Syria Revives Local Seed Production

Why this is here: The Greek Solidarity Fields project expanded from an initial 0.4 hectares with a few animals to over 15 hectares supporting displaced Syrian communities.

In Jaramana, rural Damascus, a group of organizers and farmers launched “Solidarity Fields” to restore local seed production. The initiative began in March 2026, aiming to recover crop varieties lost amid Syria’s economic decline and agricultural disruption. It extends the “Solidarity Fields and Dignity” project, inspired by a similar effort founded by Syrian refugees in Greece, which started with a small plot and grew to over 15 hectares.

The Jaramana project relies on seeds sourced from household gardens and allocates roughly 75 acres to cultivating seedlings. Local seeds are crucial because they are adapted to the climate and boast genetic diversity, potentially accounting for 80 to 90 percent of seeds used by farmers. The Syrian war caused a 50 percent decrease in the rural population from 2011 to 2016, damaging agricultural infrastructure and increasing reliance on costly imported seeds.

Muhannad Deeb notes that success hinges on sharing agricultural experience and influencing farmers to adopt the practice. While the project aims to reduce reliance on external inputs, ensuring its long-term sustainability and broader adoption remains an ongoing effort.