Grange Resolution:
Growing a Regional Seed Future
for Mendocino County

WHEREAS, since  1873, the mission of the California State Grange has been to serve, steward, and teach the virtues of the land to our children and community. We maintain our commitment to grassroots advocacy, supporting farmland preservation, farm development, community service, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and the consumer’s role in the food production system; and

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WHEREAS, Mendocino County is home to a rich agricultural heritage and a diverse community of farmers, gardeners, and educators. Regional seeds (those grown for at least a year in Northern California climate and conditions) are essential to resilient food systems and thriving rural communities. Strengthening the local seed supply can support farmers, seed companies, preserve biodiversity, and create new opportunities for schools, youth, and community education; and

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WHEREAS, a recent survey of local farmers found that over 80% purchase seed from a single large supplier, leaving local food systems vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, loss of biodiversity, and corporate consolidation; and

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WHEREAS, recent supply chain disruptions, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealed the vulnerability of relying on distant seed suppliers and the need to strengthen regional seed independence; and

WHEREAS, Tribal  and cultural  communities in Mendocino County have long traditions of seed stewardship, and these practices contribute to cultural resilience and biodiversity;

WHEREAS, over 90% of seed varieties available a century ago have disappeared from commercial catalogs and seed companies, and promoting regionally adapted seeds is a key way to preserve agricultural biodiversity for future generations. 

Now, therefore, be it

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RESOLVED, that Fort Bragg Grange invites granges, schools, farmers, seed libraries, nurseries, seed businesses,  local organizations, and local governments to join in a collaborative effort to strengthen regional seed systems and reach at least  30% regional seed use in local food production by 2030.

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RESOLVED, that this goal includes supporting partnerships and infrastructure, with schools,  seed libraries, and farmer-led efforts to grow and share regionally adapted seeds; and be it further

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RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to Pomona Granges and the California State  Grange for endorsement and to support a broader Regional Seed County campaign across California.