USC Canada was founded by Dr Lotta Hitschmanova in 1945. Our award-winning Seeds of Survival program promotes vibrant family farms, strong rural communities, and healthy ecosystems around the world. With engaged Canadians and partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, we support programs, training, and policies that strengthen agricultural biodiversity, food sovereignty, and the rights of those at the heart of resilient food systems – women, indigenous peoples, and small-scale farmers.”

Seeds of Survival

Developing Local Solutions to Complex Problems

home01 Seeds of Survival is the flagship program of USC Canada, one of Canada’s oldest and most trusted international development organizations.

Seeds of Survival was launched twenty years ago in Ethiopia, a country on the brink of starvation. This ground-breaking program brought farmers and scientists together to develop long-term solutions to the growing problems of extreme weather, drought, and hunger.

Today, Seeds of Survival program continues to play a leadership role supporting farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia and around the globe.

Thanks to the support of donors from all across the Canada, farmers and scientists are bringing new life to tired fields, and new hope to local communities.

The Government of Canada's International Development Agency (CIDA) will match every dollar you give to this year’s Seeds of Survival fundraising campaign. Double your donation by donating today!