News from Vandana Shiva On Nepal’s Lost Seed + Fundraiser 4-8pm Sat. 6/27/15

A few weeks ago, I attended a conference where Vandana Shiva was a featured speaker, and while one day soon I plan to blog more about what she had to say, today I want to share one mind blowing piece of information and an opportunity to do something about it.

85% of the Nepalese seed was destroyed by the Earthquakes from April 25- May 12, 2015 which struck the Kathmandu valley and two districts east of Kodari.

I will save for that post more information about the painstaking process the Nepalese use to gather and save their seed, but suffice it to say that this is an important part of their heritage and a very time consuming task.

After the devastating quake which killed thousands and displaced thousands more, Shiva reports that Monsanto offered to bring in seed and advisors–for FREE.  However, this is GMO seed patented and “owned” by Monsanto. There is more to it as well which I will get into in that promised post.

Because of these and more reasons, the Nepalese wanted nothing to do with the Monsanto seed, and they sent out a call to the seed banks and seed savers of the world for seed.

Shiva’s and other organizations responded, and although it is illegal to bring seed across the border, it is a common practice and has not been a problem until Monsanto turned up with their “gifts” of GMO seed.

The precious seed needed by the Nepalese was confiscated –forcing them to use Monsanto seed or nothing at all.

The situation in Nepal, unfortunately, has been pushed aside by other news.

However, the members of the An Lac Buddhist Temple in Ventura haven’t forgotten. Even though they are trying to raise $40,000 in funds to raise their roof before next year’s rains, they’ve been collecting resources for the people of Nepal including cash and clothes.

On Saturday, June 27 from 4-8pm, please join us at the Temple 901 S. Saticoy Ave, Ventura 93004 for a delicious Vietnamese and Sri Lankan vegetarian meal, entertainment, and candlelit prayer. Bring your drum and join the 5pm drum circle in the Peace Garden.  A donation of $10 is requested; you may also send your tax deductible donations to the address above.