Organic seeds come from plants that strictly grow without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Their production prohibits the use of genetic engineering, sewage mud, and irradiation during seed harvesting. For seeds to certified as organic, they must follow specifications and regulations outlined by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program.
Organic farming refers to food production through techniques that are verified by a third-party inspector. Organic production integrates farming practices such as biological and mechanical farming aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting ecological balance. Organic production prohibits the use of chemicals to control pests and genetic engineering. The seeds are produced in organic farms where harvesting of banned substances is not allowed. According to USDA’s regulations, a farm is classified as organic if there has been no harvest for prohibited substances in the past three years. According to the US Department of Agriculture’s National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances, seeds are organic if:
They are chemical-free
The parent plant for the seeds must have grown organically. After harvest, the seed must not undergo any chemical treatment. Before organic farming gained prominence, chemical-free seeds were limited. Currently, chemical-free seeds for most valuable crops are widely available in large quantities. In cases where the seeds are not available, the USDA allows farmers to refer their produce as organic provided, they adhere to the organic regimen.
Non-GMO
For seeds to be organic, they must not be genetically modified. GMO seeds have their DNA scientifically altered to increase productivity and resistant to diseases.
The seed must be untreated
Non-organic seeds are treated with anti-fungal and anti-bacteria pest to give them the ability to fight seedling diseases after germination. Untreated seeds that are grown under intensive chemical regimen cannot be considered organic.
Benefits of organic seeds
Healthy people and environment
Organic farming and organic seeds ensure reduced use of synthetic chemicals and pesticides that are harmful to the environment and human beings. Conventional seeds are created in chemical-intensive environments. Farmers and consumers often fail to consider the detrimental effects of traditional seeds and their products, thereby putting their health at risk. These seeds also require more pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The application of chemicals and pesticides in conventional seed production leads to environmental pollution.
Promote organic community
The expansion of seeds of the ecological system have led to the growth of the diversity of stakeholders. More groups of people are involved in promoting organic food production. For example, more retailers and food organizations are included in the evaluation of market gaps for organic food and seeds. Some food companies have also sponsored ecological breeding projects intending to promote organic food production desired consumers as well as addressing economic challenges to organic farmers.
Reduce corporate control.
Seeds produced organically reduces farming’s reliance on industrial seeds produced on intensive chemical farms and proprietary control. It provides economic opportunities to farmers who produce these seeds on their farms. The farmers have a chance to sell their seeds, reduce input costs and financial risks since these seeds have adapted to their farms.

