The Significance of Seed Saving in Natural Agriculture
The Circle of Life
The use of fertilizers and pesticides affects not only the soil but also the seeds. In practicing Shumei Natural Agriculture, we aim to reduce the toxic effects of fertilizers (referred to as “fertilizer toxicity”) by saving seeds and replanting them over successive generations. Even if one cultivates crops without applying fertilizers or pesticides to the soil, using commercially available seeds still carries the risk of residual fertilizer toxicity. Sowing pure seeds free from such toxicity into purified soil is essential for the success of Shumei Natural Agriculture.
Seed saving is ideally conducted repeatedly in the same field. Seeds that have experienced the local climate and natural conditions gradually adapt to the environment and develop distinctive traits of the variety. When these purified seeds are replanted in the same land, the crops exhibit strong vitality and grow into superior varieties well-suited to the region’s climate and terrain. Taking care of crops not only through harvest but also through seed collection is akin to witnessing their full life cycle—an act of honoring life itself.
Today, most vegetables on our tables are shipped from production regions specialized in particular crops. Rather than seasonal freshness, stable year-round supply is prioritized. As a result, F1 hybrid seeds—ideal for mass distribution due to uniformity and convenience—have become widespread. However, F1 hybrids are designed so that saved seeds will not produce uniform crops, requiring farmers to buy new seeds each year. With their spread, traditional vegetable varieties have been displaced, and the original taste of vegetables has been lost—seasoning now often compensates for flavor.
In contrast, heirloom vegetables cultivated in harmony with local climate and culture retain unique flavors and appearances. These varieties, maintained through local seed saving practices, are naturally resilient and well-suited for Natural Agriculture. However, as F1 hybrids dominate agriculture, demand for heirloom and open-pollinated varieties is declining, placing them at risk of extinction. The number of people with the knowledge and skills to cultivate and save seeds from these varieties is also decreasing. It is now crucial to revalue heirloom seeds and preserve them for future generations.
In 2021, the Shumei Natural Agriculture site in Shigaraki began introducing heirloom vegetables and rice varieties through a dedicated demonstration field. Aiming to share the charm of these traditional crops, in 2022, we hosted an event titled “Rice Planting Experience: The Romance of Ancient Grains—From Yayoi Era to Today, 300 Varieties of Rice.” In 2023, we cultivated and saved seeds from 200 heirloom vegetable varieties and 230 rice varieties.
Through encounters and mysterious connections, rare heirloom seeds have been gathered at Shigaraki in recent years. By continuing the cycle of sowing, cultivating, and seed saving, we pass on the legacy of life to future generations.
