Réseau Semences Paysannes

Created in 2003, the Réseau Semences Paysannes brings together over 70 associations, farmer unions, seed houses and regional nature parks across France to collect, multiply and legally defend traditional crop varieties. Its roughly 40 'Maisons des Semences Paysannes' (peasant seed houses) give growers access to 1,600 to 2,000 heirloom seed references each year, maintained by a community of around 50 artisan seed producers. The network also campaigns for French and EU seed-law reform to protect farmers' right to save, exchange and sell traditional seed.