The Pacific Northwest has some of the best seed producing areas in the world. For example, Brassica vegetable seed crops produced in Washington and similar regions of Oregon have provided up to 50% of the US supply of seed and up to 25% of the world’s supply used to grow these vegetables. The region is therefore critical for expanding the US’s burgeoning organic seed trade, beginning with plant breeding. (See our regional assessment of organic plant breeding needs.)
Organic Seed Alliance’s collaborations with farmers, researchers, and the seed and food industry are fostering a regional seed system that is responsive to the needs of organic agriculture.
Organic Seed Alliance’s Pacific Northwest partnerships and projects are well-established. In 2015, we broke ground on our first research field at the Finnriver Farm & Cidery in Chimacum, providing a central location for most of our organic variety trial, plant breeding, and seed production projects in the region. The farm also serves as a venue for workshops, tastings, and field days. We’ve hosted nine biennial Organic Seed Growers Conferences in the region as well.
Our Pacific Northwest research focuses on vegetable crops, some grains, and beneficial flowers for pollinators.
Here are a few project updates:
- Spring at the Research Farm
- Seattle Chefs Put the Spotlight on Purple Sprouting Broccoli
- Partnering with Viva Farms to Empower More Seed Stewards
- Engaging Our Community in the Field and at the Table
- Working Around the Calendar to Breed Carrots
- Breeding Sweet Corn for the Pacific Northwest
