OSA’s 7th Annual California Organic Seed Summit is going virtual for 2021! The gathering will include two- to three- hour virtual roundtable conversations focused on a different theme each day (see schedule below). The summit provides a unique opportunity for California-based seed growers to network, exchange knowledge, and develop collective actions to build sustainable, profitable, and resilient seed systems in California. Each year’s summit is molded by the participants and produces an important springboard for future projects for the upcoming year and beyond.
California Organic Seed Summit Schedule
Monday, March 22, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. PST
Topic: Summit Introduction and Seed Production
This conversation will provide an orientation to the week’s activities, in addition to kicking off the week’s topics with presentations and roundtable discussions focused on crop planning, sourcing stock seed, and a conversation on Native American seed saving with Sarah Silverheels.
Tuesday, March 23, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. PST
Topic: Plant Breeding for Organic Systems and Variety Trials
Participants will hear presentations and engage in roundtable discussions on tomato breeding projects (led by Steve Peters of Seed rEvolution Now), breeding and trials for climate change, regional breakout brainstorm sessions, and intellectual property rights and community seed rights (led by Cathleen McCluskey and Kiki Hubbard of Organic Seed Alliance).
Wednesday, March 24, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. PST
Topic: Business and Marketing
Participants will hear presentations and engage in roundtable discussions on seed business options (led by Micaela Colley of Organic Seed Alliance), seed business resources, seed farm planning software, ethical marketing (led by Kitt Healy of Organic Seed Alliance), marketing platforms (breakout), licensing requirements (breakout), and grant writing (breakout).
Thursday, March 25, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. PST
Topic: California Organic Grain
Participants will hear presentations and engage in roundtable discussions on breeding trials (led by Allison Krill of UC-Davis), quinoa trials and breeding, grain seed management (led by Monica Spiller of Whole Grains Connection), and grain seed cleaning infrastructure (led by Rachel Britten of Mendocino Grain Project).
Friday, March 26, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. PST
Topic: Seed Equipment and Strategic Planning
On the final day, participants will hear presentations and engage in roundtable discussions on equipment for seed harvesting, cleaning, and processing, including updates on California equipment hubs available to growers. The Summit will conclude with a strategic planning discussion focus on developing long-term strategies and actions to build organic seed systems in California.
Pre-registration is required to participate and Zoom links will be included in your registration confirmation email. To learn more, contact Jared Zystro.
