Seed, seedling, grafting and rootstock

Availability of organically-produced seeds and transplants is a major limiting factor in organic crop production.   Not all farmers are equipped to produce transplants on-farm.  There are very few sources of organically-produced plant materials such as seed potatoes, berry plants, onion sets and some seed varieties.  However farmers are to seek organically-produced transplants when possible.

a.     Horticultural crops and non-perennial field crops must be produced from seed that has not been treated with any unauthorized product.  Temporary exceptions may be made if untreated seed is not available.

b.         Annual transplants must be grown according to certification standards.  Perennials may be from any source provided they are under organic cultivation for 12 months prior to harvest.

c.         Edible crops such as onions, potatoes, garlic, berries and asparagus may be from non-organic sources, only if organic sources/methods are not available.  If growers do not use organic seed stock and/or plants, this must be clearly listed and justified on the certification forms.

d.         Transgenically-modified seed and plants are prohibited.