Use our BC Seed Resources Directory to search through all of our website resource listings. Select categories to narrow your search. Know of a resource that’s missing? Let us know and we’ll add it!
- BC Seed Companies (21)
- BC Seed in the News (22)
- Certified Organic BC Seed Companies (6)
- Equipment Library (12)
- Podcasts (6)
- Publications (120)
- Recipes (6)
- Seed Cleaner Plans (9)
- Seed Libraries (28)
- Seedy Saturdays and Sundays (62)
- Videos and Webinars (28)
While there are many high-end air-driven seed cleaning machines on the market, such machines can also be made at home or on farm using readily available materials – reducing the cost of this seed cleaning method significantly. One of the well-known designs for a homemade air separator is the zig-zag seed cleaner, the building of which we describe in detail here.
Category: Equipment Library, Publications, Seed Cleaner Plans
The highlight of the Seed Equipment Library is the complete Mobile Seed Cleaning Unit with a Clipper AGM 224 Fanning Mill. The mobile unit offers a range of seed cleaning options to meet most needs. Here is an overview of what is included with the trailer. Cargo Trailer The trailer itself is a 7' x 12' cargo trailer with a 2" hitch ball. There is sufficient room to work inside the trailer, while many of the components can be removed and used on their own. The floor is solid vinyl which ma...
Category: Equipment Library, Seed Cleaner Plans
Address:
Splatsin Centre, 5767 Old Vernon Rd, Enderby, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
2691 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
583 Duncan Avenue West, Penticton, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
The Organic Seed Grower is a comprehensive manual for the serious vegetable grower who is interested in growing high-quality seeds using organic farming practices. It is written for both serious home seed savers and diversified small-scale farmers who want to learn the necessary steps involved in successfully producing a commercial seed crop organically. Detailed profiles for each of the major vegetables provide users with practical, in-depth knowledge about growing, harvesting, and processing s...
Category: Publications
This is not a “How To Grow Seeds” manual. Such information already exists and still more is being produced. A resource list at the end of this book details some readily accessible print and on-line resources about the how-to of seedgrowing. Beyond the mechanics of growing and harvesting seeds however, there are other considerations for the farmer seeking to incorporate seedgrowing into their farming systems. The strength of this book lies in the first-hand experiences of a number of growers who...
Category: Publications
Address:
3461 Ross Drive, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm (CSFS) is a unique research centre and local to global Food Hub working towards a more sustainable, food secure future. Our living laboratory is committed to finding solutions to local and global challenges facing food systems sustainability. Through our Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles, the CSFS models new paradigms for sustainable communities. The UBC Farm is a 24-ha teaching and learning space, and integrated production farm located o...
All gardeners and farmers should be plant breeders, says author Carol Deppe. Developing new vegetable varieties doesn't require a specialized education, a lot of land, or even a lot of time. It can be done on any scale. It's enjoyable. It's deeply rewarding. You can get useful new varieties much faster than you might suppose. And you can eat your mistakes. Authoritative and easy-to-understand, Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties: The Gardener's and Farmer's Guide to Plant Breeding and Seed Saving...
Category: Publications
Address:
OLPH Parish Center, 635 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Qalicum Beach Civic Centre, 747 Jones Street
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
312- 19th Ave N, Creston, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas Street, Victoria BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
All Saints Anglican Church, 4755 Arthur Drive, Delta, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
VanDusen Botanical Gardens 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Road, Sooke BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Florence Filberg Centre, 411 Anderton Ave, Courtenay, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Ave, Richmond, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Mayne Island Agricultural Hall, 430 Fernhill Road, Mayne Island, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
455 Ellis Street, Naramata, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
2510 Blind Bay Road, Sorrento, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Tofino Botanical Gardens, Tofino, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Lillooet & District REC Centre, 930 Main St, Lillooet
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
355 Wakesiah Avenue, Nanaimo, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Brennan Park Recreation Centre, 1009 Centennial Way, Squamish, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Cobble Hill Community Hall, 3550 Watson Ave, Cobble Hill, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
KPU Langley, 20901 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
7697 Lickman Road, Chilliwak, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Kimberley Public Library, 115 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Parkinson Recreation Centre, 1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Powell River Recreation Complex 5001 Joyce Ave, Powell River, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Greater Vernon Recreation, 3310 37th Ave, Vernon, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
5574 River Road, Duncan, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Campbell River Community Centre 401-11th Avenue, Campbell River, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Summerland Ornamental Gardens 4200 BC-97, Summerland, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Road, Surrey, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
22517 - 121st Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Address:
7650 Grand Street, Mission, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
A guide for vegetable producers farming one acre or hundreds of acres, One Level at a Time combines the latest science-based research with real-world stories from farmers to illuminate the challenges and benefits of organic transition. Full of practical information about organic standards, ecological and agricultural principles (agro-ecology) and marketing to set you on your path to successful organic production.
