Follow Organic Seed Alliance

FAQ: Why is it important to have organic seed bred for organic agriculture?

The National Organic Program (organic standards) requires certified farmers to use organic seed. Since there exists a lack of organically produced seed, farmers are allowed to use conventional seed if certain requirements are met. Conventional seed production uses highly toxic chemicals, so their use in organic farming is in conflict with the principles of organic agriculture. Increasing organic seed production and use would lead to more organic acres.

But beyond the standard requiring organic seed, there are many benefits to building organic seed systems. For starters, seed varieties bred under organic conditions provide organic farmers with the optimum genetics for their production systems. And organically bred seed provides food processors, companies and retailers with improved traits that organic consumers value, including nutrition, flavor, color, and other quality traits.

There is potential for much greater benefits. The challenges of resource depletion, climate change, and population growth require ongoing improvements in agriculture, including innovation in plant breeding to deliver beneficial traits that address these issues. Organic farming and organic seed systems are particularly suited to address these challenges in a scientifically integrated, socially ethical, and environmentally responsible manner. While the agricultural biotechnology sector invests in propaganda campaigns to promote traits such as herbicide tolerance as “sustainable,” we in the organic community have an opportunity to go beyond rhetoric and marketing to provide future generations with improved food, health, and environmental security. Organic research and breeding are in their infancy. With further investments we will see exponential improvements that recognize local ecological systems and address food consumer needs, such as regionally adapted seed varieties that are suitable to a range of growing seasons, resist important crop diseases, and have enhanced flavor and nutrition.

Also see: How does Organic Seed Alliance’s approach to plant breeding differ from conventional or biotech?