Norway’s semi-secret seeds
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, located more than 600 miles from the North Pole on the Norwegian island of Spitsberger near the town of Longyearbyen, was built to store duplicates of millions of different seeds stored around the world. Should a regional or global catastrophe occur, up to 4.5 million different seed samples would be available for starting over. There are plenty of reasons why we might need to access seeds from the vault, such as gene banks losing their samples of seeds as a result of equipment failures, funding issues, war or mismanagement. Recently, seed banks in Iraq and Afghanistan have been destroyed by war, while another in the Philippines was washed away in a flood following a typhoon.
“This is a frozen Garden of Eden,” said European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso when the $9 million vault officially opened on February 26, 2008.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg added, “The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is our insurance policy. It is the Noah’s Ark for securing biological diversity for future generations.”
Funded entirely by the Government of Norway, the facility currently houses approximately 1.5 million distinct seed samples of agricultural crops and has the capacity to contain three times that number. The vault is an underground cavern blasted out of the permafrost and designed for a virtually endless lifetime. This global repository consists of three separate 32 feet by 88 feet underground chambers with walls made of thick, steel-reinforced concrete. There are two airlocks and two blast-proof doors.
They say the vault will survive everything from an earthquake to a nuclear strike. The constant inside temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit, which combined with limited access to oxygen ensures low metabolic activity. This delays seed aging. If the electricity ever fails, the surrounding permafrost will keep the temperature below freezing. The lack of tectonic activity and the surrounding permafrost makes it an ideal location. At 430 feet above sea level, the site will remain dry even if the icecaps were to melt.
The seeds within the vault are packaged in four-ply packets stored in plastic tote containers on blue and orange metal shelving racks. This heat-sealing is done to exclude moisture. The vault could preserve seeds from most major food crops for hundreds of years. Some of the seeds, including those of important grains, could survive for much longer, possibly thousands of years.
In fact, this maximum security facility has been called the “ultimate safety net” for the diversity of the world’s food plants!
When I read about this, it made me think that America is really behind the curve on this, but then what can you expect from our government these days? But I realized that there’s no reason why you and I can’t roll up our sleeves and start thinking about protecting our families’ food supply.
You probably don’t get up to Norway all that often, and you probably don’t have a whole lot of permafrost in your backyard. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start your own seed vault. It’s a great way to achieve food independence and be prepared for long-lasting emergencies. There’s no time like the present to begin storing a wide variety of non-hybrid vegetable seeds.
Collecting and saving seeds from your garden, if you have one, is also a great idea. Of course, you’ll want to time your harvest properly, clean and spread the seeds out to dry, store them in jars or packets, label them clearly, and keep them in a cool or cold, dark and dry place.
So what do you think? Is Norway on the right track or is it another massive government project destined to go off the rails? Let me know in the comments.
Frank, I’ve been saving my seeds for years. I was taught to save the kernels from the center of the corn cob which look the most near perfect. I’ve done this, but I really can’t tell the difference in germination or quality from the big end kernels. I have noticed some lessening quality in purple hull pea seed if saved from the same source for over ten years. It’s best to mix your seed from different years when planting pea seeds saved from your garden. Of course your hybrids will revert to the most dominant cross and not be as productive as brand new hybrid seed. Good luck, Jim N.
Valuable info, Frank and most comments were helpful also. We have 2 gardens a year, bought your seed packet and are also see savers. Thank you for your work.
I was at a event recently where the” future of America” was the main message. What happens when our government refuses to let us raise a vegetable garden of any type,,plot or pot? Plus forbids us to store water. We will be forced to eat GMO foods. We will be rationed on nearly everything…Apocalypse?
Great idea! They are on the right track if it is for all their people as a whole, but if it is for a select few then that’s selfish. But with the way things are going on now days the communities have to look out for ourselves and see how close to storing seeds ourselves in similar type manner to preserve our seeds as well. Because some don’t have our best interest at heart.
I have been ordering from Frank Bates 4 patriots for a few years and have everything they sell… They are very good products at a fair price. I have eductated many friends about the products, but all they do is complain about the Govt. but sit back and they don’t get prepared, I say better safe than Sorry……
I live in Florida so have no root cellar and I doubt the ground gets cool enough to bury it since the water table is so high here. Suggestions for dry & cool in such a place?
IF ONE BUYS A SMALL FREEZER AND PUT IT N THE GAAGE,,,,WOULD THAT WORK FOR SEEDS??? A THOUGHT..WOULD YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SOLAR GENERATOR ON THE ROOF. PLEASE EXCUSE ANY TYPING ERRORS AS I AM IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING CATACRACT SURGERIES.
To Perry regarding the eating of all green things. I wouldn’t recommend it! Please know what you are doing before eating from the wild. I grew up in a rural woodland area and it was common for us to eat from the forest. However some things can make you very sick. Get informed first! God Bless.
I’ve been growing a garden every year since 2008. This was the year I decided to pretty much give it up for next year and maybe just grow flowers! I don’t get enough sun here. My beets never develop into anything worthwhile, peas are a pain in the butt, I can’t grow squash or cucumbers or any of that. I did get some carrots. It ends up taking much more time and effort than any of my friend’s gardens. I hardly get anything to eat out of if and it’s just not worth it. I don’t like tomatoes, but I got a packet of the seeds anyway because I like to have canned ones on hand for lasagna and such. Really, I’m not a negative person, it’s just that gardens are tough in my area. I thought the garden box I built two years ago would help, but nope. Just not enough sun unless I cut down half the trees on my acre and a half.
If the UN is involved with this seed vault most, if not all the seeds are probably gmo
If the UN is involved, then it may be that the seeds are being saved for ‘the few’ in which case they would not save GMO for themselves. Just a thought.
I am a seed saver from way back! And once we move out of the city (where I am a member of a permaculture association), up to our property, I plan to start a seed library and require that the seeds only be heirloom, etc. My garden here in the city can feed us all the veggies and herbs we need all year, and I plant almost exclusively in containers – I have one small raised bed. It is doable!
I started to save seeds a couple of years ago and add to them whenever I find a good buy and they are not hybrid. I keep them in an airtight container in a dark cupboard. Should I be storing them in my basement where it is cooler?
only if your basement is not damp. Cool and dry are the key.
Frank, back in 2007 I was talking with my aunt and told her of what I thought the future had in store for the world.
She told me during wwII everyone she knew started to put in victory gardens well I took the wisdom and did the same economy crashed lost my job but with some funds and my garden and hunting and fishing my family and I got by just fine some of these old folks just seem to get smarter every day I get older
Self reliance – This country was founded on it but so many have forgotten. I have never been a gardener, but
plan to give it a try with only NON HYBREAD SEEDS.
