seed broadcast

On-farm seed breeding projects help farmers develop desirable crop traits

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:55:00 GMT

Organic Seed Alliance received a grant from Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) to develop breeding populations for organic broccoli, sweet corn, and red kale. OSA resarcher Micaela Colley worked on these populations on active organic farms, with strong involvement from farmers as well as OSA staff and university researchers. OSA believes in Participatory Plant Breeding as it is decentralized, and recognizes the value, knowledge and skills of farmers in adapting germplasm to their agronomic and market needs. OFRF's Winter Issue 2010 has a nice summary of the project with profiles of each farmer.

Article: On-farm seed breeding projects help farmers develop desirable crop traits

"Seedy Fellows - Talking Shop" In Good Tilth interview of OSA's John Navazio and Matthew Dillon

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:32:00 GMT

Andrew Rodman, editor of In Good Tilth, recently interviewed Organic Seed Alliance founders John Navazio and Matthew Dillon to discuss emerging trends, obstacles and successes in the organic seed sector. Read what they had to say about continued difficulty with availability of organic seed, contamination from genetically engineered crops, and the importance of evaluating and breeding varieties for organic conditions.

Full Article: Seedy Fellows Talking Shop

Frank Morton talks about the GE Sugarbeet Case with Cooking Up a Story

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:46:00 GMT

Cooking Up a Story is a fantastic web site that serves up video interviews, explorations, and other programming on food and farm related topics. The quality of their videos - both technically and in content - are fantastic. Check through their archive, but first make a stop at their interviews with Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seed (and OSA board member) regarding why he approached Organic Seed Alliance and Center for Food Safety with his concerns regarding the risks of GE contamination to organic beet and chard seed crops.

Two videos including a visit to Frank's fields.
Video Link 1: Seeds of Life: David vs. Goliath
Video Link 2: Seeds of Life: Beta vulgaris

Interview with OSA Director of Advocacy on Ethical Seed Systems

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:21:00 GMT

The Natural Food Merchandiser recently did an interview with Matthew Dillon on founding of OSA, farmers' roles in seed systems, and seed integrity. The audio interview can be found here.

Text of Justice's Ruling in RoundUp Ready Sugarbeet Case

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:16:00 GMT

For those of you who have requested more information on the sugar beet case blogged about below, here is the full

decision by Judge White in GE Sugar Beet Case

Please, if this is an issue dear to you, consider clicking on the link at the upper right of this page and supporting OSA advocacy work with a donation to Organic Seed Alliance.
In your donation place a message regarding your support of this case.

Thanks!
Decision by Judge White in GE Sugar Beet Case

Judge White's Decision: USDA-APHIS Violated National Environmental Policy Act in deregulation of RR sugarbeets

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:21:00 GMT

Great news for plaintiffs Organic Seed Alliance, High Mowing Seed, Sierra Club, Center for Food Safety, and the farmers and consumers we represent. And big thanks to our lawyers at Earth Justice and Center for Food Safety.

September 21, 2009, Federal District Court Judge White ruled that USDA-APHIS agreed with plaintiffs that USDA-APHIS violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failingto prepare an Environmental Impact Statement before deregulating RoundUp Ready sugarbeets, based on his finding that APHIS improperly failed to evaluate the impacts, including socio-economic impacts, resulting from possible cross-pollination of conventional sugar beets and Swiss chard and table beets in the Willamette Valley. The remedy phase of the case will occur on October 30.

Organic seed is the foundation of organic farming and organic food integrity. We must continue to protect this natural resource, along with the rights of organic farmers to be protected from negative economic impact from GE crops, and consumers rights' to choose to eat food free of GE components.

We'll keep you informed as we learn more. For now, here is a section from

Judge White's ruling:

"In light of the large distances pollen can travel by wind and the context that seed for sugar beets, Swiss chard, and table beets are primarily grown in one valley in Oregon, Plaintiffs have demonstrated that deregulation may significantly effect the environment.

As the court concluded in Geertson Seed Farms v. Johanns, this Court finds that the potential elimination of farmer’s choice to grow non-genetically engineered crops, or a consumer’s choice to eat non genetically engineered food, and an action that potentially eliminates or reduces the availability of a particular plant has a significant effect on the human environment. “APHIS’s reasons for concluding that the potential for the transmission of the genetically engineered gene is not significant are not ‘convincing’ and do not demonstrate the ‘hard look’ that NEPA requires.

