OSA formed a formal partnership with WSU in 2007 to deliver organic seed and plant breeding education. We share the common goals of providing farmers with training and economic support to expand regional organic seed production and developing models of on-farm plant breeding for organic systems. The partners co-fund Dr. John Navazio’s dual position as WSU’s Organic Seed and Sustainable Agriculture Specialist (a faculty extension position) and OSA’s Senior Scientist. OSA has a strong history of partnering with organically focused university programs. The partnership is a natural fit as the goals align with our programs and the partnership gives OSA university affiliations, recognition and resources. For WSU, the partnership helps fill a gap in faculty expertise. Our 2011 partnership goals include teaching seed production workshops for farmers throughout Washington and offering an online course on organic breeding through WSU’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences.
