Deep in the Arctic, nestled in the mountains of Norway, is a vault that could hold the key to humanity’s survival.
Nicknamed the “Doomsday Vault,” this futuristic-looking, land-locked vessel is home to the world’s most valuable asset, next to air and water…
Seeds.
As geo-political threats and even climate change make the world a more dangerous place, the need for a way to secure humankind’s agricultural future became pressing.
Here, 232 countries and territories store 2.2 million different seed types, as a “food insurance policy” should the world’s population face decimation by global cataclysmic events.
The natural permafrost (average temp is -8 C) and isolated location are ideal for protecting the world’s heirloom seeds that hail from every corner of the planet.
And countries that have seeds stored here can make withdrawals at will – such as war-ravaged Syria. Agricultural scientists from Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, have recently withdrawn native seeds to continue their research in their newly adopted base of Lebanon after fleeing for their lives.
While the Global Seed Vault is a stark reminder of the frightening global unrest going on every day, it has a valuable lesson to bestow on ordinary Americans.
Prepare for the day when you may not have the modern conveniences we all take for granted.
During the Depression, when food became scarce and exorbitantly expensive, many American families sought the food independence of their forebears.
They grew substantial gardens and kept chickens. Heirloom seeds were harvested and planted year after year. Thrift and frugality weren’t just admirable qualities; they were necessary for their family’s survival.
That mentality of self-sufficiency is a far cry from the dependent lifestyle many Americans have adopted in the decades since then.
Many just always assume that the modern conveniences they enjoy – whether it’s fresh food from the grocery, an afternoon latte, or dinner at their favorite restaurant – will always be at their fingertips.
For many of the older generation who were around during the Great Depression, this attitude must seem very foolish. They should know – they lived through the worst economic crisis in American history.
And even if the lessons they learned happened 80 years ago, the same knowledge can be applied today.
This is why our company is trying to change the way Americans think about preparing for hard times.
At 4Patriots, one of our flagship products is SurvivalSeeds4Patriots. We market our seeds as being “more valuable than gold in a crisis” because to be blunt, it’s the truth. Our seeds are non-GMO, heirloom varieties that could be found on your Great Grandparents’ dinner table.
Best yet, these crops can be planted, harvested, and re-sown again and again…
Just like our ancestors did.
Growing your own food has many benefits – the fruits and vegetables you reap are tastier and healthier, and you can also save hundreds of dollars per year on your grocery bill.
Plus, you’ll be honoring an American value that almost has seemed lost to time – the value of independence and making your own destiny.
This is a mission we at 4Patriots are trying hard to fulfill – one seed at a time.
Allen Baler is a leading entrepreneur and Harvard grad. Allen Baler is a Partner in 4Patriots LLC, based in Nashville.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for the sound advice of a business professional with expertise in the subject matter discussed. Please seek appropriate counsel on what strategies make sense for your business.