Port Townsend, Washington, USA
July 8, 2014
Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) announced today that it has begun distribution of a 2014 organic producer seed survey. This national survey is conducted every five years to monitor organic seed availability and use, challenges in sourcing organic seed, and organic plant breeding needs, among other topics. The data collected will inform the organic community’s understanding of the barriers and opportunities in building the availability, quality, and integrity of organic seed.
The USDA’s National Organic Program requires the use of organic seed when commercially available. However, the organic seed sector was almost nonexistent when the organic program began, and is still growing to meet demand. Previous data shows that producers are attempting to source more organic seed, but that the availability of organic seed that meets their diverse and regional needs remains a challenge.
OSA published its first State of Organic Seed report in 2011. Findings from the survey released this week will be included in an updated version of this report. The report will be made public with detailed recommendations for improving access to seed that is optimal for U.S. organic agriculture.
Certified organic crop producers are encouraged to take the survey. The survey assesses producers’ attitudes and perceptions regarding organic seed, as well as their current use of organic seed and any obstacles that restrict organic seed sourcing. The survey also asks which crops and traits should be prioritized through organic plant breeding programs.
Certified organic crop producers can access the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JFRSKKZ.
This project is made possible thanks to generous support from Clif Bar Family Foundation’s Seed Matters initiative.
Organic Seed Alliance advances the ethical development and stewardship of the genetic resources of agricultural seed. Learn more at www.seedalliance.org.
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