BC Seed Gathering 2025: Harrison Hot Springs Seed Security

The 2025 BC Seed Gathering represents a significant gathering of agricultural and environmental stakeholders focused on seed security and food sovereignty in British Columbia. Held on November 27–28, 2025, at Harrison Hot Springs Resort, this two-day event brought together a diverse community of seed growers, farmers, researchers, and community leaders from across the province. The gathering addressed critical issues surrounding seed preservation, agricultural resilience, and community control over food systems in an era of increasing climate uncertainty and corporate consolidation of seed supplies. The event featured comprehensive programming designed to educate participants on multiple aspects of seed stewardship and sustainable agriculture. Sessions covered essential topics including seed saving techniques, community seed stewardship practices, native and medicinal seed saving methods, perennial crop cultivation, variety trials, and culturally relevant seeds that reflect the diverse heritage of British Columbia's communities. By bringing together experts and practitioners, the gathering created opportunities for knowledge exchange and skill-building among participants at various levels of experience. The program included interactive workshops that provided hands-on learning experiences, allowing attendees to develop practical skills they could implement in their own gardens and farms. Networking sessions facilitated connections between seed growers, farmers, and researchers, fostering collaboration and partnership opportunities. A farm tour provided participants with real-world examples of seed saving and sustainable agricultural practices in action. The event concluded with a banquet dinner that celebrated the community's commitment to food sovereignty and seed security. The emphasis throughout the gathering was on empowering communities to take control of their food systems through seed saving and preservation. Food sovereignty—the right of communities to define their own food and agriculture systems—emerged as a central theme, reflecting growing recognition that local seed security is fundamental to agricultural independence and resilience. By focusing on seed security, the gathering addressed concerns about genetic diversity loss, the environmental impacts of industrial agriculture, and the importance of maintaining heirloom and locally adapted varieties. The event demonstrated the growing movement toward decentralized, community-based approaches to agriculture that prioritize ecological sustainability and cultural preservation alongside food production.