How to Find Non Genetically Modified Seeds

Non-GMO seeds are also referred to as heirloom seeds.

Many years ago, it was almost unheard of for farmers to purchase seeds. They dried their own seeds from the crops they harvested. But the further commercialization of agriculture during the latter half of the 20th century led to genetically altered seeds to produce bigger crops and faster harvests. One current trend in organic farming, however, is fostering a resurgence and interest in non-genetically modified seeds (called non-GMO) and a growing network of resources for non-GMO seeds for use by organic farmers and home growers.

Things You'll Need

• Seeds from USDA-certified organic fruits, vegetables

Instructions

1. Contact your local cooperative extension office. These organizations are run by colleges and universities and they have highly trained people on staff. Many of them are active in non-GMO sustainability projects. They will be able to inform you of sources for purchasing non-GMO seeds in your area and provide information on which varieties do best in your climate.

2. Introduce yourself to heirloom seed gardening. The Rare Seeds website is a good place to start. Rare Seeds sells only natural, open pollinated, non-GMO seeds. The company offers more than 1,400 types of heirloom seeds under the Baker Creek brand, one of the top sources for pure heirloom seeds in the United States.

3. Join the Southern Seed Legacy Association and visit its website. This association focuses on sources for heirloom seeds and provides resources to find resellers of non-genetically modified seeds. The association has more than 300 varieties of non-GMO seeds that are indigenous to the southern United States and can steer you to home growers and small organic farmers who sell heirloom seeds.

4. Purchase seeds from organic farmers who comply with USDA regulations. These farmers are required to use organic seeds and planting stock for annual plants. The USDA does allow them to use commercial or non-organic seeds for perennial plants but only when sufficient quantities of non-modified organic seeds are not available.

5. Search the ATTRA online database, developed by the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service. The database includes sources for both agronomic (vegetables and fruits) and horticultural crops (flowers, trees and plants). The database is broken down into four "mainland" regions in the mainland of the U.S., as well as Alaska and Hawaii. The database provides search options to search for suppliers and to view lists of seeds offered by suppliers.

6. Explore networking organizations such as the Save Our Seed Project. The organization, with headquarters in Louisa, Virginia, has the mission of increasing the availability of heirloom seeds that are certified organic.

7. Store and dry seeds that you harvest from your non-GMO plants. Save seeds from organic vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants that you purchase from farmers' markets. Study the best practices for properly and safely removing, cleaning and storing seeds so you can build your own supply of non-genetically modified seeds.

Tips & Warnings

• Form a network of other seed collectors to build on sustainability efforts to save heirloom and non-GMO seeds.

References

• NCAT: Directory of Organic Seed Suppliers; Katherine L. Adam; Feb. 25, 2011
• Saving Our Seeds: Save Our Seed
• University of Georgia: Southern Seed Legacy
• Rare Seeds: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

Resources

• NCAT: Sources of Organic and Untreated Non-GMO Seeds