Community seed banks: Examples from China

This article presents three case studies of community seed banks in rural China, each playing a key role in agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture. The first case study, Guzhai village in Southwest China, highlights a women-led cooperative that integrates seed saving, participatory breeding, and local market development. The second, Wangjinzhuang village in North China, emphasizes the dynamic conservation of agricultural heritage, with a focus on traditional seed varieties and community involvement in seed registration and multiplication. Lastly, Yuefengdao Organic Farm in East China demonstrates how a community seed bank supports organic farming and the revitalization of endangered local crops to meet market demands. Together, these cases showcase the importance of community-driven seed banks in preserving biodiversity, fostering local economies, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.