SeedChange

SeedChange, originally founded as USC Canada in 1945, began with a powerful vision: to empower communities to build a more sustainable and just world. It all started with Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova, a refugee from Czechoslovakia, whose passion for humanitarian work sparked a movement in Canada. With her inspiring leadership, the organization quickly became a symbol of hope, mobilizing Canadians to support communities in crisis after World War II.

As the years passed, SeedChange’s mission grew and evolved. Recognizing the need for long-term solutions to hunger and poverty, we focused on building food security through sustainable agriculture. Our Seeds of Survival program became a cornerstone of this mission, offering farmers the tools and knowledge they needed to grow resilient crops, improve livelihoods, and safeguard food sovereignty for future generations.

In 2019, marking 75 years of impactful work, the organization rebranded to SeedChange, reflecting its expanded commitment to food sovereignty and ecological farming. Through initiatives like the Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed Security, SeedChange has helped strengthen local seed systems across Canada, supporting farmers to embrace agroecology and resilient practices in a changing climate.

Today, SeedChange continues its work with farmers in over 11 countries, empowering communities to shape their own futures. Programs like Rural Women Cultivating Change are driving positive impact, especially for women farmers who are advocating for their rights and leading the way in sustainable agriculture.