CONTACT
Jared Zystro, jared@seedalliance.org, (707) 502-9984
7th Annual California Organic Seed Summit to Convene Virtually
Arcata, CA – Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) invites California-based organic seed growers and organic seed companies to take part in the 7th Annual California Organic Seed Summit to be held March 22 – 26, 2021. This year’s event will be hosted virtually, allowing for broad stakeholder involvement across the state. The goal of the Summit is to develop long-term strategies and actions to build organic seed systems in California.
The Summit provides a unique opportunity for organic seed growers, companies, and other community members to network, exchange knowledge, and identify collaborative opportunities to increase the quantity and diversity of organic seed grown in the state.
“It’s the only annual event in California that focuses solely on organic seed,” says Jared Zystro, OSA’s research and education assistant director. “Past summits have resulted in a number of projects that have increased the sustainability, profitability, and resilience of seed systems in our state.
The Summit will include virtual roundtable conversations focused on a different theme each day. The schedule is as follows:
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 organic seed production challenges and strategies.
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 current and future organic plant breeding and variety trial efforts.
Wednesday, March 24, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. PST
Topic: Business and Marketing
Participants will hear presentations and engage in roundtable discussions on organic seed business and marketing challenges and strategies.
Thursday, March 25, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. PST
Topic: California Organic Grain
Participants will hear presentations and engage in roundtable discussions on how to produce organic grain seed, including choosing stock seed, avoiding seed borne diseases, and understanding equipment needs and variety choices.
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. The Summit will conclude with a strategic planning discussion focus on developing long-term strategies and actions to build organic seed systems in California.
“Our summits have always been very participant driven,” adds Zystro. “There’s a wealth of seed expertise in California, and these summits allow us to learn from each other’s experiences, as well as work to develop strategies that help strengthen all of our individual efforts – from organic plant breeding to enterprise development.”
There is no cost for participating in this year’s summit, but registration is required. Find registration details here: https://seedalliance.org/events/7th-ca-organic-seed-summit.
About Organic Seed Alliance: Organic Seed Alliance advances the ethical development and stewardship of the genetic resources of agricultural seed. Each year we educate thousands of farmers and other agricultural community members, conduct professional organic plant breeding and seed production research, and advocate for national policies that strengthen organic seed systems. Learn more at seedalliance.org.