How do the people, who have no choice but to live in rented apartments, take advantage of this important measure? I live in Florida which could give me possibly more planting/growing time, however, the way the sun hits my balcony during the summer months I only get direct sunlight over the last few hours of the day. I guess that when I plan my next move, I should look for a house to rent! Thanks to everyone who posted vital info in this comment section! God Bless Us All… with our government we need someone’s extra help!
You might be surprised at how much you can grow on one little balcony, even without direct sunlight. I’ve seen some amazing container gardens.
I even grow indoors in pots in the winter months. And also in pots on deck in summer.
charlie how could one contact you?
Thank-you for this information and I would say that the USA is lagging behind.
I think it is a good idea. I think we should work on something similiar at home.
got one thx. frank great info. I have one month of food I would like at lest 6 months. just in case.. again thx…
Thanks for everything. Good quality dehydrated food – tried some of the chicken noodle soup. Also have the can of seeds stored on my fridge door shelf.
I will see if I have enough money to buy something on the 8th
So which is it: a site which entirely funded by the Government of Norway or is it a UN project along with private donors?
I only buy/plant heirloom seeds. I also save seeds from the ‘fruits’. I am a firm believer in having a ‘seed bank’ of ones own. Better to have and not need, than to need and not have!
Ok. So what happens if the person or people that can access this vault die? Blast proof doors means no access if persons involved are dead. A waste of effort, unless there are multiple persons w/access, and persons with honorable intentions.
The study I did on this seed bank a few years ago revealed that this was a United Nations undertaking and major donors to the project were from various countries including the United States and including philanthropists like Bill Gates. All nations were to send their countries’ seeds to the bank for storage. The FAO out of Rome acts for the UN in this project. Norway is just the location chosen for the construction of the seed bank. Reading about the bank and its promoters gave me an ominous feeling. Is there something coming the world elite know that we don’t?
By the Way, this seed vault is related to the Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture approved by the UN in November 2001. Funding to work out treaty initiatives comes from the Global Crop Diversity Trust. The Trust is involved with Norway in raising funds for the seed vault. The US has helped to fund the Norway seed vault — it pledged $34,500,000 between 2001 and 2011 — more than any other nation. As of January 15, 2013, the US has paid the Global Crop Diversity Trust $34,500,000. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a member of the Trust, pledged between 2007 and 2012 $29,911,740 and has paid in that amount — more than any other nation except the US. Norway pledged $58,181, 438 between 2006 and 2020; but as of January 2013, had paid in only $17,111,452. The seed vault officially opened in 2008.
Susan: Thanks for sharing your study.
and just an FYI re: your question: “Is there something coming the world elite know that we don’t?” Where have you been? Read http://www.NaturalNews.com even today the article relates to your question: Michigan Farm Family.
other insightful info., Mercola, Life Extenation. I’m surprised that the writer of natural News hasn’t been throwed in jail for bringing out the needless ways of our present gov.
Every time a government or organization makes a preemptive move to prevent a disaster, people point to it and say there is a secret plan or impending doom that we’re not being informed about. If they don’t do anything, then people just complain because not enough was done. I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist or Illuminati cultists to understand our planet has limited and critical resources. You and I may never be beneficiaries of such projects, but its a big planet. No central vault is likely to help every single inhabitant. Be thankful that there are groups interested in supporting a preservation effort and have enough responsibility to secure yourselves as best as you can in case none of that assistance ever makes it your way. If you believe in prayer, then ask God to to call our leaders to serve rather than take. Like it or not, the “elite” are big players in the direction of our society. Honor those people who don’t abuse this privilege and hold accountable those that do.
Your perspective seems on target to me. In the event of a catastrophe, I wonder if the various governments would come together in having the interest /ability to properly distribute the seeds. We’ll probably never know.
All very interesting. I grew up on a farm and have canned food all my life, put up over 4 or 5 months worth of veggies this summer and have plenty of non genetic altered seed to last for the foreseeable future. Make sure if you are buying seed to avoid hybrids or improved seeds as after a generation they often terminate themselves and you can’t harvest your own seeds for the next year.
Thanks for sharing your infromation! All this is new to me and I am trying to learn as much as I can as fast as I can. Keep up the good work.
Also in addition to my comments on storing seed – If you don’t have the little packets that absorb moisture, just wad up a small piece of paper towel and put in the air-tight containers (whether they are vacuum bags, other sealing bags or jars or tins) to absorb any moisture or air that may accumulate. As for the darkening of the seeds, some of that may be just the same as when you cut a potato or apple and do not get a good seal on it. It oxidizes and forms that black on the outside of the fruit or veg. only. It doesn’t hurt the quality – just the looks. To keep that from happening when drying apple slices, a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into a bowl of water to cover the apples, potatoes or whatever and then PAT them dry or just air dry them will keep them from turning dark. I still have apples I dried 5 years ago and they are still edible and without the oxidation. Be sure to date your packets. Also you can store a lot of packets of seed and dried foods in a 30 gallon metal garbage can in your basement or root cellar.
As a young girl growing up, my mother was in charge of cleaning the melons and vegetables and gathering in and drying the seed for the next year’s planting – which also included the corn and peas and beans, etc. I picked up on this and I am now 70 years old and still cannot help but to do that. If I get a good, sweet tasting melon – you bet that seed will be washed to rid the pulp and then laid out to dry. That’s the same with tomatoes, beans, peas, corn – you name it. A person can do this easily on a small scale, but I am with you in that more Americans need to look at this more seriously and put away for times that may not be just for next year’s gardens.
i like it. would be nice to have a second seed bank like the one in norway. also certain seeds don’t last long in storage and need to be regularly replaced. some people just don’t have a green thumb. that’s just the way it is. shade ,acidity, pests, diseases, watering all figure into the survival garden. we are a society of quick results so the time element
Note to Perry (from 3 months ago): One of my favorite vegetables with leaves and fruit are beets. I’ve grown them. It is delightful to thin them out when the are tiny, wash them, and cook boil the up They are tender and delicious then and very good later when the are more mature. Many flowers are also edible, such as violets, pansies, nasturtiums, roses–but some should not be eaten.
I have been to Svalbard (twice) and have seen the outside iron door of the seed bank. Really amazing. My American son set up the Arctic research station on Svalbard for the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. He since married a Norwegian and lives in Bergen, where he worked for the University of Bergen for a few years. The station on Svalbard is shared by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, University of Bergen, and one other Norwegian University.
I can’t think of any place in the US as remote, mountainous, and frigid as Longyearbyen in Svalbard. It’s cold even in summer when I was there with an American grandson and later with my Norwegian daughter-in-law.
Your blog is clear, concise and well worth the read. I really enjoyed the knowledge you imparted and yes, the United States is behind the curve on many, many things. We have Alaska and could conceivably do as Norway has done, but with redundant storage facilities, in case of earthquakes or volcanoes.
