Creole Seed Network of the Southern Agreste of Pernambuco - SEMEAM Network: History, Trajectory and Performance

Abstract

The Creole Community Seed Banks (BCS) stand out as movements that conserve agrobiodiversity and promote the perpetuation of local and traditional knowledge. Creole seeds are considered part of the genetic and cultural heritage of traditional and peasant peoples, who resist with their knowledge that descend from the beginnings of the practice of food cultivation. The formation of networks of struggle has been growing in recent years, opening space for socialization of experiences in political, economic and academic debates. This article aims to compile and share the trajectory of the SEMEAM Network (Rede de Sementes Crioulas do Agreste Meridional de Pernambuco) through the report of its actions and performances. Data collection was carried out through unstructured interviews with two people who were present at the founding of the network and are active in the articulation until the present day. In addition, electronic searches were performed on the organization's social networks and Google. The development was divided into 8 topics, alluding to the 8 years of existence of the SEMEAM Network. In this route, the events developed by the network stand out, such as the Crioula Seed Seminars and the Crioulo Seed Exchange Fairs. In addition, participatory research, the creation of new BCS, the commercialization of Creole production and experimentation in the field of communication were also highlighted. In these years of existence, the SEMEAM Network has, through its actions and performance, contributed to the animation and articulation of territories around the theme of conservation and use of local and traditional seeds.