Part 5/8:
Self-Sufficiency and Adaptability: Heirloom seeds support the practice of seed saving, allowing gardeners to cultivate resilient crops that can adapt to local pests and varying environmental conditions. This adaptability also contributes to a healthier ecosystem and reduces reliance on chemical interventions.
Genetic Diversity Preservation: Perhaps one of the most critical roles of heirloom seeds is their ability to preserve genetic diversity. Alarmingly, 93% of seed varieties had already become extinct by 1990. The propagation of heirloom seeds is crucial in combating the trend of agricultural uniformity that threatens global food security.