Actually, you don’t have Alaska to depend on. We are suffering a HUGE loss of permafrost even in the northern most areas of the state. We are now dealing with the loss of permafrost as it affects our fragile infrastructure and that includes the pipeline that brings oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez.
And that fragile infrastructure is only one of the many reasons we store food, seeds, water, etc.
Hey Frank we have already been doing this but don’t forget the medicinal plants we are collecting these as well
Hi Frank,
This is a great idea as long as Monsanto seeds don’t get mixed in pot. Our government allows Monsanto to get away with murder and poison our food. It might be too late already to do this in the US because of the contaminated GMO food.
if this was told to us about the united states, i would not believe it. but in norway, i think that it will succeed. i wish them well and wish others would try to do the same. not force gmo seeds on unsuspecting countries that will ruin their hope of having their own seed diversity. at this time i cannot save my own seeds. but i do buy heirloom seeds. and i also save them, in cans that have moisture packets in them and the cans are sealed. this actually works well. good luck to all
$9 million! the USA couldn’t afford to do something like that! this country is BROKE and can’t afford it BUT, MAYBE obamama will do something about it when he gets back from his Asia trip mext week! whats that gonna cost the USA? close to $79,ooo,ooo !
If the Government does it’s part in preparing the food supply in a catastrophic event, then they shouldn’t need to grab private people’s savings and security (their private food stash). Might be time to find a hollow oak tree in the woods. The freeloaders think it is ok to steal and expect to jump into the lap of the government when they could have done some preparation themselves. Grates my nerve.
for those who believe n the bible. it says to not mix 2 kinds of animals or 2 kinds of grain, so GOD felt he had a perfect product!! that said, what kind of leaves AND OR STEMS can u eat from a garden i’ve experiminted with the tomato pepper okra and other plants with some type of edibility good and bad is there a book that says what we can eat or how to cook it if found in wild or garden including flowers.. but also GOD’s word says all green things r good to eat????
I think it is a great idea. If we are not proactive we are going to lose out in the end. I have about this seed vault before. It’s better safe than sorry. Thumbs-up to Norway.
I think it’s a great idea! I have a survival seed bank stored—just in case!
Perhaps a More accurate assessment would BE: when the Global Catastrophe is Deployed as The PLOT is precisely to DIS-troy the Earth to Rebuilt to more suit-AB EL to those WHO deem themselves” the chosen” of some UN-revealed yet, demon pagan god by GloBa’al schemes as;
“SOL Our RA DIE ation Management” “Weather MO DIE-fication” / Chem Trails of;
Tri Methyl Aluminum “T.M.A.”, Cesium Strontium, Cyanide, Tungsten and Flourasyllic Acid – “Flouride”….to Poison the World preceding World DEMONization for the NWO >< OWN
Talmudic Pharisee SEA People's Merc-E-narys DISguised as Merc-HAnt's Double Cross to Burn, Poison, G.M.O. Alter the CREATOR'S perfect Planet in HIS perfect Universe?
What delusions but Deceit can drive their madness to beLIEve they can deceive the CREATOR? Pray for Devine Intercession please Pray for Our CREATOR to aide U.S. and the World?
With our government now able by law to confiscate any personally grown foods for redistribution to others they choose it seems that all this precaution ignores a central fact (in my opinion) WHEN THINGS GET BAD GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE YOUR HOME GROWN FOOD..
A second issue that has recently been reported is that the United Nations has been reviewing and voting on outlawing the use and production of HERITAGE SEEDS. This it seems is the goal of those who wish to control the worlds population. What better way than to eliminate reproducing seeds and then oop’s a disaster happens at Monsanto where all their frankenseds are DESIGNED and produced.
If we believe scripture and some do and some do not, I respect both views, the last day events will be so bad only God will be able to preserve us. That being said there will be a small time of troubles that we will go through. During this time being prepared may help briefly.
However, with FEMA empowered to confiscate you home grown food and the UN outlawing HERITAGE Seeds it seems governments are trying to make a world event happen that will include starvation of hundreds of millions if not billions of people world wide.
Lets not forget, our government is on board with the UN. John Kerry just signed the Gun Treaty or said he will be doing so. Our national Parks are under UN control. Now our food supply. By the way, a little know fact, many of our national parks hold massive natural resources in the form of oil, gold, timber, water, rare earth minerals etc…. Our government has hoarded these lands for a reason.
Food is an issue but we face far greater issues. Governments intend to reduce the populations across the globe.
Their laws, efforts and positions taken make it perfectly clear. And remember this, there is an open discussion going on about population control including discussions about a group who wishes to see the worlds population reduced to 15% of what it is now. This is no longer conspiracy theory. It has been openly discussed.
Those who discuss their gardens online simple allow govt to catalog their information for further review when they need access to GARDENS. And those who speak about guns, generators, survival shelters and hidden hydroponic systems have all their info being collected by Uncle Sam. Congratulations. Information about your secure food, gun shelter, etc… is now in the hands of big brother weather they intended it or not. (((If you don’t believe all this info is intended to be captured for later use by them, your already screwed))). Your secure supplies are now insecure and ready for confiscation.
Yes we should prepare as best we are able. What other choice have we? BUT I must point all people to Faith in God through Christ and drawing closer to Him.
Blessings
Craig
Regardless of your position on religious or political issues any human being with even a trace of self respect will agree that it is better to die with a weapon in hand and enemies falling around you than whimpering like a dog with it’s tail tucked. Seeds yes, but above all: Arm up!!
I have a hydroponic machine that grows lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes etc. I had about 10,000 refrigated lettuce seeds which wouldn’t germinate after 10 years. Did I do something wrong?
This sounds like a species saving action! The tainted gmo stuff that is being shoved down our throats by the mega-corporations will eventually kill us all. Of course I don’t know where those at the top of those corporations think their mega-profits will come from when there is none of us 99% to buy their garbage.
WE WHERE ALL RASIED ON GMO FOODS. OUR BODIES HAVE ADAPTID TO THEM. MY PARENTS ATE GMO FOODS AND MY DAD DIED FROM TO MUCH CUMADINE AND HIS AORTA BURST FROM HIS BLOOD BEING SO THIN . CUMADINE KILLED HIM NOT GMO’S. MY MOM HAD THYRODE PROBLEMS.BUT LIVED TO BE 95.OUR YOUNG KIDS EAT TO MUCH FAST FOOD, SOME DON’T EVEN HAVE A HEALTHY DIET, OR EAT BREAKFAST. MY EX DOES NOT MAKE SURE MY KIDS GET THE SLEEP THEY NEED AND THEY WILL STAY UP LATE AND SLEEP PAST NOON. THEN THE FIRST THING THEY PUT IN THERE STOMACH IS FAST FOOD. I’M AFRAID WHEN THERE IN THERE 20’S THEY WILL HAVE DIABETIES, CLOGGED ARTERIES.
