As a resident and consumer who values the natural integrity of our produce, I have noticed a disturbing trend in South Africa: the increasing prevalence of seedless fruits and vegetables being sold in our markets. This may seem like a minor issue to some, but it holds significant implications for our health, environment, and agricultural heritage.

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.

Seeds represent life, diversity, and the future of agriculture. Their removal from our produce comes with the risk of losing genetic diversity. This genetic diversity is crucial for ensuring the resilience of crops against diseases, climate change, and pests. When crops become uniform, they become more susceptible to being wiped out, which could jeopardize food security.

Moreover, seeds contribute to the nutritional value of our food. Many seeds are rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. By forcing consumers to only access seedless varieties, we potentially deny them these health benefits. It's crucial to question why such trends are being allowed and pushed. Is it convenience, aesthetics, or commercial gain?

On a cultural level, many of us cherish seeds for traditions, planting our own gardens, and teaching our children the cycle of growth and sustainability. The presence of seeds in fruit and veg symbolizes the connection between nature and nurture, allowing families to grow fresh produce right from their homes. This connection to the earth is a right that should not be stripped away without substantial justification.

I urge the South African government to prioritize the long-term health and sustainability of its citizens and agriculture. We need policies that preserve our natural food resources and encourage biodiversity. Instead of indiscriminately favoring seedless varieties, our government should regulate against unnecessary genetic modification and support local farmers to champion seedful produce.

Please join me in calling on our government to take a stand for nature and demand comprehensive action to protect the seeds in our fruits and vegetables. Sign this petition to help uphold our traditions and ensure a healthy, diverse future for South African agriculture.

We have already lost seeds from so many of our food sources that we may never get them back, this should be a major concern to our government, we are favoring a few who will in the end, control the way we eat, it will be to our peril that we will lose the ability to plant a tree in our yards to harvest from, we will lose the benefit of providing our children with the basic understanding of how life is given through plants and trees if we put this control into the hands of a few. What will happen next, will the price of fruit and vegetables become unaffordable and be available to only those who have the means?

I say no, this must be stopped before it is too late, i say no, this must be fixed whilst we still can, we cannot do this to our children, we cannot force them to eat something that has been modified by man, something that was given to us by God Himself.