Chile’s ‘seed guardians’ grow and protect forgotten food varieties

SAN VICENTE DE TAGUA TAGUA, Chile —  An emerging group of farmers and growers in Chile, known as seed guardians, aim to protect the traditional crops of their ancestors, keeping them safe from industrial agriculture and genetic modification. The guardians collect, trade and plant hundreds of seeds to preserve forgotten varieties of tomatoes, corn and other vegetables that were historically farmed by the indigenous Mapuche people. One such guardian, Ana Yanez, said the varieties the guardians aim to save are dwindling due to changing environments or farmers opting for higher-yield varieties. Mapuche native cook and farmer Ana Yanez Antillanca, known

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