Organic Seed Usage Listening Session

The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) requires the use of organic seed unless the seeds farmers need, including equivalent varieties, aren’t commercially available. The purpose of the current organic seed exemption is to provide a transition time for the seed industry to catch up to demand and to allow organic growers to find suitable varieties to transition to, with the goal of eventually achieving 100 percent organic seed sourcing. The allowance for non-organic seed is important for growers who lack access to appropriate organic seed for their operations. While it is no one’s intention to force organic growers to use organic seed that may not be optimal for their operations, continuous improvement in organic seed sourcing is essential to incentivizing growth in the organic seed supply and strengthening organic integrity.

Certified organic producers are invited to share their thoughts in this listening session – producers’ firsthand experience is key to shaping practical policies. Farmers face real challenges in sourcing organic seed, and their input helps ensure policies support continuous improvement while remaining flexible for growers. This dialogue will guide advocacy for balanced solutions that strengthen organic integrity and the seed supply.

Discussions from this listening session will help inform work with the National Organic Program (NOP) and National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on continuous improvement of organic seed usage. Register by March 3 at the link below.