THERE ARE ALOT OF LARGE NURSERY’S THAT CARRY NON GMO SEEDS. YOU CAN GET A VARITY TIN FOR AROUND $30.00 WITH A 1000 SEEDS. TRY AND EAT FOOD THAT HAVE ANTIOXIDENTS IN THEM. BERRY’S ORANGES, SOME RED BEATS , OR BLACK GRAPES, RED APPLES. THE DARKER THE FRUIT THE BETTER.WHAT SUCKS IS ORGANIC FOOD IS VERY EXSPENSIVE
I am wondering if you can store root stock? I have plenty of Yucca & Nopal on My plot, can the yucca root and Nopal leaves be stored?
Yucca are long & strong fibers, flower petals are very good to wash your body with, & Nopal leaves & fruit are good to eat as well.
It has been very dry here this year. Almost 1 in. of rain since the last snow, more than three months ago. Nothing is growing but the Cactus families.
The Ready Store website has numerous SHORT articles about growing and harvesting non-GMO seeds, and many other points of self-reliance, mostly related to food and plant-derived medicines and products. h t t p : // w w w d o t t h e r e a d y s t o r e d o t c o m (remove the spaces and replace the “d o t” with a period.) Another good source is Pleasant Hill Grains. Lots of good products. An excellent book on small-scale gardening: “Square Foot Gardening” by Mel Bartholomew. For several years his job with a small city was to supervise the community garden for the public to use for a minimal fee, grow-your-own veggies. He observed a LOT of flawed efforts, and came up with a system that almost ANYONE can use with a good chance of success.
Good Luck to all, and thanks for the Article, P4P
p.s. “Heritage seeds” are also termed Heirloom seeds, and are the seeds that gardeners have been using, collecting, and saving for generations – NOT genetically modified by the technology of gene-splicing. Hey, I’m diabetic, and have benefited from laboratory-produced INSULIN. But you really need to have seeds that yield plants that produce MORE SEEDS.
It is interesting that, all the other so called second and third world countries seem to be on top of being proactive in preparing for a possible global catastrophe. Is it just me or is it that our American politicians are so smug that they think that America cannot be touched?
Maybe they are out of touch!
Maybe? Trust me, they are.
The seeds have to be harvested from non-engineered seed, right? Some more information on how to harvest would be nice.
REMEMBER! Any seeds you store MUST be “Heritage” seeds, since HYBRID seed will not reproduce. This means you must harvest your own seeds each year, from the seeds within the ripened adult ‘fruit’ (plant).
They should be carefully cleaned, dried, preferably SEALED, and kept cool. There is a LOT to know on this subject – Learn more before you attempt it!
Already have 22 diferent flower and medicinal pland seeds stored after one summer!
I think that it would be a good idea to have seeds for plants that you use stored away in case of a catastrophe.
Have been collecting local seeds from our garden and countryside. Wife said we should include flower seeds as well for birds and bees.
Question. Can fish eggs be frozen and approx. how long would they still be viable?
I’m not an expert on fish husbandry, but a quick search online says that fish sperm can be frozen, but eggs don’t do so well.
I appreciate all the info you have been sending. I am wondering if you have any recommendations on a root cellar. We recently bought some property, and that is one of the top priorities that I want to build. I am looking for something that would be underground below the frost level, fairly large with lots of shelves. I would love your input. thanks, Sharon
I’ve got this idea: http://www.patriotheadquarters.com/dont-toss-out-your-broken-chest-freezer/ but I’d have to look around to see who has posted info on building a full-sized cellar that I trust.
Deep earth bunker has a web site for sub-grade construction they are a bit spendy but the design is very good.
Hi Frank,
I feel you are on track with the info about saving seeds. Hopefully the more people who will prepare the less people will be in need when a disaster strikes.
My wife and I live in Oregon on a small ranch and we raise chickens and turkeys.
We have a manual pump on our well. If power goes out in the country you lose the electricity that powers your well pump. We had the hand pump added to our existing well’s electric pump with a threaded spigot we can attach a garden hose and water our garden. We have a wood stove with a flat cook top so we can cook on it. Sure, we extra food on hand too but most important are the vegetable seeds.
We can our produce as much as possible and we have a couple of thousand extra canning lids because they are not reusable. We are able to can over 300 jars of produce. Some for us and some for the neighbors. I imagine that the extra lids can be a barter item in a prolonged crisis. Nothing like preserving what you can’t eat at the time the harvest comes in.
Keep up the good work.
Bob
Or you could invest in the Tattler lids. :)
Frank if you see this, can you explain where/how you did the hand pump? We have well water for grass, going to get a Berkey tho in case we have to drink, thanks
Hi!
I first became aware of this long before the vault was ‘officially’ opened. (I think it was when it was announced that it was under construction.)
The US does (is supposed to) have two seperate vaults, one in the Eastern mountains and one in the Western mountains. I do not know if they still exist as I have not heard or read anything about them in many years. It would be interesting to find out if they are still around and operating!
The last I had heard about most seed banks was that you could request a ‘sample or mix, BUT with the understanding that you were supposed to send them back at least as many seeds (of each type) plus, from your first harvest. As such, some of them operated more like a “seed exchange.” This way they had both a ‘safety bank’ and maintained a (slow) turn-over of the seeds.
Most of the seeds were supposed to be ‘cold packed in dry nitrogen’ and stored at or below 35* F
(2*C) for long term storage. [The lower the temp, the longer the survival time and higher the survival rate.] I think I remember hearing of at least one ‘storage’ facility that was going to use cryogenic storage (use of liquid Nitrogen [LN2] for extended storage, decades or even centuries!)
I wish I had more room for a garden, I’d like to participate in the project.
Anybody have a mountain retreat? A little digging and you could start your own seed bank.
Rick
Congratulation-it is good to know that at least some people are thinking further than the day after tomorrow.
KR
Peter P. Hauser
Austria
Thank you for that idea NAD. I’m gonna see if I can’t get our tiny, local library interested in starting their own “seed bank”. They’re all local volunteers and mostly retired who understand how broken our system of govt. really is by their experience.
I’ve been keeping my own seed bank since I first started gardening. Unfortunately, I left all of my seeds to a friend in CA when I moved to central Texas. I have to start all over as the climate, soil and growing environment is much different than in CA. It’s a lot tougher to grow anything here and if the global warming issue brings on more severe weather, I’m gonna have to have a green house in order to grow my non-GMO seeds. I’m finally getting back to non-GMO seeds this year after having gotten stuck in that “biotech seeds and plants” rut for 20 years now. I’m fortunate my neighbors don’t garden and I live way out in the country to not have to worry about Monsanto’s seeds and plants to ruin my seed harvesting. Thanks again NAD.
ok but seeds for us don’t last two years before dropout of 50% so many factors here.
.
