The burgeoning organic seed market
and the National Organic Program rule requiring farmers to use organic seed are prompting many growers to consider integrating seed production into their farming operations. Additionally, the organic seed industry is feeling pressure to improve and ensure seed quality standards including varietal integrity, high levels of seed purity and germination rates, and absence of seed-borne diseases. Growing quality organic seed requires both technical knowledge and innovative thinking. Successful organic seed growers hold a measure of both.
In 2006, Organic Seed Alliance is offering an opportunity to learn from experienced organic seed growers by walking their fields, hearing their advice, and getting a first-hand look at existing seed growing operations. University specialists and seed industry professionals will also be present to contribute their horticultural expertise and share marketing opportunities. The OSA project, now in its second year, is a WSARE funded, farmer-led education project, “Producing Organic Vegetable Seed”. In 2005, field days were held on farms at three sites in Washington, Oregon and Idaho and focused on three key northwest seed crops: radish, beans, and spinach. In response to grower interests OSA will expand the 2006 field days to cover a broader diversity of crops and add two additional cooperating farms, one in Oregon and one in Northern California.
Julie Pulich, of Common Ground Farm in Olympia, WA, attended the 2005 Organic Spinach Field Day. “The hands-on activity of selecting spinach plants in the field provided a great practical application that I will take home and use,” she said. Many growers learn by watching and expressed the value of getting to see a seed operation, field layouts, and equipment first hand. Cooperating grower Nash Huber, who hosted the Spinach Field Day, said, “Connecting with seed professionals and other growers has helped me better understand the seed industry and refine my seed growing practices”. In addition to field days, the project includes production manuals, winter workshops and mentorship opportunities. These vehicles will provide farmers with an array of skills including the ability to integrate seed crops into diverse farming operations, create production plans, and market their products. Farmers may gain additional benefit of producing seed for on-farm use and being introduced to the fundamentals of plant improvement/farmer led breeding. 2006 Field Days will be held in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California from May through September. Please contact OSA for more information at 360-385-7192 or visit www.seedalliance.org.