Because APHIS concluded that it was not required to consider the effects of gene transmission and observed the lack of evidence regarding an organic beet seed market, it did not consider the effects of gene transmission on conventional farmers and consumers of sugar beet seed or of gene transmission to the related crops of to red table beets and Swiss chard. To the limited extent APHIS did examine this issue, it did so only on a cursory level. It did not consider the fact that the isolation distances are only voluntary. It did not examine whether the isolation distances were actually followed and likely to be followed in the future. Nor did APHIS analyze, in light of the evidence that pollen may travel significant distances, whether the isolation distances set by the Oregon Seed Certification Standards are sufficient to protect the non-genetically engineered crops. Moreover, there is no support in the record for APHIS conclusion that non-trangenic sugar beet will likely still be sold and will be available to those who wish to plant it and that farmers purchasing seed will know whether it is transgenic because it will be marked and labeled as glyphosate tolerant. Therefore, the Court finds that APHIS’s finding of no significant impact was not supported by a convincing statement of reasons and thus was unreasonable. APHIS is required to prepare an EIS."

Organic Flax Seed Contaminated by Genetically Engineered Flax

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:47:00 GMT

Once again an organic crop has been contaminated by a genetically engineered crop. This time the European Commission's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed found the GE traits in German flax seed that came out of Canada. The Organic Trade Association of Canada reports that "the GE flax in question, called ‘Triffid,’ was designed specifically to withstand applications of synthetic chemical pesticides."

When will the organic community say ENOUGH! BASTA! GENUG! ASSEZ! In the US alone organic sales are over $25 Billion dollars annually. We are no longer a marginal voice, but we must be a unified voice. It's time to put pressure on our politicians to protect our basic freedom to operate an organic farm or business.

The Biotech community has been granted the freedom to operate without accountability, and yet we lack the basic rights of protection of private property (which agriculture products are) that are the foundation of western law. This goes against the basic conventions of good and bad neighbor agreements in which a neighbor who damage the private property of another neighbor, either by direct or indirect actions of their person or property (including biological entities such as animals and plants) is responsible for those damages. There is an immense historical record in common law and tort law that backs this position.

Organic Seed Alliance will be hosting a meeting of the organic community to discuss contamination issues this winter at our State or Organic Seed Symposium. We will discuss how to work as a community to address the contamination in organic systems, and develop action plans for maintaining the integrity of organic seed and food systems. Look for updates on the State of Organic Seed Report and Symposium on our web site soon on the Advocacy Page.

Update From the Field - #1

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:35:00 GMT

It's been a busy couple of weeks for OSA on a Southwest Seed Tour, with four events taking us from Santa Fe, NM to the Boulder, CO area. Over the next week I'll post several updates on these events.

The first stop along the way was the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) conference on

organic breeding. Three OSA staff were involved in discussions with a very diverse group of participants. Plant breeders from Iran, the Philippines, Korea, Agrican and European nations, and the Americas met to share their approach to breeding for organic systems, discuss concerns related to the development of plant and animal genetic resources, and promote biodiversity and social justice in breeding systems.

OSA's Education and Research Director, Micaela Colley, co-chaired a session on "Evolutionary Breeding" that included a presentation from our Senior Plant Breeder - Dr. John Navazio. John presented OSA's approach to breeding for heterogeneous environments - farming systems that wide ranging variability in conditions including disease and pest pressure, fertility, and climatic conditions. The conventional breeding approach of selecting for very narrow uniformity does not work well in these variable environments, and so OSA's approach is to breed for elasticity, resilience, and responsiveness to variability while still maintaining "relative" uniformity. John gave a great example of this work with a drought tolerant zucchini with deep roots to scavenge nutrients and a morphological structure that is resistant to the impact of high winds.

OSA's Director of Advocacy, Matthew Dillon, presented on Protoplast Fusion techniques in organic breeding. A group of European plant breeders (

Eco-PB) recently published a

report calling for a ban on protoplast fusion based on their definition of it as a form of genetic engineering, and asked for a US response to this.

Protoplast fusion is technique used by vegetable breeders to create male sterile inbred lines that are used in the creation of hybrids, predominantly in brocolli, cauliflower, cabbage, and chicories. For example: a radish cell and a cabbage cell are placed in a petri dish. Both cell walls are desolved. The cells fuse and the desirable mitochondrial DNA from the radish which contains thetrait of "male sterility" is transferred to the cabbage. Cell walls are regrown and a plant is grown from tissue culture. This is gene transfer that cannot occur in nature, but because the plants are in the same botanical/taxonomic family it is not considered genetic engineering by European Rules. (The

US definition applies only to recombinant DNA).

The fact that this form of gene transfer does not occur in nature is enough to make it an unacceptable technique from the OSA perspective. Additionally, we oppose this breeding technique because it is an evolutionary dead-end. Plant breeders often save seed from other breeders hybrid materials to develop new breeding populations. The protoplast fusion technique results in plants that cannot viably transfer their genetics to the next generation. This is built-in Intellectual Property protection for these companies, even more solid than a patent in that its biologically impossible to use the genetics. We oppose any technique or legal framework that prevents the further of plant genetic diversity and future breeding potential.