Thank you Frank;
This is what I do, this is what I am, this is what we are here for, on this earth. This is why I do what I do for all mankind. I am here to serve and do what is right. To bring eternal life and happiness to all those I meet and will always strive to serve this nation and its people .
If I or my company can help you just ask. I CHARGE NOTHING for our servive.
We the People has allowed me to create and sign a petition asking the Obama Administration to take action on a range of issues. If a petition gets enough support, the Obama Administration will issue an official response. I ask you to sign and serve our fellow man. Help me help you.
Feed all people spiritually, intellectually, and physically one community at a time build greenhouses for disabled vets
I’m a disabled vet who works with disabled clients who need jobs to support themselves. I built a company Drake Global Inc. that will build bio-greenhouses nation wide in rural communities to grow organic food in controlled environments, to supply business with green produce 365 days a year in any climate.
We need Fed funding to match local funds to put the disabled to work nation wide at the rural level. This project will help feed the people of America spiritually, intellectually, and physically, using 21st century agricultural, biofuel, wind, and solar technologies.
Putting other business to work supplying the materials and support needed to operate the bio-greenhouses is the goal of this project.
I am committed to bringing economic change for all Americans and feed all men who are in need of shelter and jobs
Kenneth w. Higby Sr.
President/owner Drake Global Inc
Even if there is no great catastrophe, the seed bank is valuable for genetic diversity.
The various regions of the world are no longer isolated one from the other. In the past, farmers in one region in France, for example, had no contact with farmers in a different region of France. Those is Spain were isolated from farmers in Romania. Each region developed its own strains and varieties of crops. Now these same people can get seeds from wherever. Seed companies can sell only so many different varieties, so many of these unique varieties are no longer being propagated and are in danger of being lost forever. Hence the seed bank. It’s primary purpose is to preserve genetic diversity, not so much to have food if there is war.
Also, to preserve viable seed for more than a year or two, the seed MUST be kept cold. Freezing is preferred, but at least refrigeration. Otherwise in a couple of years most of the seeds die. So if you are just putting the seeds in a container somewhere in your house, you are going to be very disappointed when you go to plant (unless it’s a tomato… They seem to last forever)
Hi Frank! As a member of Seed Savers Exhchange I am very familiar with the Svalbard doomsday vault.I am a moon gardener, and I have grown heirloom seeds for years and I encourage everyone to do the same. Stock up on hybrid seeds if you like the vegetables they grow and read books on seed saving…there is an art to it. I also welcome everyone to investigate my website coloradomoongarden.net…it compares my farm garden in high arid desert eastern CO to a sea level estate garden in Cornwall, England and it has a lot of information about companion planting. We all can think globally, but make sure your own garden has a perfect PH level, learn about alternative watering methods, learn how to can, dehydrate and freeze food safely. And don’t advertise what you have and where you keep it! Keep the Faith everyone, and keep your powder dry! Good Gardening to You
FRANK,
I have my own small stash. I don’t have the permafrost or hole in the ground but should be able to keep seeds for a year or two. I am constantly adding to the stash and I am starting to germinate a seed of two so that I am not wasting time planting and having losses. They are in a cheap cooler placed in my bedroom closet. Some are in glass with instructions on it and the other seeds are package in “like vegs.” plastic bags. It seems to work well now as I used some saved seeds from last years garden.
This very value packed information i have been looking for,thank you.pdp
It’s always better to be prepared and not need it, than to need it when you’ve not prepared. I think it’s a great idea to begin a seed bank, collect information on gardening & other primitive things that could help if need be, and yes, be prepared spiritually for whatever may come. Only God knows what lies ahead for us! We can’t expect help from the government and must rely on our own wits. It’s time to collect these things: tools (shovels, hammers & nails, buckets, etc.) that we may not be able to buy later; plans for buildings & cellars for food storage; how to raise chickens & other animals for food; and start groups for sharing information and support. Thank you for Power 4 Patriots. You are doing a great work!
My concern is how would people access the seeds if they were needed since they are so well secured? Having the seeds available, but not having access to them is sort of like a starving person looking through a glass window and watching someone devour a steak dinner. Doesn’t do a thing for the starving person’s need for food.
It is important to remember that seeds are living things. No matter how carefully you dry, preserve, and care for them they will die of old age. I know people who bought cans of heirloom seeds before the Y2K scare and are still counting on them in the event of a future catastrophy. I fear that they will be sorely disappointed to discover that those old seeds will no longer germinate. While I agree that keeping a variety of heirloom seeds on hand is essential to any future planning, rotating and replacing them is just as important. The best idea is to grow your own garden, learn to save seed from your harvest and renew your “vault” every year. Gardening gets better with practice, it is unwise to wait until your family’s life depends on your green thumb to take an interest and try to play catch-up. Buying a can of varied seeds is one good way to get started, consider it carefully!
At one time seeds were worth more than gold. Looks like it could be happening again.
I lived in Norway for 3 years. They are a very sensible people! I was delighted when I read this, but not surprised at all! Thank you for the article, and for encouraging people to preserve seeds individually.
Of my family of 7 siblings, 3 of us have always made a habit of buying seed for at least 3 years at a time and saving the extra for at least 2 years, buying many different types, and sharing new kinds we come across. We also share them among ourselves, every so often, and have a ball going through catalogs each year.
Are there mostly vegetable seeds in this sampling, or a fairly even sampling of everything? Does this collection include tree and bush samples?
Thank you!
I’m a WW11/Koran vet and I’ve seen a lot of changes in our part of the world and in our government. The government is no longer concerned with the well being of our citizens as a whole. They are exploiting our people and reducing our standard of living by the costs of nearly all that we need for the comforts and daily needs to sustain a healthy way of life.
We can look back over the years since the early ninteen hundreds and pick out the events caused by our elected officials, the causes brought on by greed and self serving that have so underminded our constitution and bill of rights.
It may be to late to save our once great nation, but it certainly is worth trying.
A mind bogling issue.
I am an Englishman and I live in Spain and would like to buy the 5,640 survival seeds from 21 varieties of hardy & delicious heirloom plants passed BUT you only deliver to America. How can I buy them please. Fter al we are part of the GLOBAL VILIAGE – whatever that is!!!
Sorry Mike, It’s a customs issue with transferring seeds over national borders.
I Think they are on the right track, and we all should be saving some seeds of things that will make us and our family grow what we need.
I believe this is ESSENTIAL to surviving the coming collapse.
It’s a very good idea and we should all be doing it . How long are seeds good for when stored? How often should you rotate your seeds out for new ones ?
Sounds cool
You sort of hit on my passion. I love gardening. Gardeners tend to save and share the seeds and plants that thrive for them. I think we’re born with the drive.
Honestly, I’ve found it takes about 3 years to get soil thriving and a garden up and going; so it’ll be the gardeners of TODAY that make the gardens of tomorrow… disaster or not.
