Manila, PHILIPPINES — Naturland is strengthening its work in the Philippines to help farmers access high-quality organic inputs, including seeds and planting materials that are adapted to local conditions. As part of this commitment, Naturland is working closely with Global Seed Savers Philippines to protect the country’s agricultural biodiversity and support the development of resilient and sustainable seed systems.
The partnership brings together Naturland’s expertise in organic agriculture and Global Seed Savers Philippines’ experience in community-based seed conservation. Together, the organizations are exploring approaches to organic seed quality assurance and certification while supporting the production and availability of locally adapted seed varieties. Their work also promotes knowledge exchange, capacity building and policy dialogue to create a stronger environment for organic and community-led seed systems.
One of the partnership’s latest initiatives is the Seed Catalogue of Traditional & Heirloom Seeds in the Philippines, launched during the Organic Day celebration at Conrad Manila on July 31.
Developed by Global Seed Savers Philippines with the support of Naturland, the publication documents the country’s rich diversity of traditional and heirloom crops. Designed as a practical resource for farmers, researchers, educators and seed savers, the catalogue supports efforts to conserve agricultural biodiversity, preserve generations of farming knowledge and strengthen more resilient food systems.
As agriculture faces increasing pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss and changing farming practices, protecting traditional and heirloom seeds has become increasingly important. Cultivated and passed down through generations, these locally adapted crops embody the resilience, ingenuity and cultural heritage of Filipino farming communities while contributing to seed self-sufficiency, seed security and sustainable food production.
The catalogue documents 37 traditional and heirloom crops cultivated across the country. It features widely recognized staples, including rice and corn, alongside indigenous and lesser-known crops such as adlai and kabog.
By bringing this information together in a single publication, the catalogue helps address an important gap in the documentation of locally adapted crops. It also makes valuable knowledge more accessible to farmers, researchers, educators, policymakers and advocates working to conserve the country’s agricultural biodiversity.
For Global Seed Savers Philippines, the catalogue is about more than documenting crops. It also preserves the stories, traditions and knowledge that have shaped Philippine agriculture for generations.
“Every traditional and heirloom seed tells the story of the communities that have cared for it over generations. By bringing together these traditional and heirloom crops in one catalogue, we hope to ensure those stories are not lost. We want more farmers, researchers, educators and even home gardeners to recognize their value, continue cultivating them and become active partners in protecting the Philippines’ agricultural heritage,” said Hal Atienza, Executive Director of Global Seed Savers Philippines.
Atienza added that the publication supports a broader movement toward seed sovereignty by helping farmers and communities reconnect with crops that have long been adapted to local conditions.
“As we face growing challenges brought about by climate change and biodiversity loss, these seeds remind us that diversity is one of agriculture’s greatest strengths,” he said. “Conserving them is not simply about protecting the past. It is about ensuring that farmers continue to have access to locally adapted crops while preserving the knowledge and traditions that make our food systems more resilient for generations to come.”
Naturland sees the catalogue as an important starting point for expanding collaboration around organic seeds in the Philippines. Beyond documenting existing varieties, the partnership seeks to strengthen the systems, skills and standards needed to keep these seeds available and accessible to farming communities.
“This catalogue gives farmers, researchers and communities a shared resource from which further action can grow,” said Marco Schlüter, Managing Director for International Affairs at Naturland e.V. and Vice President of IFOAM. “Our partnership with Global Seed Savers Philippines allows us to connect seed conservation with practical work on quality assurance, capacity building and organic agriculture. The next step is to translate this knowledge into stronger local seed systems that give farmers greater confidence and choice.”
The publication is both a practical resource and an invitation for farmers, researchers, educators and communities to become active stewards of the country’s agricultural heritage. By documenting and sharing the stories, traditions and diversity behind the Philippines’ traditional and heirloom crops, Naturland and Global Seed Savers Philippines hope to encourage collective action to protect agricultural biodiversity and ensure these seeds continue to nourish communities for generations to come.
To learn more about the catalogue and the initiatives of Naturland and its local partners, visit www.naturland.ph.