El Departamento de la Comida is reinvigorating Puerto Rico’s local food systems with a community-controlled seed supply—and deepening Boricua communities’ relationship to food and cultural identity.
Seeds of Change
Issue 20, Fall 2020
The most powerful change in this world is driven by the people, for the people; the sparks often fueled by necessity.
In our 20th issue, we’re sharing stories of hope from people who are harnessing the power of grassroots action in their own communities. The Seeds of Change issue shares perspectives from across the Americas that hold a common thread: land and seed sovereignty are critical to preserving cultural identity and economic independence. Featuring the voices of farmers, activists, and community organizers, their stories describe community-led efforts that are building just, local food systems, protecting sacred lands, and celebrating traditional practices.
ARTICLES FROM ISSUE 20
Peyote can be central to maintaining Indigenous cultural sovereignty, but its cultivation is often under threat. Hear from the Native-led initiative that is protecting it.
Pioneer Valley Worker Center (PVWC) exists to “build power with low-wage and immigrant workers.” Today, they’re connecting workers to the resources they need to build economic justice in their communities.
To truly regenerate our planet, we must address the many exploitations of the conventional agriculture system: not just the soil — but farmers, workers, animals, and water. Regenerative agriculture could hold the key.
From farming to roasting, the coffee industry is often a male-dominated space. General Manager of the Pangoa Cooperative shares how gender equity initiatives and fair trade are turning the tides.
“What’s the difference between all these fairtrade labels?” It’s a question we get a lot at Fair World Project. A new guide is here to help clear the confusion.
Tree planting projects have been popularized as a quick way to combat the climate crisis. But not all tree planting projects have an equal—or necessarily positive—impact.
We asked our staff and editorial board for their favorite products brought to life by the grassroots efforts of the communities that produced them. Find them online or at your favorite natural foods store!