Seeds, Agrodiversity and

If a crop that is desired for food, fodder, or fiber, is to be available for the next planting season, some of its seeds must be preserved. For biologists, agricultural scientists, gardeners, and farmers, there is growing concern about the dependence upon seed companies. Seed companies produce billions of dollars worth of seeds every year; however, their products are often hybrid varieties of seeds that produce a high yield one year, but not in subsequent years. For example, some varieties of hybrid tomatoes give large abundant tomatoes the year that they are planted; however, if seeds are saved for the next year, the resulting tomatoes are small, full of liquid and seeds, and covered by a tough skin. There are several reasons critics give for ...