This workshop is designed to provide organic farmers with the knowledge required to produce a marketable seed crop. The workshop will
focus on maintaining genetic integrity of seed while improving and
adapting crops to your environment and particular cultural practices.
In addition to the basics of growing seed organically, we will cover how
to determine if you are starting with good seed stock and how to
improve and refine a variety if it has been poorly maintained. The
workshop will cover isolation distances for preserving genetic purity,
how to insure adequate population size for genetic elasticity,
maintaining self- vs. cross-pollinated species, evaluation and selection
for varietal integrity, and adaptation to the vagaries of climate, your
needs, and the local market. We will also cover optimum timing of
maturation, and harvesting, processing, and storing of seed.
This workshop is for organic farmers interested in moving into seed production for their own use or for sale, as well for those who already have basic seed production experience and want to refine their skills.
John Navazio is the Senior Plant Breeder for the Organic Seed Alliance in Port Townsend, Washington. John is a plant
geneticist whose research and teaching is directed at the integration of
innovative organic farming methods by breeding crops for decreased
inputs and resistance to environmental challenges. John holds a PhD in
Plant Breeding and Plant Genetics.
Frank Morton and his wife Karen operate Wild Garden Seed with their friends at Gathering Together Farm in Philomath,
Oregon, selling the organic seed they grow themselves. A large portion
of the 150 varieties grown on-site were originally bred by Frank and
Karen and are available in most commercial catalogues that serve organic
growers.
Dan Jason has been supplying seeds to farmers and gardeners for over twenty-two years from Salt Spring Seeds and is
President of The Seed & Plant Sanctuary for Canada, a non- profit
organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of heritage
seeds.
