Janisse Ray is a seasoned gardener: a seed saver, seed exchanger and seed banker. She is also an award-winning writer who knows how to mix startling statistics with engaging personal stories. "The reclamation of seeds is the reclamation of food," Ray writes in The Seed Underground, "and how we grow that food is important."
Noting that 94% of the seed varieties from 1903 were no longer available in 2004, Ray passionately outlines the stunning loss of diversity in our food and the factors contributing to this crisis, while sharing her personal story as a gardener, small farmer and seed saver. She also explores the work of a number of other advocates who are dedicated to saving--and sharing--seeds, like her friend Jack Daniel, the Vermont poet Jeff Bickart and the Tomato Man (among others).
The Seed Underground includes specific instructions on basic seed saving techniques, ideas on how to become an advocate for seed conservation and proper food production and an extensive list of resources for further information. Good thing, too: Ray is an inspiring writer, and few readers will not be moved to "farmer up" upon finishing this book. --Roni K. Devlin, owner of Literary Life Bookstore