Our Native seed preservation and propagation

Heirloom corn in Vietnam

Since Vietnam liberalized its economy, hybrid and GMO corn varieties have overshadowed traditional corn. Higher yields and pest resistance drive this shift, leading farmers to abandon heirloom corn that have long been passed down through generations.

These native corns, rich in cultural heritage and biodiversity, are at risk. The shift to modern varieties threatens genetic diversity and traditional knowledge. The loss of these corns represents a broader erosion of cultural identity and agricultural sustainability in these regions, especially as hybrid and GMO corn are not as resilient in highland growing conditions as native varietals.

For the past 6 years, Sông Cái has been working with Hmong and Red Dao farmers in partnership with the Vietnam National University of Agriculture to collect, study, propagate, and cultivate more than 5 varieties of native corn.