Organic Seeds for Organic Growing. A Report from the Ecological Farming Conference.
By Micaela Colley, Research Farm Manager

What's happening with organic seed? This question is being asked throughout the organic farming industry and was a topic of heated discussion at this year's Ecological Farming Conference (Eco-Farm). Growers, certifying agencies, and seed companies, both large and small, are accessing how the new organic seed regulations will be interpreted and how seed companies will work to fill grower's needs. As of October 21st, 2002, USDA standards require organic growers to use organically produced seed "when available" to maintain their organic certification. As most organic growers are accustomed to using conventionally grown seed, often of hybrid varieties, there are some understandable reservations to suddenly switching from the familiar. However, together we were able to address some of these concerns and examine ways in which organic seed can benefit organic growers in the long term.

In response to deep concern among many organic farmers, two California growers initiated and moderated a half-day meeting and follow-up panel discussion to explore the ramifications and opportunities related to the new standard. Certifying agencies, members of the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) seed company representatives, and organic growers were all invited to explore the issues and share what they foresee as the future of the organic seed industry. Many seed producers were present, including some larger companies that were assessing the potential organic seed market. It was clear that these larger companies are more interested in producing hybrid organic seed rather than seed for open-pollinated varieties. As one company representative pointed out, if they invest in developing a variety but have no exclusivity, then they cannot regain a return on their investment. It was also apparent that several companies were reluctant to make a commitment to the organic seed market until there is some regulatory guarantee that there will be a market.

The current USDA organic guidelines mandate that organic seed be used if a grower's selected variety, or a comparable variety, is available at a reasonable price. The interpretation of this statement has raised many concerns. For example, what is a "reasonable" price? Overall, organic growers present at the meeting seemed to understand that organic seed production currently costs more, and they are willing to pay a premium for organic seed as long as it is a fair reflection of the seed grower's costs.

The higher price of much organic seed raises questions about why conventional seed is often so low in price. Most conventional seed is grown in extremely large monocultures, utilizing extensive applications of chemical fertilizers and environmentally harmful pesticides and herbicides (EPA allowable inputs are higher for seed crops than for food crops). The costs of these harmful effects to our farm workers, soil, water, and air are not usually considered when comparing the price of conventionally (chemically) grown seed with organic supplies that are produced in a more harmonious and healthy relationship to people and the environment.

Another concern arising from the new USDA organic guidelines is the difficulty of defining what constitutes a "comparable variety." Once growers get comfortable with a variety that performs well under their conditions and establish a market for it, they are often understandably reluctant to try others. However, as one participant pointed out, historically, it was a sign of a good grower that they were consistently trialing different varieties on their farm. Getting to know your sources of seed and choosing accordingly is a whole-farm management tool. One organic certifier suggested that choice of variety or source would be justified if a grower can demonstrate on their farm that they have chosen their varieties over others based on trials and experience. Even at the variety level there are differences between different strains. For example, at the Seeds of Change Research Farm we have trialed Lettuce Leaf Basil from six different seed companies. Results have shown a wide range of leaf type, from a large Genovese-type to a 4-inch wide, savoyed, rounded, lettuce-leaf type.

Beyond the variability in plant morphology, we also know that seed quality varies greatly. Healthy robust seed will germinate faster, grow more vigorously and remain viable over a longer period of time than weak, poorly nourished seed. Given the immense variability it is clear that all strains of seed are not created equal. At Seeds of Change, we feel that our competitive edge lies in offering carefully selected lines of superior quality organic seed that produces healthy, robust strains.

Future developments in organic seed were also discussed. Production of organic seed holds the potential for a new generation of varieties and strains developed to perform well in organic growing conditions. Almost all current commercial varieties were developed in high-input conventional agricultural systems and bred to respond well to those systems. Converting an existing conventional variety to organic by producing it on certified organic land is what has been called substitution agriculture. One seed company representative pointed out that organic hybrid seed is expensive and difficult to produce because two inbred open-pollinated lines are crossed to make a hybrid and those inbred lines are often weak and susceptible to disease and pests. Conventional seed growers protect the weakened strains with extensive applications of chemical pesticides. Some forward thinking growers are beginning to see the potential of developing organic varieties and asking how and where this sort of work will be done.

A member of the audience raised the point that most of our public plant breeding institutions are focusing efforts on genetic modification (banned in organic production) rather than serving the needs of organic agriculture, despite its rapid expansion. It was suggested that it is time to pressure our public institutions to address the rapidly expanding needs of organic growers whose practices protect our soil, air, and water. There are a few programs beginning to address such needs, such as the Public Seed Initiative at Cornell University. After the discussion we were approached by a plant breeder with USDA-ARS who offered to exchange some lettuce lines for trialing. Efforts like these give hope for collaborative possibilities in the future.

Organically grown from organic seed was once a revolutionary idea. Today it is happening. The new USDA regulations have been written loosely enough to allow for a comfortable transition period. It was clear throughout the Eco-Farm discussions that there is an air of compromise and understanding. Seed companies need the organic farming industry's support to develop good solid offerings. Growers need time to transition and explore new opportunities in organic seed. A resurgence of seed growing, trialing, and variety development is following in the wake. Despite the growing pains, we see a promising future in which organic agriculture is finding a new level of strength, independence and integrity. At Seeds of Change, we'll continue to develop, select, trial, and maintain quality lines of seed for the organic market grower. Visit our Bulk Seeds section in the Garden Center on the website to view our current bulk seed offerings or call 1-800-762-7333 to order a free bulk seed catalog.

Micaela Colley, Seeds of Change Farm Manager