Author Archives: Jared Zystro

OSA Partners on Organic Wheat Trials in California

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Jared Zystro

Organic Seed Alliance and project partners have just finished planting organic wheat trials in Northern California. On three beautiful mornings this spring, farmer John LaBoyteaux towed his vintage International Harvester grain drill out to plant eight different varieties of wheat … Continue reading →

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Did You Miss the California Seed Stakeholder Meeting?

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Jared Zystro

At EcoFarm in January, OSA hosted a second California seed stakeholders meeting. More than two dozen seed producers, seed company representatives, university representatives, and seed buyers met to discuss how to improve seed systems in California. Below are a few … Continue reading →

Posted in Agricultural Policy, Events, Organic Plant Breeding, Organic Seed Alliance, Seed Industry | Comments Off

CA Seed Stakeholder Meeting at EcoFarm on Jan. 24

Posted on December 31, 2012 by Jared Zystro

California Seed Stakeholders Meeting Thursday January 24th 2:00 – 3:30pm  EcoFarm, Asilomar, CA (in the Sanderling room) California currently produces the most vegetable seed, but many of the state’s organic producers believe they are underserved by the seed industry. What … Continue reading →

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Variety Trial Field Day a Success

Posted on October 26, 2012 by Jared Zystro

On a sunny October day last week, over thirty farmers, seed company representatives, and students gathered to see the results of OSA’s vegetable variety trial on Coke Farm in San Juan Bautista, California. John Navazio of OSA and Washington State … Continue reading →

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Building Organic Seed Systems in California

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Jared Zystro

California has the largest agricultural economy in the U.S. This probably does not come as a surprise to anyone who can picture rolling hills of grape vineyards or vast fields of lettuce. Less well known is that over one-third of … Continue reading →

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OSA’s California College Tour

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Jared Zystro

Innovative programs at California colleges are training our next generation of farmers in organic, sustainable agricultural practices. These students will go on to be some of tomorrow’s farmer leaders. But while they may learn about topics like cover cropping and … Continue reading →

Posted in Organic Seed Alliance, Seed Industry | 2 Comments

Be a Part of the Southeast Organic Seed Movement

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Jared Zystro

With its long growing season and rich farming history, the Southeast region has great potential to strengthen its organic seed system. But what are the key actions we can take to help a burgeoning Southeastern network? As a first step, … Continue reading →

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Organic Seed Stakeholders Meet in California

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Jared Zystro

Did you know that California produces more vegetable seed than any other state? And that, according to a survey conducted as part of OSA’s State of Organic Seed report, the vast majority of California organic farmers surveyed agree that organic … Continue reading →

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Dr. Bill Tracy to Keynote Organic Seed Growers Conference

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Jared Zystro

Looking at the agricultural news of the day, I read about how some genetically engineered corn is failing, as corn rootworms evolve to overcome the insecticide contained in the corn. And weeds resistant to Roundup are springing up all over. … Continue reading →

Posted in Organic Seed Alliance | 2 Comments

OSA and Partners to Breed New Carrots for Organic

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Jared Zystro

At OSA, we believe organic farmers need varieties adapted to their organic systems and challenges. We are excited to announce a new project that advances this mission. Thanks to USDA’s Organic Research and Extension Initiative, OSA is partnering with the … Continue reading →

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