It was a great session brainstorming with our European colleagues on how to better address this issue, as seed produced using this technique is currently allowed in organic systems. We'll share a more detailed plan on how to address this and be taking it up in discussion with our Organic Seed Working Group.

Look for more updates on our Southwest Seed Tour next week.

Below, researcher at the IFOAM conference who are past OFRF grant recipients. Photo by Jane Soobey, OFRF>
L-R: Michael Mazurek, Cornell; Frank Kutka, NDSU; MIguel Altieri, UC Berkeley; Matthew Dillon, OSA; Walter Goldstein, Michael Fields Institute; Charles Martin, New Mexico State

OSA's Dan Hobbs Interviewed on Colorado Public Radio

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:53:00 GMT

Great interview of OSA's Executive Director on opportunities in organic seed production. OSA staff hosted 3 workshops in Colorado in August and September. More on those events soon,

http://www.kcfr.org/cgi-bin/comatters/comatters_play.asx?play=5130&type=comatters.asx

Organic Integrity Begins With Organic Seed Integrity

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:19:00 GMT

PCC Sound Consumer recently published an article by OSA's Director of Advocacy on the contamination of organic food and organic seed from genetically engineered crops. OSA is working with other organizations and advocates to address this issue, and encourages your support for this work. If we can't protect our foundation seed stock from contamination we can't protect our food. It starts with the seed. For the full article please visit Sound Consumer at: http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/sc/0909/sc0909-organic-integrity.html

To support OSA's Seed Advocacy Program: http://www.seedalliance.org/Support/

Together we can protect our plant genetic heritage while also developing seed that is appropriate and adapted to organic farming.

Welcome to Seed Broadcast - the new OSA Blog

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:56:00 GMT

We invite you to subscribe to Seed Broadast. We'll work to keep you updated on the latest OSA projects, workshops, field days, conferences, publications and other good work. We'll also be sharing news updates on seed related issues, editorials, and articles from OSA staff, board, advisors and farmer-partners. We encourage your feedback, comments, sharing of links and recommendations. Please also consider a donation to OSA so that we can continue to serve the public with the important work of the ethical development and stewardship of seed.

IFOAM | 1st International IFOAM Conference on Organic Animal and Plant Breeding - BREEDING DIVERSITY

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:24:00 GMT

If you haven't yet registered do so soon. It will be nice to have a broader discussion of organic breeding issues with colleagues from around the world. OSA staff will be giving presentations and leading sessions. IFOAM | 1st International IFOAM Conference on Organic Animal and Plant Breeding - BREEDING DIVERSITY -

Seed Swap at Organicology 2009

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:44:00 GMT

organicology 1b 225
Originally uploaded by Organic Seed Alliance

Folks jockey for position around a table during the Organic Seed Alliance sponsored "Seed Swap". Over 600 organic farmers, researchers, activists, retailers and organic food sector professionals gathered for three days of educational intensives, workshops, networking, and fun. The next Organicology will take place in winter of 2011.

Graduating Class - Seed Intensive

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:42:00 GMT

Graduating Class - Seed Intensive
Originally uploaded by Organic Seed Alliance

Organicology started out with 1 day intensives. 8 hours of focussed discussion and presentations on sustainable business practices and metrics, local food systems, advanced organic practices, and seed.
We had over 50 people in the seed intensive (many of them camera shy), and great presenters: Don Tipping (Seven Seeds Farm), Frank Morton (Wild Garden Seeds), Joel Reiten (Seeds of Change), John Navazio (Organic Seed Alliance), and Matthew Dillon (Organic Seed Alliance).

Organicology Photos

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:49:00 GMT

Vandana Shiva delivers keynote at 2009 Organicology Conference

Organic Seed Alliance Introduces "Seed Broadcast"

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:53:00 GMT

Welcome! Organic Seed Alliance is founded on the belief that seed is both our common cultural heritage and a living natural resource fundamental to the future sustainability of food production.

OSA is a not-profit working through RESEARCH, EDUCATION and ADVOCACY to support the ethical development and stewardship of seed. Please use our website to explore the issues around seed and join us in this vision.

Nash Huber Wins American Farmland Trust Steward of The Land Award

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:43:00 GMT

Today I attended an awards lunch for one of my true heroes - Nash Huber of Sequim, Washington. Nash won the American Farmland Trust's Stewards of the Land award. It's a major award, in terms of recognition and money, and it's my understanding that this is the first time it went to an organic produce farmer. No announcement yet on the AFT site, but there is this news article and look for one in the Seattle PI tomorrow. As Nash said today, the award goes not just to him, but to his amazing crew. Check out the web site of Nash's Organic Produce.

