Have you noticed the raft of new “catalogs for the organic grower” arriving courtesy of your subscription lists? Expect more. By 2004, organic crops sold in Europe will have to be grown with organically produced seed. Realizing organics are no longer a fringe market, the mainstream European seed companies have all sprouted “organic divisions” to supply the demand. American companies seem to be dragging out “old time” open pollinated varieties to offer up as if “old” is the essence of organic appeal.

These are not likely the seeds of the future. Because no mainstream company has a history of organic production or breeding for organic field conditions, it’s reasonable to assume that these seeds have been reproduced for generations using chemical crop protection and stimulation. Even if the varieties in question were originally favored heirlooms with a reputation for disease and pest resistance, it’s unlikely that they will emerge from their unchallenged period of history with the same character that earned their reputation. Broad-based field hardiness is only maintained by constant reselection under environmental pressure. When fungicides are used to enhance seed production and quality, as is the rule, the original hardy gene pool is diluted by unchallenged interlopers. Regular roguing for “trueness to type” may keep the conformation of the plant intact, but the invisible fabric of fungal resistance (that may involve many genes working in concert) tatter apart unnoticed.

So we will have to wonder how long the new organic seeds from the new organic seed houses have been organic. Just long enough to be certifiable (and extra expensive)? And do those “old time favorites” still have what it takes to be a favorite in the new fields of biological agriculture? Will breeding for organic conditions receive the same corporate and academic neglect as breeding for gardeners and diversified farming? We who’ve been working these fields may as well take charge of our own seed resources and evolution. The folks in the big houses don’t seem to get what it is that we envision.

Frank Morton, his wife, Karen, and their two children grow vegetables and seeds at their farm in Oregon. Their seed business, WILD GARDEN SEED, has introduced over 40 farm-originated varieties of salad, flowers, and vegetables. 32 of them can be found in 10 other fine catalogs. Or, you can go to the source. Wild Garden Seed, Shoulder to Shoulder Farm, Box 1509, Philomath, OR 97370 Send $5 for the 2001 Catalog