On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the Einigkeit e. V. Garden and Community Association in Pankow was transformed into a vibrant hub of exchange and inspiration. From 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., our annual seed exchange took place here, right next to the Weltacker—as part of German Nature Conservation Day and under the theme “Water Connects—Worldwide.” Around 180 visitors accepted our invitation to exchange seeds, gain new knowledge, and get excited about preserving heirloom varieties.
This year’s seed exchange was particularly diverse. Numerous initiatives and projects presented their work and demonstrated how important the preservation of heirloom varieties is for our future. Tlayolan, the Berlin corn and milpa project, brought along GMO-free, heirloom Mexican corn varieties that have been grown using traditional methods at the Weltacker since 2012. The Seed Savers Network East presented heirloom vegetable varieties that they are rediscovering in collections and gene banks to increase biodiversity in the fields and to bring heirloom varieties back to our plates and preserve them. Also in attendance was Ma.Deli Food, which demonstrated—with a spoon-served meal featuring heirloom varieties of lentils, rice, and millet from South India—how traditional farming methods and global solidarity go hand in hand.
For anyone interested in gardening, open-pollinated seeds from Sativa and Bingenheimer were available, while the Leihsämerei and the Berlin-Brandenburg Naturgartenverein e. V. shared regional seeds and knowledge about natural gardening and wild plants. At our information table, visitors could learn more about the “Water Connects—Worldwide” project. Even politicians showed interest: Lars Bocian, a member of the House of Representatives for Pankow (CDU), was on site to discuss the importance of seed diversity.
A special highlight was the field tour with our horticultural director, Judith. At 3:00 p.m., she guided visitors through the Weltacker and explained the 2026 planting plan. There was plenty to discover: the small nodules on the roots of the soybeans, the impressive banana plant, and the “space buffet,” which illustrated how much space meat-based dishes—such as a salami pizza—require compared to plant-based alternatives. Judith also demonstrated why the Planetary Health Diet is not only healthy but also planet-friendly.
Afterward, visitors were able to listen to two fascinating presentations: Gerd Carlsson spoke about water-saving irrigation methods, while Sinay Gandenberger shed light on the deregulation of new genetic technologies and their impact on agriculture.
For families, there were hands-on activities such as making seedballs—small seed bombs that later enrich flower meadows or vegetable gardens. Oyas, traditional clay watering jugs, were also made together to demonstrate how water can be used efficiently.
Seed exchanges are far more than just a simple swap meet. They make an important contribution to preserving biodiversity and strengthening our food systems. Old, resilient varieties help us meet the challenges of climate change and make us less dependent on industrial monoculture. Every seed that is exchanged or passed on is a step toward more diverse and sustainable agriculture.
After an intense and inspiring day, we rounded out the evening with homemade bread dumplings and a delicious cabbage dish from Bollenpiepe. A heartfelt thank you goes to the Garten- und Siedlergemeinschaft Einigkeit e. V. for their hospitality and wonderful collaboration!
Did you miss the seed exchange?
No problem! Check out our event calendar—we’re already planning the next events. And if you’d like to help garden at Weltacker, feel free to get in touch with us!
Together, we’re sowing diversity—for a vibrant and sustainable future.
Since 2022, the Weltacker Youth Council has been working with us—an exciting project that brings young people in Berlin together. They all share one goal: a voice in Berlin’s food policy!