The world's seeds are in crisis. Of 12,000 plant species used for human food, only about 150 are being grown for sale, only eight grains are traded throughout the world and half of our calories come from just three : rice, wheat and maize (corn). This means that our food diversity is diminishing at a shocking rate. More than one in five plants on earth are threatened with extinction. Our lives depend on all kinds of seeds, but they are facing many threats : war-torn countries, damaged habitats, and climate change, to name a few. Our loss of plant diversity has been a problem, but with the addition of climate change, it's in crisis. A silent, rapidly-growing crisis that threatens our own existence on the planet. Fortunately, there are people throughout the world who are striving to protect our seeds. Will you be one of them? -- From the publisher.

Seeds at risk -- Seed pioneers -- Spoils of war -- Variety is the spice of life -- The new genetics -- A return to heirlooms -- The ultimate safety net -- Hope and action -- Call to action.