The Value of Trials
by Micaela Colley, Bulk Seed Representative

Since the advent of agriculture, farmers have been experimenting with different techniques, exploring new seed sources and continually refining the growing process. Today many growers are overwhelmed with the complexity of farm operation and the demands of the market, but engaging in on-farm trials keeps growers innovative and fosters the sense of wonder that drew many of us to farming in the first place. Most growers, through years of experience, have identified their favorite varieties, which they now plant annually. However, the current germplasm available, the growing conditions on each farm and the demands of the market are constantly changing. Conducting annual on-farm variety trials offers growers an opportunity to continually select the best varieties available for their particular system. In addition, the recently introduced certification requirement for organic growers to utilize organic seed when available offers an opportunity to compare current conventional varieties with available organically grown varieties.

As busy as growers are, some may feel they can't manage to fit in trials. However, trialing can be small scale observations or extensive and replicated according to feasibility. Although replicating trials across the field and across seasons increases the confidence level of trial results there is still value in simply inserting a few plants of an alternative variety into a field to compare. Developing discussions and even cooperative trials with other growers can also be an opportunity to broaden variety familiarity.

When trialing varieties, a little planning can greatly increase the quality of the trial evaluation. Always include the standard variety with which you have good familiarity as a basis for comparison. By comparing several varieties in a single year, rather than from one year to the next, growth and quality characteristics are evaluated under more consistent conditions so that differences observed are more likely to be due to real genetic difference rather than seasonal variations. It is also important to maintain consistent field conditions regarding soil type, irrigation, planting dates, etc. so that observed variations reflect the variety's genetics and not differences in how the variety was grown. For more guidelines on conducting variety trials please refer to our Guidelines for Conducting Variety Trials in our Market Grower Technical Information Section.

Variety trialing is an exercise in observation which increases our awareness. It necessitates looking closely at plant quality and growth characteristics and identifying the important traits of each crop. When setting up trials with our cooperating growers, we begin by listing all the critical evaluation criteria for each crop. This stimulates discussion about why growers have chosen their current varieties and how these could be improved upon. It is also an exercise in identifying the limiting growth factors for each farm and needs for varieties with specific traits, e.g. early tomatoes, cold tolerant lettuces or varieties with specific pest and disease resistance.

Selecting the best varieties is critical to the success of any farm, but the optimum variety may be different for each farm location, operation and market. The classic method of variety selection, well-portrayed by Steinbeck in The Harness, is to look over the fence of the best grower in the area. However, as progressive organic farmers know, staying innovative, offering alternative varieties and choosing crops that don't flood the local market are sound strategies for success. Continually exploring new varieties allows growers to base their variety selection on first hand experience.

The Search for Organic Seed
Current organic regulations requiring growers to use organic seed when their variety, or an "equivalent variety", is available has raised much concern over issues of availability and the interpretation of the rule. As growers know, defining equivalency in a variety or seed source is a complex issue. Varieties may appear similar, but perform variably under different conditions. Specialty markets have been developed around specific varieties. Seed quality and the integrity of the variety have become issues as well. However, the intent of the rule is to encourage the use of organic seed because it is a more environmentally sound practice, and using conventional seed often represents considerable off-farm, chemically-intensive inputs. The National Organic Program has left the enforcement of the regulation up to individual certifying agencies. Many certifiers, including Oregon Tilth, are asking growers to do two things: to check at least three sources for organic availability; and, if available organic varieties are different than their standard variety, to at least trial the organically available varieties in a good faith effort to see if they are commercially acceptable. Trialing is really the best way for growers to see first hand if they can begin to introduce alternative organic varieties into their growing system.

The caveat of organic availability, and the reason the "equivalency" phrase is important, is that many of the varieties organic growers have become accustomed to using are developed and produced by large conventional seed companies servicing primarily the needs of large conventional growers. Many of these varieties may never be available organically grown and are the proprietary property of the company currently producing the variety. For this reason, the long term support of a sustainable organic industry necessitates development and production of organic seeds by the organic community.

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, growers held a closer relationship with the scientific agricultural community, working with extension services and seed companies to identify the best adapted varieties for their region and their particular system. Through our cooperative on-farm trials, Seeds of Change strives to foster a similar relationship with growers today to identify strengths of Seeds of Change varieties and direct the future of our bulk seed development in a manner that further meets the needs of organic growers. We feel this relationship not only supports our organic seed program, but offers growers an opportunity to learn about and contribute to the variety evaluation process.

Although trialing organic varieties may aid growers in complying with organic regulations, we feel the value of trialing far surpasses meeting government or certifying agency requirements. For even the most experienced grower there is a vast diversity of crops and varieties to discover. Whether in cooperation with others or on your own, check out something new this season—and enjoy the exploration!

Photo caption: Micaela Colley in the field