SoCal Soil Seeds and Sunshine

  I recently had an opportunity to view the bounty and diversity of agriculture in Southern California. Not just the yield farmers harvest in monocultural production plots, but the actual real diversity of shapes, colors, flavors and the wisdom of open pollinated richness. Yep! You guessed it. I went to the National Heirloom Expo in Ventura, California. Put on, for the most part, by Baker Creek Seed Company (rareseeds.com), this annual event highlights the importance of open pollinated, tried and tested varieties of everything from flowers to squash and melons to tomatoes and more. This year, heritage breed chickens, ducks and geese were even on display. So whats the big deal? Well, besides the pyramid of squash and gourds built at the entrance to the event, and the melon tasting space, the importance of preserving and protecting gentic diversity is on display also. And, perhaps, even more important is the presentation of Freedom. Freedom from corporate control. Freedom from sy...