Organic Seed Alliance has been lucky to have Nash as a research partner for a number of years on several vegetable breeding projects. Both Nash and his farmer manager Scott Chichester have also served as educators at OSA events. People are always inspired by their integrated vision of food, farms, and the role of seed. I am.

Those of us who work in seed think about inheritance, and about the potential of better that which we pass on. Nash, coming from a farm family and having farmed for over thirty years, really gets that. You have to care for the farmland, the soil, the water, the seed, and the culture of farming - but in doing so you also have to have a vision of improving them. American Farmland Trust is a fantastic organization, and they selected the perfect farm, crew, and farm leader to reflect their values.

Congratulations to Nash, his crew, and AFT.

Monsanto Makes Millions Off Farmers' Backs

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Wed, 21 May 2008 17:48:00 GMT

Originally posted at OCM

Hugh Grant - Monsanto Chairman, CEO, and President - probably won’t notice the increased price of a loaf of bread. And if he does it will be with a smile. Grant is $13,000,000 and some change wealthier today than he was on Monday, as he choose to exercise stock options - 116,000 shares worth – that netted him a profit of over $114 PER SHARE.

Like many of us, I wouldn’t mind paying the extra dollar per loaf of bread if I knew the majority of that dollar was going back into the hands of farmers. Instead, the higher prices at the checkout line are funneled to the agri-giants like Monsanto and Cargill, companies making record profits. Remind you of gas prices and oil companies? Reminds me that these agri-giants spent $100 million on getting their way in the Farm Bill, an investment with huge dividends – for Monsanto’s Hugh Grant anyway.

Recent National Coverage of Monsanto's Bullying and Profiteering Practices

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Mon, 12 May 2008 18:12:00 GMT

"I don't believe any company has the right to come into someone's home and threaten their livelihood." - so says Indiana Farmer David Runyan in response to Monsanto's bully tactics to intimidate and coerce farmers. Finally getting national attention, both from Vanity Fair and CBS.

Link to the CBS story on the web site of the Organization for Competitive Markets

Also on OCM site, a link to the recent Market Place (American Public Radio) segment on how large agribusiness firms are profiteering, much like oil firms in recent years with their record breaking profits while the rest of us pay, pay and then pay some more.

Bean Patent Overturned - Another View

matthew@seedalliance.org (Matthew Dillon) — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:15:00 GMT

Well, the folks at ETC have another view on the Enola Been Patent appeal decision that I wrote about yesterday. Hope Shand's comments give a bitter-sweet taste to what I saw as a happy ending of a tale that started out as a horror story. I have admired the work of Hope and Pat, RAFI and ETC, for many years. I agree with her on her points, but disagree with the PR approach on this one.

Specifically, I agree that the damage to farmer livelihoods should be addressed (and that is the bitterest piece of all), and recognize that, as in most court cases, Proctor's lawyers delayed the process to suit their clients advantage, I am less inclined to see it as a "hollow" victory, which strongly implies that it is without meaning. It has meaning, it just doesn't result in a full measure of justice. Unfortunately, justice will not be a meal served in a single course.

The patent system is a mess. Concentrated corporate interests influence the entire political process and as such PTO. A complete institutional overhaul is needed to address concentration in the agricultural sector, corporate influence on politics, dangerous technologies and practices, and our overall regulatory approach to plant genetic systems. But, I don't think we can realistically expect change to come in any manner other than small victories that build cultural recognition of the issues and political reformation. I don't see a revolution welling up outside the door to demand reform. I'd like to see Prius filled streets of Port Townsend - where everyone's a "locavore" but government policy glazes peoples eyes - filled with pitchfork wielding populist radicals. In fact I offer tine sharpening services. But we also have to set realistic objectives, with accomplishments that we can attain, or it's all doom and gloom.

I think that ETC, CGIAR, and others should pat themselves on the back for remaining vigilant, seeing this case to its current status, and continuing the fight. Don't break any arms doing it, but we have to celebrate even small victories when the daily news on the agricultural front is constantly filled with such disastrous tides. Wow I sound like my mom, the preschool teacher, writing about giving gold stars - but I believe it is true. Don't rest on laurels or imagine them more grand than they are, but an overly dark approach doesn't do much to fuel those of us who continue to work for change. The Enola case helps builds a foundation. Bittersweet, but a victory nonetheless. I'm grateful for all the work that those on the case have put into it. And for the continued fight from folks like ETC.