'Doomsday' Seed Vault to Open

(Newser) – The North Pole is no Fertile Crescent, but it will house collections of the world's crop seeds in a doomsday vault that will open tomorrow, AFP reports. The vault, built on Norwegian territory, contains three cold chambers that can hold a total of 4.5 million seed samples—twice the current amount of known crops—and will safeguard crops in the event of catastrophe.

"It will not be filled up in my lifetime, nor in my grandchildren's lifetime," the project leader said. The $8.9 million dollar vault sits well above sea level to ensure it isn't destroyed by rising waters. It's resistant to nuclear attacks, and the permafrost will keep the seeds fresh even if the freezer system, which keeps the vaults at minus-18 Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit), fails.

 (top left) Main Seed Vault  (Top Right) Digging of the Seed Vault  (Bottom Left) Seed shelves and Storage  (Bottom Right) Finished Vault with 24/7 armed gaurds present to protect the countries future seed/food supply.

 

With countries of the world worried about having seed for the future in case of a disaster, why shouldn't each of us have enough seed to help our families through such times. 

 

We package every variety we sell in special mylar foil packages.  These packages have a very good oxygen and moisture barrier that keeps moisture out while maintaining seed viability.  Paper and Plastic packages do not maintain the seed at a constant level and seed stored in them soon losses its viability.  With foil packaging you can feel comfortable about storing and rotating this seed over 3 to 4 year periods.  Just make sure to keep it in a cool, dark place with as low of humidity as possible.  Basements work great.