental pollution, and the gross under-funding of organic agriculture research.

While there is only so much we can do to change the stream of news flowing our way, good or bad, we can grow our gardens and reduce our own ecological footprint in the process. So this year as you are harvesting and enjoying the flavors, scents, and visual beauty of the garden, take pride in the fact that, although our planet faces many challenges, you are part of the solution.

Harvest hope,
Scott Vlaun
Editor


Photo caption: Plant breeder and Former Seeds of Change Research Director Alan Kapuler, Ph. D., with Linda Kapuler at their Oregon Research Plot. Read a wide ranging interview with Alan here.

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eNewsletter #63
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