Organic

We at Seed Trust do not advocate or use biocides (pesticides or herbicides).  I am a former member of the board of directors of the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides.  The longer I was on the board, the more convinced I became.  Chemical biocides are not safe at any level.

In the beginning, the call for seeds to be grown organically was welcome.  After the adoption of the National Organic Program new seed companies arose and marched together behind the banner of organic on a crusade against modern chemical agriculture.  A new green rush was on.  All of this was well and good to a point.  We want, we need an agriculture that uses no biocides.  However, the vast majority of the world's seeds are not yet certified organic.  We also need diversity.  The sustainable strength of our agricultural ecosystem will depend on its diversity.  We need to find, grow and test as many different varieties as we can before they disappear.  If we collectively stop buying seeds now because they are not organic, we risk losing the diversity we so desperately need.

Every year we receive calls asking if our seeds are grown organically.  The answer is “as many as possible”.   Some important varieties we offer are not yet available organically. Many wildflower and grass seed fall outside the normal organic regulatory structure.  More and more, small growers avoid the cost and red tape of a certified organic program.  They still adhere to the guidelines.  Often times they go beyond.

• We are dedicated to supplying the highest quality seed available.
• All the seeds we grow ourselves or we gather are organic.
• Whenever possible, we purchase non-organic seeds from growers who are making the transition to organic agriculture.
• We constantly encourage growers who still supply non-organically grown seeds to consider switching to organic agriculture.
• All our seeds are untreated.
• Untreated seeds are commonly accepted and planted on certified, organic gardens and farms.

If you want to see an increase in organic agriculture, support NCAP, The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides.  For over 30 years, this nonprofit has taken a stand against chemical agriculture and proven itself a valued information center offering healthy, viable alternatives.
For more information on pesticides, contact:

Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
PO Box 1393, Eugene, OR, 97440

Phone:  541.344.5044
Email:   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web:  http://www.pesticide.org