What Is the Difference Between Organic Seeds & Regular Seeds?

Regular Seeds

• Commercial production of regular vegetable and flower seeds takes place mainly in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California. These regions have low humidity, good soil and dry summers; disease incidence is lower under these conditions. Regular seeds are treated chemically for fungus and bacterial disease. Streptomycin is used to kill pathogens on the seed surface. Fungicides such as thiram, captan, etridiazole, metalaxyl, chloroneb, maneb, mancozeb, and PCNB commonly are used as seed protectants.

Organic seeds

• All products used to raise plants for organic seed must be naturally occurring, according to USDA regulations. Seed treatments must be approved by the National Organic Standards Board. Conventionally grown seed treated with fungicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilizer can not be used to grow plants for organic seed harvesting. Soil fertility must be maintained with substances derived from such natural sources as bloodmeal, seaweed products, mined rock powders, bone meal, selected animal manures and feather meal.

Organic Weed and Insect Management Practices

• Seeds grown for the organic market are not subjected to synthetic herbicides or fungicides. Various weed control techniques are practiced, such as mulching and use of cover crops. Weeds provide habitat for harmful insects to breed, so weed control is a preventative measure for insect control. Seed crops stay in the ground for a longer time than harvested crops, making the need for insect control greater. Organic seed-producing farms are not located near conventional farms because of the danger of chemical drift onto organic products.

Seed Pelleting

• Regular seeds often are pelleted to create uniform shapes and color to make them more visible when seeding. The materials used to accomplish this contain synthetic ingredients not permitted by the standards of the National Organic Program. Organic growers must use seed pelleting and coating materials approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). An all-natural organic seed coating has been developed for use on small seeds such as lettuce, carrot and onion. OMRI is a nonprofit organization that provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling and processing.