Organic Seed Sources

Organic Seed Sources – Finding, Choosing, Ordering, Saving, & Planting Heirloom, Organic, Open Pollinated & Non GMO Varieties

Links to organizations and websites that provide organic seed sources:

– The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (ATTRA) has a recently updated Searchable Database of Organic Seed Suppliers produced by Katherine L. Adam (NCAT Ag. Specialist). It provides organic seed sources both agronomic and horticultural crops. Some national, mail-order suppliers of untreated seed are included, with the emphasis on small alternative seed companies offering open-pollinated vegetable, flower, and herb seed. See More details about this organic seed sources database. And be aware that certified organic buyers need to ask to view a seed supplier’s documentation, including certification credentials. NCAT has not inspected certificates of any company listed in the database or their certifiers, nor does the listing make or imply any claims about the trustworthiness or business practices of any company.

– The Seedsaving and Seedsavers’ Resources Web Page has links to sources of heirloom, organic, open pollinated & non-GE seeds and includes lots of useful information about seed purchasing, seed saving, and seed exchange networks. Also includes articles and information about the politics and policy of the seed industry, and how to choose the right sources. (International)

– The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) has a Searchable Organic Seed Database. Browse seed and nursery stock listings in one of two ways: select a crop and click Browse, or enter a search phrase and click Search. Their goal is to provide a single place to find commercially available organic seeds and planting stock, but though their list of suppliers is not complete. Data is provided by seed suppliers and OMRI does not make any claim to the validity or accuracy of the data .

– The Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association develops, protects and promotes the organic seed trade and its growers, and assures that the organic community has access to excellent quality organic seed, free of contaminants and adapted to the diverse needs of local organic agriculture. Their List of Members Websites includes a number of reputable organic seed companies. A great place to find organic seed sources.

– Greenpeople.org has a List of Companies Selling Organic, Heirloom, and Untreated Seed in the US and Canada.

– Many Tracks has a List of Independent Seed Companies Selling Open Pollinated and Heirloom Garden Seeds.

– The Sustainable Mountain Agriculture Center is involved in identifying, collecting and sustaining family and community heirloom seeds and plants and coordinating the activities of growers of heirloom fruits and vegetables in the southern Appalachians.

– Organic Seed Alliance supports the ethical development and stewardship of the genetic resources of agricultural seed.

– The Organic Seed Finder is hosted by the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA).

– The Heritage Grain Conservancy is dedicated to researching and preserving heirloom grains, and Sells Heritage Winter Wheat and Other Grains.

– The Council for Responsible Genetics maintains a List of Seed Companies that signed the Safe Seed Initiative stating they will “not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants.”

– Michigan State University, in partnership with other institutions, hosts an Organic Seed Resource Guide.

Companies Selling Organic Seeds

High Mowing Organic Seeds, 76 Quarry Rd, Wolcott, VT 05680, (802) 472-6174 www.highmowingseeds.com

Fedco Seeds, PO Box 520, Waterville, ME 04903, (207) 873-7333 www.fedcoseeds.com

Johnny’s Selected Seeds, 955 Benton Ave, Winslow, ME 04901, (207) 861-3900 www.johnnyseeds.com

Nature and Nurture Seeds, 7100 Marshall Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, (734) 929-0802 www.natureandnurtureseeds.com

Seed Savers Exchange, 3094 N. Winn Rd, Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-5990 www.seedsavers.com

Seeds of Change, PO Box 15700, Santa Fe, NM 87506, (888) 762-7333 www.seedsofchange.com

Harris Seeds, 355 Paul Road, P.O. Box 24966, Rochester, NY 14624-0966, (800) 544-7938 www.harrisseeds.com

Southern Exposure Seed, PO Box 460, Mineral, VA 23117, (540) 894-9481 www.southernexposure.com

Albert Lea Seed House, PO Box 127, Albert Lea, MN 56007 (800) 352-5247 www.alseed.com

Blue River Organic Seeds, 2326 230th Street Ames, IA 50014, (800) 370-7979 www.blueriverorgseed.com

DLF Organic, PO Box 229, Halsey, OR 97348, (541) 369-2251 www.dlforganic.com

Environ. Seed, PO Box 2709, 1851 W. Olive Ave, Lompoc, CA 93438 (805) 735-8888 www.espseeds.com

Great Harvest Organics, 6803 E. 276^th St, Atlanta, IN 46031, (371) 984-6685www.greatharvestorganics.com

Mt. Baker Organic Seed Growers, 39306 Cape Horn Rd, Concrete, WA 98237, (360) 826-4400

Organic Bean & Grain, Inc, 1795 W. Akron Rd, Caro, MI 48723, (989) 673-6402 www.orbng.com

Rose-AgriSeed, 29975 S. Barlow Rd, Canby, OR 97013(503) 651-2130 www.roseagriseed.com

Snow Seed Organics, 21855 Rosehart Way, Salinas, CA 93908 (831) 758-9869 www.snowseedco.com

Welter Seed and Honey Co, 17724 Hwy 136, Onslow, IA 52321, (800) 470-3325 www.welterseed.com

SeedWay, 99 Industrial Rd, Elizabethtown, PA17022, (800) 952-7333 www.seedway.com

Filaree Farm, 182 Conconully Hwy, Okanogan, WA 98840, (509) 422-6940 www.filareefarm.com

Gourmet Garlic Gardens, 12300 FM 1176, Bangs, Texas 76823, (325) 348-3049 www.gourmetgarlicgardens.com

Sow True Seed, 146 Church St., Asheville, North Carolina 28801, (828) 254-3049 www.sowtrueseed.com

Organic Seed Sources – Consolidation in the Seed Industry

Visualizing Consolidation in the Global Seed Industry: 1996-2008 – By Phil Howard: This post is part of a series. You can also see Part I HERE; Part III HERE; and Part IV HERE.

The Problem with Seed Patents in Agriculture

 

Find more great farming resources at https://www.beginningfarmers.org/additional-farming-resources/