The Organic Seed Alliance is the largest organic seed event in the U.S. Hear the latest in cutting-edge research and policy advocacy, trade knowledge, techniques, and ideas with other seedheads from around the world. The conference provides a full agenda of presentations, panel discussions, and networking events.
The 9th Organic Seed Growers Conference theme is Synergy that Sustains. This year’s theme reflects an emphasis on developing collaborative networks, cooperative production and business models, and a diversity of approaches to advancing organic seed systems.
The Organic Trade Association's Vice President of Regulatory & Technical Affairs, Gwendolyn Wyard, will be presenting the following session at the Conference:
Private Sector Solutions to Increasing Organic Seed Usage
Despite tremendous strides in increasing the availability of organic seed, further incentivizing the use of organic seed is critical for the organic seed sector’s continued expansion. Ongoing efforts to increase the sourcing of organic seed include improving the organic seed regulatory requirement, providing training and education, investing in organic plant breeding and seed research, and developing organic seed search databases. This interactive session will cover current seed policy discussions within the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) and broader organic community, including a 2017 NOSB proposal to update the organic seed regulation and strengthen guidance for certifiers. The session will also explore private sector solutions for increasing organic seed usage by further developing the relationship and commitment between organic growers, processors, and seed providers. Audience members will be encouraged to share personal perspectives and experiences, and ideas for solutions, to inform ongoing policy discussions and resources focused on strengthening organic seed systems.
Conference Information:
February 14-17, 2018
Corvallis, Oregon