Seed is food. Seed is hope.
Seed is the critical first link in the food production chain, a fundamental input – and living, natural resource – that demands careful management and improvement. As the foundation of our food and fiber supply, a comprehensive seed policy platform that centers diversity, equity, health, and the public interest is long overdue.
That’s why OSA is calling for policies in the 2023 Farm Bill that Lead with Seed by advocating for impactful and equitable solutions that support agricultural resiliency, a healthier planet, and more choice for growers.
OSA envisions a future where seed is not only managed as a commodity but as a collective commitment to our future. Working toward this vision requires close engagement with as many seed advocates and stewards as possible on a diversity of strategies for demonstrating both solidarity and resistance. We invite you to join us in participatory action in asking Congress to Lead with Seed in the 2023 Farm Bill.
Together we can shape the future of food and farming with each seed we plant. Together we can shape the future of seed policy with each advocacy action we take.
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Policy work is essential to advancing organic seed as the foundation of a healthy food system, and to ensuring seed remains an open, public resource. Sign up for our newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to learn of opportunities to make your voice heard.
State of Organic Seed
Every five years, OSA releases a State of Organic Seed progress report and action plan for increasing the organic seed supply while fostering seed grower networks and policies that aim to decentralize power and ownership in seed systems.
OSA engages in policy actions, discussion, and research at the national level. This includes bringing together diverse members of the organic community to identify and address barriers to breeding and growing more organic seed. We are members of the National Organic Coalition, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and Seeds & Breeds for 21st Century Agriculture Coalition.
Seed Patent Watch
Seed belongs in the hands of the people, not the patent holder. In the last 100 years, we have seen a shift in the management of seed as a public resource to one that is largely privatized. OSA and others continue to raise the alarm about the consequences of utility patents and other restrictive forms of intellectual property rights on seed. Join us in advocating for policies that protect seed and seed growers. Visit our Seed Patent Watch page for resources and updates.
