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FAQ: Why is there a limited supply of organic seed?

Despite continued growth in the organic food industry – now a $23 billion industry that experiences growth each year – organically produced seed is used on only a small percentage of organic farmland.

Responses to a nationwide survey conducted by OSA in 2010 indicate the organic sector is underserved in genetics specifically adapted to organic cropping systems, regions, and market niches. For varieties in organic seed that are available, many farmers are challenged by a lack of sufficient quantity and scarcity of information on variety performances under organic conditions.

Organic seed availability is low because there is little investment in these programs. This is in part due to consolidation in the seed industry, where few regional private seed companies are interested in meeting the diverse needs of organic farmers. Market consolidation has also concentrated ownership of plant genetic resources, locking these genetics up with restrictive patents that inhibit access by farmers and breeders who wish to protect and expand genetic diversity. Diminished funding for our public plant breeding programs has also contributed to the problem. As industry investments in public research increase, research priorities narrow to focus on proprietary and profitable products that benefit larger industries, like agricultural biotechnology.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to protect our genetic resources for future generations while ensuring farmers have adequate seed choices to feed their communities today. Expanding knowledge and skills for developing alternative seed production and distribution networks at the community level is one solution that lays the foundation for long-term, transformative change. Furthermore, encouraging seed systems in concert with organic agriculture is one of the best ways to support the ongoing growth and success of farming systems that support agricultural biodiversity and healthy water, soil, and people, while rejecting toxic chemicals and the consolidation of seed ownership.