Some of our local Seed Savers with Cupidon seeds to share (L to R) John Barlow, Steve Essex, Marg Essex, Linda McMurray, Sharon Cornthwaite, Liz Worth and Julie Davies
9 October 2023
The Bega Valley Seed Savers and the Bega Valley Shire Library are on a mission to increase Cupidon bean numbers in the Bega Valley and build community connections in the process.
"This project is called One Seed One Community (OSOC) and is about getting people to connect while empowering them with knowledge and skills to grow and increase the seed stock of the uncommon Cupidon bean," Council's Library Learning and Engagement Officer, Sugita Wahl said.
"We're keen to help residents build healthy social connections as well as contribute to food security in the community."
Bega Valley Seed Savers member, Liz Worth said because biosecurity restrictions mean the Cupidon bean is no longer on the permitted seeds list, there is a need to increase and share the local stock of these tasty but scarce beans.
"Cultivators in the Bega Valley have been growing the Cupidon bean since before the restrictions came into place, so we're keen to have them available through other seed saving groups," Ms Worth said.
"The Cupidon bean is easy to grow, including in raised beds or pots, easy to plant and because the beans are held high on the plant, it's easy to harvest.
"They are a stringless green bean with long, slender filet-type pods and have a delicious, sweet flavour, even when they are very large."
Ms Worth said participants of the One Seed One Community project will be able to grow the beans at home from seeds provided by the Bega Valley Seed Savers and then contribute some of their harvest back to the seed bank.
"Seed saving is a simple joy that connects you with the natural abundance of food growing and you don't need to have a green thumb to participate," Ms Worth said.
The free seeds and a grow guide will be available at any of the shire's libraries between Monday 23 October to Friday 10 November.
"We are also holding an optional free workshop at Bega Library on Friday 27 October, where the Bega Valley Seed Savers will share their expert tips and tricks about getting started with growing veggies and seed saving," Ms Wahl said.
"The seeds need to be planted during the first week of November. Grow and harvest your beans; eat some and save some.
"Then drop your saved seeds back at Bega Valley Shire Library branch or bring them along to a processing day so you can catch up with others while shelling and packing."
The Bega Valley Seed Savers is a volunteer group dedicated to growing and saving the seeds of non-hybrid and heirloom varieties of mostly edible plants.
It is part of a national seed savers network that promotes and supports local networks to save, sort, dry, share, store, and distribute seeds.
