Caption: here the world's seeds stay safe., Credit: Image courtesy of Mary Tefre/Svalbard Globale Seed Vault.
Image by: Image courtesy of Mary Tefre/Svalbard Globale Seed Vault. 
here the world's seeds stay safe. 

Distillations Episode 132: Harvest

Series: Distillations - The Chemistry Podcast
From: Chemical Heritage Foundation
Length: 00:12:06

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This episode explores two very different ways people hope to protect future harvests. First, follow us to the Doomsday Vault, which protects 700,000 seed families. Next, join farmer Miguel Santistevan as he revives his ancestors' agricultural practices. Read the full description.

Asset_upload_file265_74148_thumbnail_small The subjects of this episode have a clear mission: protect future harvests from the dangers of natural and manmade disasters. Contributing to this cause are researchers the Svalbard Global Seed Vault—also known as the Doomsday Vault—where plants' from all around the world have their genetic material stored. Next, we meet Miguel Santistevan as he revives his ancestors' farming techniques, which are still incredibly effective in the harsh, dry climate where he lives.

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Piece Description

The subjects of this episode have a clear mission: protect future harvests from the dangers of natural and manmade disasters. Contributing to this cause are researchers the Svalbard Global Seed Vault—also known as the Doomsday Vault—where plants' from all around the world have their genetic material stored. Next, we meet Miguel Santistevan as he revives his ancestors' farming techniques, which are still incredibly effective in the harsh, dry climate where he lives.

Broadcast History

Podcast on October 14, 2011

Timing and Cues

0:00 Opening Credits
0:32 Introduction
1:18 Doomsday Vault
5:12 Desert Harvest
11:37 Closing Credits

Additional Credits

Special thanks to Bob Kenworthy and Mia Lobel for researching this episode.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from Music Alley. This includes "Laws of the Desert," by DAS, "Disappearing Feeling," by Elin Kaaven, :Desert Dawning," by IF, "Rain in the Desert," by Little Red King, "Taos Dance," by Emily Jones, and "Desert Sunset," by Broken Theremin.

Related Website

http://www.chemheritage.org/distillations