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Bulk Seed Update: January 2003

January 2003 by Steve Peters

Planting organic seed is the essential first step toward achieving sustainable, environmentally sound agricultural production systems. It not only deepens our commitment to the principle of organic agriculture, but also gives us an opportunity to utilize germplasm that is better adapted to the growing conditions on organic farms. The environment in which seeds are grown shapes the traits that they exhibit. With over a decade of growing seed organically, our seed exhibits a high degree of vigor and other important traits well suited for an organic farm.

Seeds of Change is pleased to be introducing certified organic bulk seed of vegetables, flowers, and herbs for commercial market growers. All of these varieties are open-pollinated, GMO-free, and in the public domain (i.e., non-patented). They have been selected for their outstanding agronomic and horticultural traits. Genetic improvements have been realized using classical breeding methods. Over the past few years we have conducted field trials in several states representing diverse bio-regions. Cooperating organic growers have compared many of our varieties with their own favorite commercial lines. In particular, they have evaluated them for seedling vigor, uniformity, productivity, and marketability.

We are also offering a diverse selection of bulk seed for avid gardeners. Our Garden Bulk Seed List includes many of our favorite time-tested varieties including heirloom tomatoes, unique snap beans, specialty basils, and unusual marigolds and sunflowers. Many Garden Bulk varieties are also well suited for the market grower. In some instances, however, further evaluation or genetic improvement is needed to assure that all the market standards are met. In addition, the quantity of seed available of these varieties is limited. We encourage enthusiastic small-scale growers to try them out. We look forward to your feedback.

In 2002 we conducted vegetable variety trials on nine farms. Locations included California, Oregon, Idaho, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Vermont, as well as Denmark. The primary crops studied (with associated key information gathered) were as follows: broccoli (uniformity, maturity dates); carrots (yield, suitability for juicing); lettuce (head size, maturity dates), pumpkins (uniformity); squash (uniformity, vigor); peppers (appearance, flavor); and tomatoes (appearance, flavor). For 2003 we are expanding our trial program. This year we will add more West Coast growers, at least one grower in the Midwest and one in the Southeast. On each farm we are making sure that the farmers plant their own favorite commercial cultivar (often F-1 hybrids) alongside the Seeds of Change varieties so that we have a good benchmark to make more meaningful comparisons. The following crops (and associated areas of research) will be our top priorities for 2003: carrots (uniformity, top growth, flavor, yield, marketability); lettuce/greens (mesclun mixes, climatic and seasonal adaptability); spinach (climatic adaptability, vigor, maturity dates); summer squash (uniformity, yield); tomatoes (appearance, flavor, disease resistance, yield); cucumbers (uniformity, yield); and broccoli (head size & color, uniformity, maturity dates).

Our other major emphasis in 2002 was cut flowers, which are becoming increasingly important for many market growers. We had five trial sites located in New Mexico, California, Oregon (two), and Virginia. The annuals included in these trials were varieties of Ageratum, Aster, Calendula, Celosia, Centaurea, Cleome, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Dahlia, Dame's Rocket, Helichrysum (Strawflower), Larkspur, Lavatera, Safflower, Scabiosa, Sunflower, and Zinnia. Perennials were also established on one of the sites. Varieties included Adenophora, Anthemis, Aquilegia (Columbine), Asclepias, Belamcanda, Centaurea, Delphinium, and Rudbeckia. Primary data collected included date of first and last harvest, plant height, stem length, vase life, and market acceptance. For 2003 we will add a couple more growers, and we will be trialing several new varieties including many perennials that are almost unknown in the commercial trade.

As of October, 2002, the USDA's National Organic Program mandates that organic farmers plant certified organic seed in order to maintain their organic certification. This rule, however, is only enforceable if an organic supply of a particular variety is available. Nevertheless, there is a lot of confusion and concern on the part of farmers with regards to the quality of the organic seed, the cost, and the availability of many of their preferred varieties. A few of us at Seeds of Change attended the Ecological Farming Conference (Eco-Farm) in Pacific Grove, California from January 22-25, which is attended by 1500 farmers, researchers, extension agents, industry reps, and activists. We were involved in several panel discussions concerning this contentious topic. We will report what we have learned from these meetings in our next newsletter. Regardless of the federal legislation, we believe that planting organic seed is superior to planting chemically produced seed for achieving our goals of health and sustainability.

You may order bulk seed or request our bulk seed catalog by calling toll-free at 1-888-762-7333. You can also order online here on our website in the Bulk Seed or Market Grower sections.