Welcome to another episode of Ours To Protect, as we take a closer look at biodiversity and sustainability in Co Clare.
The Irish Seed Savers Association is the leading non-governmental organisation working for the conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in Ireland.
Founded on a small farm in Co. Carlow in 1991, Irish Seed Savers’ main objective is to protect Ireland’s food crop heritage for future generations.
In recent years they have expanded the scope of their work to include crop varieties from all over the world that are suitable for Ireland’s unique growing conditions.
The association maintains the country’s only public seed bank and houses the national collection of Irish heritage apple trees in their orchards in East Clare.
Pat Flynn visited Irish Seed Savers at Capparoe near Scarriff to meet with Executive Director Elaine Bradley.
Did you know?
* Irish Seed Savers have over 600 varieties of heritage, open-pollinated vegetable varieties from Ireland and from gene banks around the world.
* The association comprises a supporter base of over 1700 individuals; a network of seed and apple tree growers; pomologists; orchardists; conservationists; academics, researchers; educators; community gardens and orchard groups.
* Irish Seed Savers also makes available the apple tree varieties to farmers, schools, community groups, the traditional orchardist, the home gardener as well as supporters to grow and reap the many benefits of not only growing your own food, but contributing to the protection of Ireland’s biodiversity, food heritage and ultimately our food security.
* If you do not know where to start, Seed Savers run workshops on creating your own orchard. They also host tasting tours in August; September, and October. This allows the public to learn about the varieties of heritage apples trees, enabling you to find a suitable apple for your own taste and preferences for eating apples, juicers, cookers or even the best options for producing cider.
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