I think it’s important to be true to who God made you to be. If it’s a gardener… then do it! If it’s building homes… do it. If it’s sewing, or whatever… do it. In doing, skills are mastered. And those with skills bind together society as they use them for the good (their own and others). If society collapses, it’s because of lack of skills and knowledge. So, I’ll trust in God and enjoy doing the things he has equipped me to do…. and resting in His goodness to me in Christ.
Well I don’t know about this GOD thing but when planet X comes back into orbit it;s gona be bad,just read the old text. I allready have a seed bank started and some other things going but no one really knows whats going to happen.
Aloha here in the middle of the pacific we are blessed with a few things solor heating
Solar growing and we like to sleep at night . Also we believe in God as ultimate and sovereign.
Not only has God word been proven it self true and just but timeless. History has keep
Repeating and repeating it self but Gods message has been the some from the beginning.don’t leave me but if you do come back and trust and obey and I will take care and bless you and keep you I will give you peace and hope . Your predictions are right we are headed in the direction you have shared with the public it’s a no brainer and we do need to prepare but love hear me it is not only a physical preparedness that you need to be sharing it is also a spiritual one that needs to be ultimately shouted out .check it out if there is no sun for 40 days are you prepared,if the stars start to fall and the sky turns dark and the earth starts to shake are you prepared. I am I know that no matter can separate me from the love of God which is in His son Jesus Christ . God wants you to know today that He loves you and cares for you and your family more then you can imagine and He just wanted me to let you know my brother God Bless you for your service to man kind and He will bless you even more if you start serving Him. Hallelujah
I find it hard to believe Iraq and Afghanistan had seed banks. For one, they don’t have any technology beyond how to kill infidels, and two, they have suicidal tendencies they wish to share and not much value of life for more than half their population, (females and children).
Unless, perhaps, you were talking about their plutonium seed for which Iran is well known.
I don’t trust our own government, not with the idiots that are in the cabinet and democratic congress, are you kidding?! Maybe they don’t fear God now, but stick around a while longer!
They will find out that greed does not pay off and what the punishment of sin is and that yes! There really is a Creator and Son of God and Holy Spirit and there is a new heaven and a new earth coming! And yes, Jesus is coming back soon to Catch up or Rapture the believing Christians and some will remain and He will come back for the last time in the Second Coming for a final Harvest of His Creation. Praise His Holy Name!!
I totally believe they are on the right track in storing up seeds and whatever tools of survival also.
Hand tools will be very important!
I have already started my own seed bank. It is in my freezer as I write this. I intend on continuing to purchase seeds untill I have enough for a 100 acre garden. That should take care of my family and many others.
From our government??, I expect nothing!! There are several ideas to consider here.
1. How are the seeds obtained
2. Why are they being saved in only 1 location
3. How can we develop\maintain our autonomy locally
I will tell you, for a fact, that the Seed Saver’s Exchange in Decorah, IA sends a percentage of their open pollinated(clone)\heirloom seed to this entity. I suspect other seed saving groups do the same. Who wants to do further research on that?
One might wonder why there is only one place in the whole world that is saving mass quantities of seed. This sounds like a monopoly. Who is behind this organization? This does not sound like a government run operation.
While our market being overrun with GMO seed, I ask whether GMO seed being saved in the vault? Be aware that GMO seed will cross with open pollinated\heirloom seed and contaminate the OP\HL seed. Perhaps that is why the seed is being hidden away.
‘They perish for lack of knowledge’. We do have the opportunity to gain local control over our destiny. Our local library has begun a seed library. This operation involves training community members in germination, planting, maintaining, and harvesting open pollinated\heirloom seed. Other local organizations are joining with our library including community gardens and local food pantries to train as many people as possible. They seek to share the knowledge of growing and processing seed for better health. There are other libraries across our country which also maintain seed libraries. Who wants to do that research?
The bottom line is that it takes proper nutrition to evoke good mental processing, making well-chosen decisions. The best nutrition leaves out ingestion of additives and gene-changing plants and animals. We must take our destiny into our own hands, network locally and learn the skills to occupy our world.
I think the Norway project is an outstanding idea…..course they might be the next generation of multi-billionaires if they take it in their mind to sell their seeds. Lets hope the Norweigians are fair-minded, humanitarians.
It is my understanding that Colorado State University in Fort Collins also has a massive seed bank and it has been maintained since at least the mid-1950s (or 1960s).
great initiative
Will Norway sell seeds to people that are interested in buying them?
Please let me know what I would need to do.
This is a great idea as long as the government of Norway is willing to share if a food crisis materializes in another country or region of the world.
their has been found in the perimids wheat that is over 3,000 years old and it did germinate thouse people did know something the side winder
Curious as to how long Heritage Seeds can be saved until they no longer germinate?
Maddog
I think Norway is right on. the uS government has let Monsanto into its seed bank and Monsanto is turning as many seeds as possible into geneticly engineered seed. That would certainly control populations.
Great article!! Using one’s own imagination, a person could start his/her own food bank or
seed vault. Thanks for the very informative article!!
Jay Scheie
If there weren’t people to consider doing this, after calamities like the flooding in New Jersey, we wouldn’t have a chance if more keeps happening. Plus consider that the world catastrophes are happening more and more with fewer time in between to recover so people world wide need to realize how fragile our food chain really is.
Seed banks are needed in the even we have a major disaster or if new plants diseases come into being. The Irish Potato Famine shows us that and entire crop can be wiped out in a matter of days. 64% of US counties were in Drought this year. Storms rage, we are threatened by the end of oil, which, among other things would mean it would become much harder to get seeds from Norway or from Amazon. Preparedness just makes sense. Have private enterprises saved victims of Hurricane Sandy? Of course not? How about Hurricane Katrina? They’ve had 7 years to fix things, but private enterprise was not there to respond effectively to the disaster and under strong republican leadership, either was the government. But most of the help Katrtina bictims did get was from the federal government, when it finally came. There are countless disasters that can happen, why not be prepared? We are the third largest country in the world with the largest food production. Why not have a seed bank and why shouldn’t it be the best in the world. It’s not like private industry hasn’t had decades to do this. If they don’t do it, it’s up to Government to do it.
Norway is pro-active and on the right track. Every country should have a seed bank. Every family should be starting a seed bank.
This is an excellent idea. Only heritage seeds shoud be saved!.If every country would ..develope a similar program,we would be able to feed generations of people as wll as help other countries.
Absolutely on the right track! When Monsanta GMO infiltration has ruined most of the world’s crops, this provides hope for future generations.
Good idea
I would like to think the seeds would be safe but I have my doubts. I wonder what agenda Agenda 21 has in store for it. I believe the only for sure safe source is oneself.
