
Osborne Quality Seeds of Mount Vernon, Washington, has been providing high-quality seeds to growers since 1982. The company primarily works with small- to medium-scale commercial growers, many of whom are certified organic. “We see ourselves as partners with our growers in providing healthy food and nurturing sustainable farming methods with our seeds,” Linda Fenstermaker of Osborne Quality Seeds explained.
Osborne conducts trials on new and improved varieties at their two-acre research farm, placing a special focus on identifying more organically produced varieties that are great performers. Varieties from their trials are selected for the company’s bi-annual catalogs. The Osborne team also has identified gaps in the seed supply with few organic options and are working with seed vendors to meet organic seed production needs. When organic seed is not available in a variety or crop, Osborne carries untreated seeds, to give growers more choices while work continues to increase organic offerings.
“We see Organic Seed Alliance as partners to bring more resources and knowledge to organic seed production both here in our local area and beyond,” Fenstermaker said, adding that Osborne is pleased to help support OSA’s strong presence in the larger organic community.