There’s a vigorous discussion about the way weedkiller-ready seeds are patented along with the weed killer they’re immune to, & the development of super weeds. Patrick tells a story about his dad & organic food. He gives his dad some of his organic vegetables, & his dad turns around, says ‘I’m not eating that, it might have dog’s piss on it’. Patrick replies  ‘I know which I’d rather have’.

We break & I exchange seed-saving tips with one of the trainees who isn’t too sure about saving lettuce seed. We agree that he’ll give lettuce a try if I attempt saving carrot seed – I’m to keep in touch via email with my progress.

When Patrick explained the need for seeds adapted to local growing conditions, he commented that there were now no independent seed companies specialising in seeds adapted to growing conditions in the mid-west, that Detroit had once been a centre famous during the 19^th & early 20^th century for the seed produced by the Ferry Seed Company. It turns out that our hotel was one of the large houses built on what had been the site of the Ferry Seed Company’s experimental farm.

*Earthworks Agricultural Training

Reflecting on Detroit from Chicago