The loss of heirloom and landrace crop varieties over the last century is well documented. Consolidation in the seed industry, changes in breeding methods and technology, restrictive intellectual property practices, and the loss of wild and farming land to development all contribute to the erosion of the plant genetic materials that are essential to sustaining life.
In addition to this loss in genetics there has been a concurrent loss in the base of knowledge and skills necessary to properly steward and improve plant genetics in a ecologically and ethically sound manner. Farmers, once the primary seed stewards around the globe, have rapidly been removed from the seed circle - no longer participating in plant breeding or conservation. Only a few generations ago, the practices of on-farm seed saving and basic crop improvement were not only common, but necessary.
While university and private sector involvement in seed systems has provided much gain, it has also created a field of specialization that has left the farmer as an "end-user" of a product instead of an active participant in building and maintaining plant genetic health and diversity. The diversity of our domesticated plant genetics - flavor, color, abundance, nutrition - is a direct result of the relationship between farmers and their crops. The unhealthy trends in seed systems put us at risk of losing our seed heritage - and the skills necessary to conserve, reinvigorate and improve this heritage for future generations.
OSA's Seed Production Tutorials
These multi-media tutorials teach you professional techniques for organic seed production in the following categories: Beets and chard; brassicas; carrots; lettuce; onions; wet seeded crops; seed climatic considerations; and seed disease. The tutorials are based on presentations given by organic seed experts at the 2011 Organicology conference and are funded through Western SARE. Click here to access the tutorials.
NOVIC :: Northern Organic Vegetable Improvement Collaborative
Researchers and farmers in five northern states are addressing regional organic seed and plant breeding needs. Learn more.
OSA has produced a number of organic seed publications, from guides on basic seed saving and crop-specific seed production, to variety trial data and policy reports. Visit our publications page.
Organic Seed Growers Conference
Join farmers, seed production and distribution companies, researchers, plant breeders, pathologists, and university extension in three days of presentations, panel discussions, and networking events at the 6th Organic Seed Growers Conference.
OSA Workshops & Field Days
OSA offers workshops and regional events for farmers and gardeners to learn seed saving techniques tailored to their needs. Please visit our events page.
From basic on-farm production to highly professional breeding programs and viable cooperative businesses, OSA has provided hundreds of farmers and students with the skills to engage in seed work. We link farmers with researchers and seed professionals in a participatory model for restoring and breeding varieties appropriate for organic production systems and markets. We also work with seed companies, retailers, food businesses, and others in organic seed-related issues. To learn more, contact dan [at] seedalliance.org or visit our page.
Organic Seed Resource Guide
For additional educational, instructional links, visit the online Organic Seed Resource Guide, maintainted by Oregon State University.