Seeds of Life infographic

International Seeds Day took place on April 26. It aimed to educate the public on the hazardous effects of genetically modified foods on people’s health, as well as the dangerous impact they may have on organic and independent farming. As debates circulate regarding unjust agricultural laws and the threat of a transnational, First World monopoly in the farming sector, eco-conscious food activists celebrated this important day in an attempt to highlight the significance of biodiversity and seed-saving. The US has seen a massive increase in the amount of farming land (seven million acres to be specific) used for genetically modified crops – to date they have cultivated 165 million acres of GMO crops. Farmers are doing away with traditional farming practices and instead are planting genetically modified monocultures that have destructive and harmful effects on the soil and the diverse life that inhabits it.

The date for International Seeds Day marks the date on which Order 81 was signed in Iraq. The new law states that “Farmers shall be prohibited from re-using seeds of protected varieties,” effectively ensuring that the commercial interests of European and US seed manufacturers are protected at the expense of biodiversity.

Although a little late, we’ve put together an International Seeds Day infographic jam-packed with fascinating facts and figures from the world’s biggest seed to the role of genetics in the future of the farming industry.