18th Jun 2024 Gemini 1.5 Pro
Kōanga Institute, a name gifted to Kay Baxter and her partner, Bob, began as a humble endeavor to conserve New Zealand's heritage food plants. Over time, it has evolved into a multifaceted organization dedicated to the preservation and propagation of these heirloom seeds. Recognizing that safeguarding these genetic treasures necessitates a holistic approach, Kōanga Institute expanded its focus to encompass regenerative growing practices. This shift stemmed from the understanding that preserving seeds within an industrial agricultural system would be inherently contradictory to their inherent value. Today, Kōanga Institute stands as a beacon of knowledge, offering education and training in regenerative gardening, forest gardening, seed saving, and regenerative living. It serves as a testament to the interconnectedness of seed preservation, sustainable agriculture, and the revitalization of traditional ecological knowledge.
"It's not a lot of point holding these seeds and this taonga and growing it in an industrial system. So we needed to relearn how to grow things in regenerative ways, which has been a big journey over the years."
Kay's journey into seed saving began with a profound realization: the vulnerability of New Zealand's food security. Prompted by the Chernobyl disaster and the stark revelation that most commercially available seeds originated from Europe, Kay felt an urgent need to secure food sovereignty for her family. This ignited a personal mission that quickly transformed into a much larger movement. Through connecting with seasoned gardeners, Kay discovered a wealth of traditional knowledge and a vast collection of heirloom seeds at risk of being lost. Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, she embarked on a mission to preserve these genetic treasures, understanding their crucial role in building a resilient and healthy future.
Kay passionately advocates for the use of open-pollinated, heritage seeds, emphasizing their profound connection to human health. She simplifies complex scientific concepts like epigenetics to highlight the intricate communication between our bodies and the environment, particularly through the food we consume. Kay explains how our “junk DNA,” now understood as crucial for environmental interaction, relies on recognizable minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids present in natural, unprocessed foods grown from heritage seeds. Industrial food systems, focused on shelf life and aesthetics, fail to prioritize nutritional content and biodiversity, leading to a disconnect between our bodies and the food we consume.
"And so we also know that the only part of our food that actually communicates with the junk DNA, which then places tags in our DNA, which determines how our body expresses, the only three things that we know of to this point in our food that is actually what communicates with our junk DNA is the minerals and the vitamins and the fatty acids, traditional fats and oils."
New Zealand's potential shift towards allowing genetically modified seeds raises concerns for Kay. Having witnessed the country's dedication to remaining GMO-free, she recognizes the ecological and cultural risks associated with introducing genetically engineered crops. Kay emphasizes the irreversible nature of GMO contamination, highlighting the challenges of containing genetically modified pollen and its potential impact on soil health. While acknowledging the need for action, Kay leans towards a more peaceful, energetic approach. She believes in the power of fostering life-affirming practices such as creating forest gardens and supporting biodiversity as a way to counteract the potential harm of GMOs. Kay's stance reflects her deep-rooted belief in the interconnectedness of all living systems and the importance of approaching challenges with a holistic and regenerative mindset.
Despite her tireless efforts, Kay acknowledges the challenges Kōanga Institute faces in its mission to preserve New Zealand's seed heritage. Operating as a non-profit within a system that often undervalues the importance of seed saving has led to financial constraints and operational hurdles. The Institute relies heavily on the dedication of its staff and volunteers, but the lack of adequate funding makes it difficult to sustain the necessary infrastructure and provide fair compensation. Kay envisions a future where Kōanga Institute can transition from a national seed bank to a network of bioregional seed banks, serving as a model for seed saving initiatives around the world.
"But it's quite difficult to do it when you're not resourced to do it."
Airtable