In this episode, we explore the deep connections between land, seed, and self-determination through conversations with two inspiring women who have dedicated their lives to sustainable agriculture, community building, and creative expression.
We begin with Ira Wallace, a seed saver, educator, and author who has been a lifelong advocate for food sovereignty. Ira is a key member of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, where she works to preserve genetic diversity in food crops and empower gardeners and small farmers to reclaim control over their seeds. Drawing from her childhood in Florida, her early activism in the organic movement, and decades of experience living in intentional communities, Ira reflects on the importance of seed saving, ecological stewardship, and intergenerational knowledge-sharing. Her insights offer a powerful vision for how local food systems can shape a more equitable and resilient future.
We also speak with Melissa DeSa, an ecologist, farmer, and artist whose work bridges the worlds of agriculture, seed saving, and botanical pigments. Melissa shares how a residency at Oak Spring Garden Foundation unexpectedly transformed her artistic practice—introducing her to the world of plant-based pigments and botanical dyes. Melissa's interests in seeds led her to co-found a nonprofit, Working Food, which aims to cultivate and sustain a resilient local food community in North Central Florida through collaboration, economic opportunity, education, and seed stewardship.
Host: Chris Stafford
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