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Resources · March 22, 2021

Understanding the Economics of Organic Seed Production

Organic seed production is a developing industry and viable economic opportunity for organic growers. While growing seed can be deeply rewarding, turning a passion for seeds into a viable livelihood is a challenge that even experienced seed growers struggle to overcome.

To help growers manage the uncertainties and risks inherent to seed production, and to help growers earn more profit, OSA published an online toolkit to assist organic seed growers and seed enterprises. The toolkit is focused on organic seed specifically, offering support in the form of budgeting spreadsheets, inventory management, and foundation and stock seed planning. The entire toolkit was developed in partnership with agricultural economists at Highland Economics – experienced professionals who understand the importance of a farm budget and production plan.

The toolkit is organized by the following content categories:

  • Tracking seed enterprise expenses and budgets
  • Planning for stock seed and foundation seed production
  • Tracking labor
  • Getting seed contracts
  • Seed company advice

Click here to access the full Seed Economics Toolkit

Are you already producing organic seed? If so, you may be interested in joining the Organic Seed Producers Directory to connect with other seed growers and seed companies looking to contract seed production. The directory includes a user profile that shares each grower’s location, scale, and crop expertise. In this way, the directory can be searched by seed companies seeking new growers and for producers to connect with one another as well. If you are an organic seed grower who would like to join this directory, create a profile today at this link.

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Categories: Resources

Tags: Seed Economics

Micaela Colley

Micaela Colley is the author of several publications on organic seed and leads OSA’s research and education programs focused on organic seed production and organic plant breeding.

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