“Seed is not just the source of life. It is the very foundation of our being.” -Vandana Shiva
FRIENDS OF NAVDANYA was created to support and expand the work of Navdanya, a women-led movement founded 30 years ago by environmentalist Dr. Vandana Shiva to defend seed & food sovereignty of small farmers. Central to Navdanya’s mission is the vision of an EARTH DEMOCRACY, a new agricultural & economic paradigm where seed, food & ecological justice takes precedence over profits in today’s global food system; & where economic security, biodiversity, & the mitigation of climate change are achieved via regenerative agroecology. HELP US SEED THE FUTURE FOR FARMERS & THE EARTH.
THE SEED REPORT
Navdanya’s women-led Living Community Seed Banks are thriving across 22 states in India. With the conservation of over 750 varieties of rice paddy, 230 types of wheat, and hundreds of pulses, vegetables, and oilseeds, women farmers are preserving heritage seeds while strengthening the biodiversity of local food systems. Known as Bija Rakshaks, these seed keepers are safeguarding and sharing traditional knowledge that has been nearly lost to industrial agriculture, and ensuring that indigenous, climate-resilient seeds are available for future generations. With every seed saved, communities reclaim their right to food sovereignty and an abundant self-sustaining future.
This movement is more than seed saving, it’s Earth Democracy.
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THE FARM
Since the 1980’s, Dehradun, India has been home to the Navdanya farm and Bija Vidyapeeth/Earth University. The thriving organic farm, biodiversity research center, and seed bank welcomes farmers, students, researchers and thought leaders from all over the world to come learn and engage in nature surrounded by the Himalayas.
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WHY DONATE?
When you contribute to Friends of Navdanya, your support strengthens the mission of Navdanya to create farmer self-reliance, defend seed & food sovereignty, and preserve Earth Democracy. Join us in advancing this vital work for the future of our planet and the well-being of farmers globally.
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THE MOVEMENT
The Navdanya Movement began with a focus on seed freedom and agroecology and has expanded to include food for health, climate resilience, corporate control & economic democracy, and Earth democracy. It began with Navdanya in India and expanded globally with the creation of Navdanya International and the addition of Friends of Navdanya.
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
Looking Back. Navdanya made significant progress in its mission to empower farmers and promote sustainability through organic farming and biodiversity conservation in 2024. Key achievements include strengthening its educational programs, improving farm infrastructure to combat climate-crisis impacts, and fostering community resilience through events like the Vasundhara Festival. The year also saw the completion of the Diverse Women for Diversity video project, showcasing the leadership of women in safeguarding biodiversity. These efforts reflect Navdanya's ongoing commitment to building a sustainable and equitable future for farmers and the planet. Navdanya and its network continue to cultivate a robust foundation of knowledge to support seed freedom, food security, and farmer self-reliance. Ongoing efforts have been strengthened by the generosity of donors, whose support plays a vital role in sustaining a living Earth Democracy.