Maha Sarakham, Thailand – The 2025 Mekong Region Seed Exchange brought together passionate advocates for agricultural biodiversity and food sovereignty from October 16 to 19, 2025, marking another milestone in regional collaboration for seed conservation and farmers’ rights.

More than 37 participants representing five countries across the Mekong region convened in Maha Sarakham, Thailand, for this four-day exchange. Among them were ALiSEA members from PAKA, Bansuan, and SAEDA, who were representatives throughout the event.

The exchange featured a rich program of activities designed to strengthen connections between seed keepers and farming communities:

• Seed Market—Participants shared and exchanged traditional seed varieties, celebrating the region’s agricultural diversity and ensuring these precious genetic resources continue to thrive across borders.
• Farmer Group Visits—Attendees visited local communities actively engaged in seed conservation, learning firsthand about traditional practices and innovative approaches to preserving indigenous crop varieties.
• Cultural Food Exchange—The gathering celebrated the deep connection between seeds, culture, and cuisine, as participants shared traditional dishes made from local varieties, demonstrating that seed conservation is also about preserving cultural heritage.

Throughout the four days, one principle resonated across all activities: seeds are our future. This fundamental truth guided discussions, exchanges, and planning sessions, emphasizing that protecting seed diversity means protecting food security, cultural identity, and farmer autonomy for generations to come.

The success of the 2025 Mekong Region Seed Exchange would not have been possible without the dedicated facilitation by Towards Organic Asia (TOA), whose support enabled this valuable platform for regional seed keepers to connect, learn, and plan together. Collaborative meetings focused on strengthening regional networks and developing strategies for continued cooperation in seed conservation and farmers’ rights advocacy.