A COLLECTIVE DEDICATED TO
THE CULTIVATED BIODIVERSITY OF THE MARITIME ALPS
Our mission
Sowing tomorrow's
cultivated biodiversity
The Maison des Semences Paysannes Maralpines is a collective of farmers, gardeners, cooks, researchers, distributors, and engaged citizens working to preserve and enhance the cultivated biodiversity of our bioregion: the Alpes-Maritimes.
Since 2018, we have been collecting, multiplying, and sharing local farmers’ seeds to keep this agricultural, culinary, and cultural heritage alive, and to support those who wish to work toward a more autonomous and resilient agriculture.
Beyond conserving over 100 local varieties, MSPM is building a collective and sustainable seed management model based on cooperation, mutual aid, and knowledge sharing.
How to
SUPPORT FARMERS' SEEDS?
Supporting farmers’ seeds means defending a more autonomous, robust agriculture better adapted to climate change.
It also means preserving a living heritage of flavors, know-how, and local varieties passed down from generation to generation.
By becoming a member, making a donation, participating in events, or joining the collective’s actions, everyone can help keep this cultivated biodiversity alive.
BECOME A MEMBER
Join MSPM, participate in decision-making at general assemblies, and receive key information to support Maralpine cultivated biodiversity.
BECOME A
SEED KEEPER
Grow one or more local varieties for the collective and contribute to their observation, selection, and conservation over time.
GET INVOLVED AS A
VOLUNTEER
Help us sort seeds, organize events, ...: there are a thousand ways to put your skills to work for our food system.
One local variety among many
THE PINK ONION OF MENTON
In less than seven years, the Pink Onion of Menton has gone from near-complete obscurity to recognition that now extends far beyond the region. Saved from extinction thanks to the volunteer commitment of association members and strong collective momentum, this emblematic variety has become one of the flagships of Maralpine cultivated biodiversity.
From a few living seeds preserved by Nicole, we have grown to more than 30 committed producers multiplying it. In July 2022, at the first Pink Onion Festival, the variety was protected by a participatory commons declaration, affirming its non-appropriable nature and its place in the region’s living heritage. Since 2023, it has also been recognized as a Slow Food Presidium and now graces tables everywhere, from community feasts to the finest Michelin-starred restaurants.
Featured
NEWS & EVENTS
Join the collective
BECOME A SEED KEEPER,
VOLUNTEER, OR SUPPORTER OF THE CAUSE NOW!
Past and present, they have supported us...
