New & Updated Publications

Most of the research to develop seed varieties specifically for organic production is in public and participatory breeding, and good technical material from such research is increasingly available. The USDA has also funded workshops to teach farmers the principles of participatory breeding for organics, to increase the availability of organic seed. In 2005, however, although there are breeding programs underway, no seed varieties bred specifically for organic production are commercially available. This 2005 publication looks at how seed is produced for the commercial market, discusses organic seed requirements for organic production, and addresses GMO contamination and testing for contamination.