Category: Publications
Address:
2309 Zilinsky RoadPowell River, BC
V8A 0N8
15 years experience in growing organically for seed, herbs and vegetables. Eternal Seed is a company that grew out of a personal, family interest in heirloom varieties. The hybrid varieties offered today have been bred for ‘shipability‘. Not an attractive criteria when no more than 100 feet separates our garden from our kitchen. We are interested in flavours, textures and aroma and we wanted to be able to sow the seed from our produce to grow next year‘s garden. We also have a concern for the...
Category: BC Seed Companies
Address:
7636 Island Hwy.Black Creek. B.C.
V9J 1G6
Saving Seed has been the main focus of what we do from the start, although we do other things as well. We take a lot of pride in the quality of what we grow, in being truly sustainable, and supplying our local community. Our emphasis is on older varieties that have amazing flavour. We are trying to preserve a simple, age old way of life that has sustained people all over the world for ages.
Category: BC Seed Companies
A variety trial is an effective tool for assessing a range of varieties within a given crop to find a suitable variety for your farming system or to identify varieties with characteristics you are looking for in that crop. Variety trials are best performed over multiple seasons to better identify environmental factors in performance, “Every season is different, and it is important to make sure that a new variety holds up under the range of environmental conditions your farm experiences.” (Organi...
Category: Publications
Various how-to guides for organic seed production.
Category: Publications
Full listings of Organic Seed Alliance's Variety Trials
Category: Publications
See full listings of event proceedings and webinars from the Organic Seed Growers Conference
Category: Publications
Yield: 60 Canapes, Prep Time: 1 hour Carrot Red Lentil Hummus Ingredients 200g Red Lentil 5g Garlic Pinch of Salt 170g Raw Carrot (weight before peeling), medium dice 0.5 tbsp Spicy Crushed Chilies 0.5 tsp Honey 0.5 tsp Whole Cumin Seeds 0.5 tsp Salt 0.5 tsp Gr. Black Pepper 0.5 tbsp Tahini 0.5 lemon, juiced, no seeds 0.5 cup + 1 Tbsp Olive Oil Instructions Preheat oven to 400F Toss carrots, cumin seeds, chili flakes, honey, 1tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Lay evenly on a baking tra...
Category: Publications, Recipes
Yield: ~50 Servings Prep Time: 1 hour, Pickling Time: Overnight Ingredients 230g Golden Beets (1.5 Cups Chopped) 1Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar Pinch of Salt 3 Long English Cucumbers 2 Small Chioggia Beets Pickled Beet Brine 0.25 Cup Sugar 0.75 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds 0.25 tsp Black Peppercorns 2 tsp Turmeric 1 Sprig of Thyme Pinch of Salt Herbed Chevre 2 Cloves Garlic, minced 2 Scallions, green and white separated, sliced thin 1 tsp Vegetable Oil 100g Chevre 1 Tbsp Heavy Crea...
Category: Publications, Recipes
Yield: 80 sample pieces/ 8 Large pieces of cake The Cake Ingredients 4 medium beets, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 2-inch chunks 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda Salt 2 large eggs 3/4 cup warm water 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 pinches of nutmeg Vegetable oil cooking spray/ Coconut Oil/ Veg oil for pan greasing Directions Cover beets with 2 inches water in a pot. Bring to a boil. Re...
Category: Publications, Recipes
Address:
Char's Landing 4815 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC
Category: Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Prep Time: 20 mins Cooking Time: 20 mins Servings: 6 Ingredients: 6 Ribs of Lacinato Kale – Rib removed and leaves thinly sliced 2 Small White Onions – Diced small 2 Small Red Potatoes (~ 1 cup) – Cut in half lengthways and then sliced widthways paper-thin – Store in water if more than 10 mins away from cooking 6 Cloves Garlic – Minced ½ Cup Grape Tomatoes – Halved 10 Small Eggs – Whisked 2 Tbsp 35% Cream 1 tsp Rosemary Leaves - Finely chopped 1 Tbsp Butter 2 Tbsp Olive Oil – (½ tsp for potatoes...
Category: Publications, Recipes
Prep Time: 15 mins Cooking Time: 4 Hours Servings: 8 – 10 Ingredients: 398ml Can of Cannellini Beans 796 Can of Diced Tomatoes + Juice (Rinse can with ½ Cup of water to get all the flavour) 3 Cups Chicken (or vegetable) Stock ½ Cup Basmati Rice – Rinsed 1 Large Onion – Large Dice 8 Cloves Garlic – Chopped Fine 1 Medium Hot Chili – Minced (keep seeds for extra heat) 2 Large Carrots – 1” half Wheels 2 Bay Leaves 1 Tbsp Rosemary Leaves – Chopped Fine 2 tsp Oregano Leaves – Chopped Fine 2 tsp B...
