论文部分内容阅读
Seed-saving by farmers has been perceived as a symbolic action to express their autonomy over the production and reproduction of seed,next to more practical reasons such as saving expenses.These practices are embedded in socio-economic conditions such as seed regulations and farm management,especially in developed countries where commercial agricultural is prominent.How can farmers in such agricultural systems maintain,regain and enhance their autonomy?This study examines how to develop a seed system for organic seed in Japan to strengthen farmers autonomy over seed.Organic farming is known as one of the alternative cultivation-styles in contradistinction to industrial agriculture with its mass production and use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers.In this regard,seed production is also of paramount importance,and organic seed,which is bred and multiplied under conditions in accordance with principles in organic farming,provides an alternative. In Japan in 2012,the organic certificate set up more strict roles forthe use of organic seed for farming to be labelled "organic".While a formal supply system of organic seed is required by the legal system and the farmers,seed-saving is also,in fact,recommended,especially in organic farming movements. In this study,seed autonomy is considered to comprise two factors: the obtaining of seed and the selection of seed.These two factors vary in view of how farmers valuate agriculture.For example,some organic farmers express their valuation by the very act of the saving of seed,whereas other farmers purchase organic seed on the commercial seed market.The diversification of seed supply systems can be one of the ways that grant various choices in seed-use to farmers.