Diverse Seeds – Shared Practices: Conceptualizing Seed Commons

Recognition of the intrinsic value of seeds, regarded as sacred and cultural goods

Commitment to social-ecological objectives (conservation of genetic diversity, development of varieties for organic agriculture)

Collective responsibility to conserve and develop plant genetic diversity recognized in international treaties (Dedeurwaerdere, 2013; Frison, 2016; Halewood, 2013)

contribution of seed exchange networks, community seed banks and organic agriculture to the conservation of plant genetic diversity and resilience (Coomes et al., 2015; Pautasso et al., 2013; Thomas et al., 2011)

Rejection of the use of patents and variety protection as means of legal enclosure

Rejection of biotechnological breeding approaches not (easily) understood, used or controlled by farmers (such as GMOs and Hybrid F1)

Critique of private enclosure and commodification of seeds and genetic resources (Aoki, 1998; Brandt & Schleissing, 2016; Chiarolla, 2008)

Open source seed models (Kloppenburg, 2014; Kotschi & Horneburg, 2018; Montenegro de Wit, 2019).

Collective decision-making on common values and overall objectives/strategy of the initiatives

Multiple, independent levels of decision-making on specific breeding goals and operational matters

Collective breeding/adaptation at multiple locations & seed exchanges

Collective management of seeds in community seed banks and seed exchange networks (Coomes et al., 2015; Pautasso et al., 2013)

Farmer-led, decentral participatory breeding approaches (Dawson et al., 2008; McGuire et al., 1999)

Both formal and practical kowledge on the characteristics, breeding and cultivation of seeds are shared within the community and beyond

Emphasis of the central role of formal and practical knowledge in seed exchange networks (Pautasso et al., 2013; Reyes-Garcia, et al., 2019) and community seed banks (Vernooy 2014)