Sowing the Future: EDC, Ilocos Norte Initiative Preserves Seeds and Biodiversity

With a mission to strengthen food security and preserve agricultural biodiversity, Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and the Ilocos Norte Agricultural College (INAC) jointly launched the “Sow, Grow, Share: Empowering School and Community with a SEED Library” initiative. The program aims to improve access to diverse, locally adapted seeds—particularly heirloom and open-pollinated varieties—while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship through school and community engagement.

EDC, in a news post on its website, said the initiative, which aligns with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s (PGIN) Gulayan sa Barangay program, was officially inaugurated at INAC. Designed with long-term resilience in mind, the Seed Library will provide a reliable source of high-quality seeds, especially in post-disaster recovery scenarios.

Beyond seed distribution, the initiative also emphasizes community education and empowerment through training on seed production, seed saving, and sustainable sharing practices, targeting students, parents, and local stakeholders. 

The company, in its website said, the library will operate on a reciprocity model: growers can borrow seeds, cultivate crops, and return seeds post-harvest—creating a self-sustaining ecosystem of agricultural knowledge and resources.

Speaking at the launch, Atty. Allan V. Barcena, EDC Assistant Vice President and Head of Corporate Support Functions, underscored the project’s deeper mission:

“This project is more than just a collection of seeds; it is a movement of knowledge, empowerment, and collective responsibility. Every seed planted represents hope, resilience, and the power of education. It symbolizes a growing generation of changemakers who will protect, nurture, and sustain our planet’s resources.”

The launch of the Seed Library marks a community-driven step toward improving agricultural self-reliance and biodiversity conservation. It stands as a strong example of shared commitment to sustainable living and food sovereignty, with the potential to serve as a model for other regions across the country.

What other agricultural initiatives should companies engage in? Share your thoughts with us below!

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