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6th Organic Seed Growers Conference
OSA hosted the 6th Organic Seed Growers Conference January 19 - 21, 2012, in Port Townsend, WA.
Download selected recordings
View conference pictures
View the post-conference press release
Download the full agenda (opens PDF).
Download the offical Proceedings of the 6th Organic Seed Growers Conference(opens to PDF).
The Organic Seed Growers Conference is recognized as the only event of its kind in North America, bringing together hundreds of farmers, seed production and distribution companies, researchers, plant breeders, pathologists, and university extension in two days of informative presentations, panel discussions, and networking events.
Please note: Cancellations and refunds only available through Jan. 13, 2012.
OSA is not able to issue refunds for cancellations after January 13th, even due to weather. As a non-profit organizaiton, we strive to keep the conference affordable to ensure access to a wide range of participants. Conference-related expenses are already committed by OSA and not reversible. As we've committed to hosting this event and strive to at least break even, while keeping costs down, we thank you for your understanding on this issue.
Weather: As of January 16th there is no snow on the ground in Port Townsend and the current weather forecast is calling for a warming trend through the week with rain rather than snow by Thursday January 19th. We do not anticipate closing the conference or any part of it, including the bus tour, due to weather. We will keep you posted if conditions change.
A special live broadcast!
Organic Seed Alliance and eOrganic bring you selected live broadcasts from the conference. The webinars feature the conference's organic plant breeding track led by the nation's leading experts. The broadcasts are free and open to the public. The webinar descriptions are listed below. Webinar sessions will be available online in the coming weeks.
Pre-Conference Field Tour of Skagit Valley Seed Region (Jan. 19, 2012)
UPDATE: As of Jan. 9, 2012, this tour is SOLD OUT
The Skagit Valley of NW Washington has long been a major vegetable seed production region of international importance. In an all-day field tour co-sponsored by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, we’ll drive through major cabbage, beet and spinach growing regions, visit organic variety trials at Osborne Seed Company, view seed handling operations, and learn about organic seed research projects at the Washington State University NW Research Center. Tour price is $100 per person, which includes bus ride and lunch.
Who attends the conference?
- Farmers, seed producers, plant breeders, and researchers working in organic seed systems
- Seed companies selling organic seed or looking to enter the organic sector
- Non-organic farmers and seed producers interested in organic seed production
- University extension looking to expand organic seed education and outreach
- Farmers interested in maintaining genetic purity of the seed they source
- Organic certifiers interested in learning about organic seed systems and surrounding issues
- Government employees involved in plant breeding
- Government employees engaged in food, farm, and rural policy and research
- Non-government seed advocacy, research, and education organizations
- Food companies, cooperatives, and processors in the organic sector
Thanks to our 2012 conference sponsors for their generous support.
Our Conference Organizing Committee
Our Gold Sponsors
United Natural Foods (UNFI) is the leading independent national distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods and related products including nutritional supplements, personal care items and organic produce, in the United States. In addition to excellent distribution services, we provide a range of innovative, value-added services for our customers and suppliers, to foster mutual success and growth. Our services include marketing and promotional tools, merchandising, category management and store support services.
Our Silver Sponsors
Albert Lea Seed is a third-generation, family-owned seed company. We are a certified organic processor with the largest selection of organic farm seed available anywhere including: corn, soybeans, small grains, alfalfas, clovers, cover crops, forages, vegetables and sweet corn.
Clif Bar & Company is a leading maker of nutritious and organic foods and drinks for people on-the-go, including CLIF® BAR energy bar, LUNA®, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women®; and CLIF Kid®, Nourishing Kids in Motion®. Clif Bar is an employee and family-owned company committed to sustaining its business, brands, people, community and the planet.
Earthbound Farm With 27 years of organic heritage, Earthbound Farm's organic farming on 37,000 acres by 150 organic farmers keeps more than 11 million pounds of conventional agricultural chemicals out of the environment every year.
eOrganic
Frontier Natural Products Co-op has been the leading supplier of natural and organic herbs, spices & teas for over three decades – recognized for high quality products, organics and social responsibility. We conduct our business with unwavering integrity and are dedicated to making a positive impact on the environment.
Organically Grown Company (OGC) is the largest organic produce distributor in the Pacific Northwest. From its warehouses in Portland and Eugene, Oregon, and Kent, Washington, OGC serves over 200 natural and fine foods stores and restaurants located throughout western Oregon and Washington, and retail and wholesale accounts in other western states and Canada. Over 90 percent of their product line comes directly from the growers. OGC's trademarked Ladybug brand represents 41 growers in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, to markets throughout the U.S. OGC is grower and employee owned.
PCC Natural Markets has partnered with Washington growers for more than 40 years to provide shoppers with fresh, organic produce. We’re proud to support local farmers who are committed to organic practices, helping to preserve and strengthen organic agriculture.
Stonyfield Organic Organic yogurt leader Stonyfield (stonyfield.com) uses only ingredients that were produced without the use of GMOs. We support the mandatory labeling of foods produced with GMOs because everyone should have the right to know what's in the food they're eating.
Our Bronze Sponsors
Ashland Food Co-op
Blue River Hybrids
Botanical Interests
Canyon Bounty Farm
Central Co-op
Fedco Seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds
Horizon Organic
Kamut
Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA)
Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES)
Oregon Tilth
Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF)
Organic Trade Association (OTA)
Organic Valley
Rite in the Rain
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Tilth Producers of Washington
Vitalis Organic Seeds
Visit our Organic Seed Growers Conference Archive pages for details on past conferences
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