Norway has an awesome one, so why should we? Funny how the people that make the most noise about government spending also expect us to not onlyto have one of everything, but have the “best one” too. Regular folks can get any seed they want online or keep their own.
Moving to Western NC Mtns nxt month, the place of dreams, and I’m finally buying there. Saving seeds is a way of life for me, and making soil rich is a dilligence I’ve enjoyed many years. I once took sandrock that bent a coal miners’ pick and bent its’ point to a buttonloop type ground and worked it with leaves shredded into it until it was like Chocolate cake and deep (over7 yrs) as my forearm and grows anything except Spinach. Now I’m working with Microbes and food chains in the soil to make it rich and alive even more so. Seeds should be held Cold, huh? Fact noted. Big enough land mass to be an Estate, my kids will live there far longer than I shall live, I think, and it should sustain them and be wonderful for their kids to grow up in. Thanks for the article. One time only, I placed a wet squash seed into the summer ground at 5:30PM and next morning the seed was a one-leaf seedling an inch tall!! Store-bought Acorn squash seed, it was, taken before dinner, from dinner.
Interesing article but only that. I would not wait for the government to provide me with seeds as I’m sure it would be selective on who is on the distribution list. A better plan is to have seeds and give them to families in your community to grow on a continuing basis to ensure your community has food and seeds to restart production should there be crop failures.
food storage /with saving of seeds has been some thing my elders preached when i was young with the world in the state it is each of us need to be perpaired and be more selfsafishant.
I think Norway has the right Idea and the right government to make it work. It’s a shame the United States isn’t as carring about our servival. I fear that personal stock piles of seeds is out of the question, especially for people in my family’s financial condition and local. We live in a location where it is hot and humid most of the year and wet and cool the rest of the year (about 2 months).We haven’t the money to build an above ground seed reservoir and we can’t dig an underground shelter, four feet down and we hit water.
The U.S. does have underground storage for millions of tons of cheese, butter and the like but I’m not sure how much longer they will maintain this either. Our politicians are too busy trying to become millionaires to worry about preparing for a disasster.
I tend to believe we are domed.
Heirloom seeds should be the only seeds stored. No Genetically Modified Seeds as they could be the problem that could cause a global disaster. No seeds that requiring a pre-emergent. A storage of heirloom seeds is needed in case we need to burn entire crops to destroy pollen that has not already released into the atmosphere. A genetically modified seed/plant pollen has already killed off millions of bee hives. Remember no cross pollination no food! What effect does GMO infected pollen have on plant life across the globe???? Another question could feed lots cause mad cow? The simple answer is “yes” entire herds have been incinerated. The food chain has already been tampered with what effect will it have on human beings. GMO Contaminated food lots is a far worse and a more immediate threat than a nuclear one, because we have no idea when a unintended mass genocide will happen to people simply because they eat.
Lots of good ideas here.Lot of good intent.But we’re all still taking a chance on weather or not we’ll have the soil or hydro ponics to produce any of this.It could take alot of professionals to concider all of this to make it work if we do need this in the future.What I see here is the begining of just that.Keep talking people and keep track of what’s being said.You can bet your last dollar our government has indeed already done this using thousands of brainyacs to figure this out and has done so……but…not for us.So this, what we’re doing here,while it lasts,is a good thing IF your paying attention.Remember my friends”Knowledge is power,and information is how you get it”.Frank-you the man….
I think the Norway seed bank is an excellent idea, provided it DOES NOT contain any Monsanto GMO seed. That, of course, would ne defeating the entire purpose of saving the seeds.
I would really be interested in and movement to try and stop the out of control spraying of the aluminum and other chemicals which the NEO individuals are couontinually inundating us with . as you no doubt know, they are not only poisoning the soil, water and air, they are poisoning us. I didn there were s way to make more people understand this is real and must be stopped.
Hi,
I have been gardening for approximately 30 years and started saving some green bean seeds for at least 17 years. It sort of accidentally happened when I noticed that during the late summertime near fall the pods would dry out and the seeds would just fall out,…so I saved them and haven’t had to buy any seeds for all those years. I have already purchased non_hybrid seeds about 2 years ago so we are set for whatever may happen.
seeds from Hawaii need to be kept at aprox. 55 degrees, if they freeze, they die. What about them?
Yes we need to do that seed storage here in the US. If our goverement does’t do it willbe up to us patriots to do for ourselves and others that don’t get the message. Why can’t us patriots get together and build a seed stroage for this country? When I finaly get my property payed for Ide be willing to donate a piece of it to the cause. I’ll be getting a section of land in New Mexico about in the middle. 5 acres dug down about 100-200ft should do it you think?
Alot of good ideas and feedback here. I agree, prepare yourself, and then beyond that if you can contribute to a community venture then do it. The time we are preparing for may not come for 500 yrs,….but Id rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
I really dont think we should wait for the government to do this. we are behind in everything it seems. We as individuals should start doing this for our families and those we truly care for.
There are many seed banks around the U.S and around the world.
One excellent source of non-hybrid, non-GMO seeds is a 30 year old seed bank in the American Southwest, Native Seeds/SEARCH.
Learn more than you may imagine and buy seeds at: http://www.nativeseeds.org
Sounds great……but in case of a catastrophe or all-out nuclear war causing contaminated or imposible conditions, how long would it take for those seeds to germinate and come to consumable use……what do we do in the meantime ?
OK! This is a Good information* Thankiou a Lot, hout to say? if they have eny information for the feuture and they keept for them, they falce, as far as you know! (for mi you a Positive person), they not posible to stay on life for eny purpose, bekoze the special information as mutch as posible people can have they can give the reality! for continiously Life!!!, Look at You!!! eather any problem may you have? you act evry day and you spleat informations with all of as, and send your opinion ideas/work/experiance/actions and piramatik/resurce, some time with smoole profit some time as gift and some time as questions a.t.c., this is right for mi and thankiou!!! houat they think? God or huatcever the name or power!!! can make ouat hi needs and not ouat they think? if they open the special information afkoz they have muts more posibilities the God to give from some one hi accept the rits to Help all. – very sory for my Anglees languits poor -.
Bought some non-hybrid seeds this year as well. I started saving part of my garden to harvest some of the seeds a couple of years ago and have about 2 years worth of seeds. The packaging was getting a little out-of-control so I found the perfect solution. The bead containers you can find in hobby stores are perfect for seed storage. There are combo containers where each individual type bead can be saved and then a bunch of them go into a larger container to keep them together. They come in different sizes. They’re hard plastic with screw on tops for the individual containers. I just put my seeds in them and label the container. Works like a charm and then I keep them in the refrigerator. I planted a winter garden indoors this year using my saved seeds and they are coming up and doing well.