Category: Publications, Recipes
3 Parts Prep Time: 20 mins Chilling Time: 1 hour Cook Time: 10 mins Full Servings: 2 Side Servings: 4 Part 1: Cous Cous Ingredients: 2/3 Cup Cous Cous 1 Cup Chicken (or Vegetable) Stock 1 tsp Olive Oil 1 tsp salt Method: Bring wet ingredients and salt to boil. Add cous cous, remove from heat, cover with lid and let stand for 5 mins Remove lid, fluff with fork. Transfer to a container with high surface area. Cool uncovered in the fridge Part 2: Kale Ingredients: 8 Ribs of Lacinato Kale – D...
Category: Publications, Recipes
Address:
260 – 4243 Glanford Ave, Victoria, BC
V8Z 4B9
Located at the South Saanich Community Office
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
1005 3RD Street Castlegar, BC
V1N 2A2
Located at the Castlegar & District Public LIbrary
Category: Seed Libraries
Supported by the Creston Valley Food Action Coalition
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
9905 Dudley Drive Hudson's Hope, BC
V0C 1V0
Located at the Hudsons Hope Public Library
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
7000 College Way, Coldstream, BC
V1B 2N5
Located in the Okanagan College Library - Vernon Campus
Category: Seed Libraries
An initiative of the Kamloops Food Policy Council. Seed library also offers seed cleaning equipment to use.
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
20901 Langley Bypass, Langley, BC
V3A 8G9
Located at KPU, Langley Campus Library
Category: Seed Libraries
Operated by Lillooet Food Matters. For more information about how to access the winnower or any conversations you'd like to have about seed saving please contact Eleanor Wright at eleanor.ronaele@gmail.com
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
120 14th Street West, North Vancouver, BC
V7M 1N9
Located at the North Vancouver City Library
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
7390 Cottonwood Street, Pemberton, BC
V0N 2L1
Located at the Pemberton and District Public Library and Operated by Stewardship Pemberton Society
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
7611 Ash St. Richmond, BC
V6Y 2S2
Hosted by Richmond Food Security Society.
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
129 McPhillips Ave, Salt Spring Island, BC
V8K 2T6
Located at the Salt Spring Island Public Library
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
37907 2 Ave, Squamish, BC
V8B 0A7
Located at the Squamish Public Library
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
9533 Main Street Summerland, BC
V0H 1Z01
Located at the Summerland Public Library
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
1044 Roberts Creek Rd, Roberts Creek, BC
V0N 2W0
Located at the Robert's Creek Community Library. Managed by the Sunshine Coast Seed Saving Collective.
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
5797 Cowrie St, Sechelt, BC
V0N 3A0
Located at the Sechelt Public Library. Managed by the Sunshine Coast Seed Saving Collective.
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
12854 17 Ave, Surrey, BC
V4A 1T5
Located at The Ocean Park Library
Category: Seed Libraries
Check listings for many seed libraries around Vancouver.
Category: Seed Libraries
You can sign up at the seed library when you check out seeds for the first time during one of the seed library events or when we have a booth at community events. To find out about upcoming events, sign up for the newsletter!
Category: Seed Libraries
A "Little Seed Library" is a portable box containing seeds. It can be displayed at various events to share seeds for free and to encourage gardening. Make your own "Little Seed Library"! Pick a box, Gather the seeds, Display at events, Share!
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC
V5N 4M4
Located at the Trout Lake Community Centre
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
1961 East Mall Vancouver, BC
V6T 1Z1
Located in the Woodward and Education Libraries at UBC, Vancouver Campus
Category: Seed Libraries
Located at Greater Victoria Public Library Branches. To participate in the Seed Library, please attend a member orientation session and become a member. Membership is free and includes access to seeds, classes and other resources.
Category: Seed Libraries
Address:
1001 McKellar Avenue Dawson Creek, BC. V1G 4W7
Category: Seed Libraries
In order to promote seed security awareness successfully, we found it crucial that we have information about what BC organic farmers are already doing to ensure their own seed security. Thus, this survey was created to gather important information from farmers. We hope that by utilizing the results of this survey, as well as continuing talks with organic farmers, that we can develop a plan to decrease reliance on larger seed companies and increase reliance on each other for sourcing quality seed...
Category: Publications
The 2014 BC Seed Producers Survey was developed and hosted by the BC Seeds Project, a project of FarmFolk CityFolk. Designed to inform the business plan of the B.C. Eco Seed Producers Co‐operative, a for profit co‐operative for British Columbia (BC) certified organic and ecological seed producers, the goal of the survey was to research the production and use of BC-grown certified organic and ecological seeds, and to gauge producer (i.e., small-scale commercial seed producers), interest in part...
