The USDA’s Nationwide Natural Program (NOP) requires using natural seed except the seeds farmers want, together with equal varieties, aren’t commercially out there, per the Seeds and planting inventory planting normal (7 CFR 205.204).
The aim of the present natural seed exemption is to offer a transition time for the seed trade to catch as much as demand and to permit natural growers to search out appropriate varieties to transition to, with the objective of ultimately reaching one hundred pc natural seed sourcing. The allowance for non-organic seed is necessary for growers who lack entry to acceptable natural seed for his or her operations. Whereas it’s nobody’s intention to drive natural growers to make use of natural seed that might not be optimum for his or her operations, steady enchancment in natural seed sourcing is important to incentivizing progress within the natural seed provide and strengthening natural integrity.
The dialogue from contributors on this networking session is summarized beneath and can assist information advocacy for balanced options that strengthen natural integrity and the seed provide.