Who owns and may access these seeds? According to WIKIPEDIA (read all + links) The seed vault functions like a safe deposit box in a bank … where the Government of Norway owns the facility and the depositing genebanks own the seeds they send. The deposit of samples in Svalbard does not constitute a legal transfer of genetic resources. In genebank terminology this is called a “black box” arrangement. Each depositor signs a Deposit Agreement with NordGen, acting on behalf of Norway. The Agreement makes clear that Norway does not claim ownership over the deposited samples and that ownership remains with the depositor, who has the sole right of access to those materials in the seed vault. No one has access to anyone else’s seeds from the seed vault. The database of samples and depositors is maintained by NordGen.
Seeing that people like the Gates’ are involved, and considering their actions in the field of eugenics (under the guise of humanitarianism) there is little hope that we “common undesirable people” will be given access to the wealth of stores under any circumstances.
You want seeds? Save them yourselves.
I wouldn’t wait on or trust our government after a global disaster. I found a great deal for about $50.00 at Costco for long term storage vegatable seeds. They are sealed and non-hybird seeds. Enough to plant one acre. After that it’s up to you to save your harvest seeds.
Many have commented about a nuclear event. I feel a power grid failure is more likely (EMP)and seeds are just one element that must be in your plan to survive!! I don’t know if anything will happen along these lines in my lifetime but I also have life insurance for my family and I’m not planning on passing anytime soon.
WELL I MUST SAY THE GOV’T OF THE WORLD ALL KNOW SOMETHING THAT WE DON’T AND THERE NOT TELLING, TO BUILT UNDERGROUND BUNKER AND SEED BANKS MAN THESE PEOPLE KNOW THAT A MAJOR CATASROPHY IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN AND THEY NOT SAY WHEN
I suspect if we ever get to this point, we’ll need to plan for a way to protect our new crops. There will be plenty of people willing to steal and plunder.
This is a great idea also you might consider a way to germinate, and grow your plants, such as aero-gro garden planters . Something along these lines would help put the growth and production of your seeds in a controled enviroment. This helps with the problem of one of your responders of how the seeds you put away can be used without the fear of soil conditions in any area, under any conditions. The whole idea is fantastic as the more you can do for the future protection of your family the better, and this is an easy cure to great food storage.
Great idea!!
I would have to agree with Kay the gardener. To keep plants viable we need to keep them in the ground and we need to keep harvesting the best seed that we possibly can. There are no two locations in the world that have the exact same soil conditions so it would behoove all of us to be saving our own seeds.
I wonder also how great the cost would be to purchase those seeds be if they suddenly became our only choice. I am not saying that Norway would over charge anyone but, do any of us know who actually owns all of those seeds?
I think this is fantastic and very perceptive. Be prepared..
I know how important is to not use GMO seeds. Natural nutrition since 1969, so know from experience!
Yes,we need natural seeds, no GMO. I’ve been a natural nutritionist since 1969 and I know how important it is to protect our next generation health, the government in its present state of affairs will not.
THIS IS A VERY GOOD IDEA HERE IN CALIFORNIA THE PROPOSITION TO LABEL GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS DID NOT PASS. WE NEED SOME OTHER SOLUTION.
THANKS FOR THINKING SO CLEARLY. LIZ
Hi Frank, I think the seed bank is a great idea. I have my freezer full of seeds but there is a possibality of loosing them if we have a power outage before I get my solor pannels built. Thanks
for the info.
Hugh W. Miller
you dont think our goverment dose not have 1 2 3 4 or more food and seed vauit put away somewere in the usa. thats hiding in plan sight all over the us think again.
should the US use the types (varieties) of seeds that are being kept at svalbard to ‘regulate’ the varieties than can be legitimately planted – this might be one way to resolve the GMO problem and take a pretty large step in restoring decent healthy food to a heavy segment of the world’s population.
BTW I suspect that there are no GMO varieties of seeds in the vault. Or are there?
We only have until the 21st of next month to worry about it, so whats the point? I think investing in lead is a better short term idea. If we survive an all out (Scorched Earth) event it will be tough to find soil or any other media to grow edible plantlife in. There is also water to consider, the light needed, air quality, etc, etc., etc. Ancl the Government that has the foresight to have a seedvault will ensure it is well protected and inaccessible to the taxpayer. Personally, if it really does end up as an all out nuclear event, im not sure I’d want to stick around anyway. Its a quality of life thing. All I can say is “Be Prepared” and don’t tell everyone you know how well prepared you are. You might just as well paint a target on your back, as blood is thicker than water. While I love this country very much, I pray that we have learned from History so we aren’t doomed to repeat it. I hope you all survive the surviving!
Atomic warfare will make land unsuitable for even this! THEE BOOK has told us our future sadly. It is rapidly approaching!
very good idea for family and/or community. start with non-hybrid seeds and seal in sections of PVC pipe for burial,upright or horizontal .and of course conceal their location
One needs to further investigate the funding sources for this vault. No, it’s not entirely by the Government of Norway. Do a bit more research. Sure enough, it’s Rockefellers, Gates, Monsanto, Dupont, and Syngenta. These folks all want to promote GMOs and private ownership/patenting of… you guessed it… seeds. I smell a hidden agenda here.
Since it’s funded entirely by the Government of Norway, seems to beg the question in the event of a need for seed on a global scale; how much of any given seed is stored, and how is distribution per government (especially ours) determined?
It’s nice to think that some stocks are there, but has the U.S. contributed to the repository, and how do we get it back if we need it?
And then of course, where is our government’s repository? Surely we have one…don’t we?
What an excellent idea! I do hope everyone takes this to heart. That is, if God does not take me home First!
When I grew up, my father made sure that we had a vegetable garden. He and my mom had 5 children to feed. My dad was the only one who had a job in town. He planted all sorts of vegetables. The children had to make sure that the weeds and grass were hoed out of the rows of vegetables. We had to pick the vegetables when it was time to “harvest” them. I sure did not like to do all that work, but I sure wish that I had a garden right now. We even had a muscadine arbor and my mom made the best tatsing jelly in the world from those grapes. I plan on growing some vegetables from the seeds that I ordered from power4patriots. Thank you so very much,
LaWanna Kerby
AS groups of people living in the same climate and soil conditions the group should grow their own seedsupply of as many crops as possible. Same counts for the domestic animals. Have a couple of double-purpose animals as well as males as females. If somebody really feels responsible he or she should not leave it to the government to do it. After all who is the government?
A seedbank in Norway may look nice, but what quarentee do you have , you can use it when you need it?
To continue a food seed line, it is necessary to grow it out on a regular basis for destroying unwanted sports… Can’t do that from an Arctic vault…
Secondly, how can the trees, bushes, etc be stored??
They need to be regularly grafted onto new rootstock & grown out as well…
That is why there are heritage orchards by the US Govt here in this country & such non-profits as Seed Savers Exchange, Rodale Institute, etc…
Seed bank vaults are 2nd lines of defense, after real life growing out sites.