Grow, share, connect – join the Wilmar Pinto bean growing project

Last year’s One Seed One Community collected nearly 5kg of the uncommon Cupidon bean.

4 November 2024

Bega Valley Seed Savers and Bega Valley Shire Library are inviting the community to participate in a unique project to grow and share the uncommon but delicious Wilmar Pinto bean.

The One Seed One Community initiative aims to increase the availability of the bean variety in Australia, with the goal of sharing seeds with other seed-saving groups across the country.

Library Learning and Engagement Officer, Sugita Wahl said participants will have the chance to enjoy the experience of growing their own beans and sharing the journey with fellow growers.

“The project will culminate in a fun seed processing day, where participants can meet, shell beans and celebrate their harvest together,” Ms Wahl said.

“Last year’s bean project was a great success, bringing in almost 5kg of Cupidon bean seeds for the seed bank and strengthening local reserves of this uncommon variety.

“To get involved in this year’s project, simply collect your free Wilmar Pinto bean seeds and a growing guide from any Bega Valley Shire Library branch before Friday 15 November.

“Once you’ve collected your seeds, plant them in early November and enjoy the process of growing and harvesting your beans.

“You can share your progress and connect with other participants through the project’s Facebook page, creating a sense of community along the way.”

At the end of the growing season, participants are encouraged to return their dried seeds to any Bega Valley Shire Library branch or bring them to the seed processing day, with a date to be announced in January.

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