Category: Publications
This report represents the first effort to document information about plant breeding priorities that was previously only available anecdotally. More extensive research with an effort to improve response rates would further substantiate the findings presented here. However, when viewed alongside regional approaches to priority setting for plant breeding, the survey results can provide a broader national context for participatory organic/ ecological vegetable breeding. We hope it will be useful fo...
Category: Publications
OSA has condensed years of farming, gardening, plant breeding, and seed-saving wisdom into one manual to guide your seed growing. This manual provides the basics of how to grow seed, from choosing appropriate varieties for seed saving to harvesting, processing, and storing seed. The instructions assume that the reader has basic knowledge of vegetable growing.
Category: Publications
This seed enterprise budget tool was developed as a starting point to guide farmers who are interested in knowing the costs associated with producing individual seed crops on their farms. Enterprise budgets provide a snapshot of costs associated with a single crop for a single year and do not make predictions or forecasts for future years. However, they can be used to provide guidance for farmers who are considering investments in new equipment, training, or scale. Sensitivity analyses can be do...
Category: Publications
The British Columbia Seed Trials project is working to assist the province’s vegetable seed business. Variety trials and other seed-related research is underway to help farmers identify crops and and varieties that have a strong potential for the seed industry in B.C., according to Alexandra Lyon, a postdoctoral fellow with the University of British Columbia. “The reason we want to get involved with supporting the vegetable seed industry here is to create opportunities in local agriculture becau...
Category: BC Seed in the News
BC Almanac discussion on food security featuring Chris Thoreau
Category: BC Seed in the News
New entrants to agriculture face significant barriers to entry. The rising cost of agriculture land and inputs makes it increasingly difficult to start-up a farm. From 2011 to 2016, the total number of B.C. producers fell from approximately 29,000 to 26,000 and the average age rose to 56 years. Despite these trends, the number of B.C. producers under the age of 35 increased by 205 to 1,825. New entrants, from diverse backgrounds, are entering the agricultural and agrifood sector across the provi...
Category: Publications
The organic seed sector will be getting a boost through a comprehensive project that includes seed production, business, and market supports. FarmFolk CityFolk, which has been working to cultivate local, sustainable food systems since 1993, will be leading the project with funding provided from the Governments of Canada and B.C. through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership. The five year, $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership launched on April 1, 2018, and includes $2 billion in cost-shar...
Category: BC Seed in the News
Agriculture as we define it today has existed for roughly 12,000 years. Though the practices have been refined over millennia, modern farmers would still recognize the intent and the activity as ‘farming.’ We can find examples of plants we recognize as cereal grains, peas, barley, wheat, rice, and squash dating back 10,000 years. What makes this possible is that all these food plants produce seed.
Category: BC Seed in the News
I would like to bring your attention to the recent Ministry of Agriculture press release about vegetable seed program funding at FarmFolk CityFolk. FarmFolk CityFolk's Seed Security Program is focused around helping organic farmers scale up production of high-quality organic vegetable seed. We run a number of training and outreach programs and have developed a suite of tools to give organic farmers more information on integrating seed production into their farming operations. These resources inc...
Category: BC Seed in the News
Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) “star legume” is the most widely grown and used legume in the world. USA and Brazil dominate the production of grain type soybean while China and Taiwan dominate the production of vegetable type soybean popularly known as ‘Edamame’. Japan and USA are major importers of Edamame. Soybeans, in general, are rich in protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, omega -3 fatty acids and other nutrients. In addition Edamame contains more proteins, sucrose and abscisic acids th...
Category: Publications
While the curiosity and qualms of many visitors were audible around the kiosk where samples were being doled out, the diversity of opinion was exactly what co-ordinator Chris Thoreau wanted. The more people who participated in the taste test, the better the range of feedback he would have regarding consumer experience of the root vegetable that can be served pickled, roasted, chipped or – as unlikely as it sounds – in ice cream. “The tasting events are a great way for us to engage the public in...
Category: BC Seed in the News
Broccoli seed production cheat sheet
Category: Publications
This webinar provides an overview of Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) project results from the first three years, including advancements in breeding for nematode resistance and insights into the genetic component of a plant’s response to beneficial microbiota and implications for organic farming systems. This webinar is presented by CIOA project partners.
This webinar provides an overview of Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) project results from the first three years, including advancements in breeding for nematode resistance and insights into the genetic component of a plant’s response to beneficial microbiota and implications for organic farming systems. This webinar is presented by CIOA project partners.
Category: Publications
Carrot seed production cheat sheet
Category: Publications
The long-term objectives of this 4-year project are, broadly, to increase the viability of growing organic and ecologically grown carrot seed in high tunnel isolation structures. In addition to addressing the reality of cross-pollination with Queen Anne’s Lace, the outcomes generated by this research will also point to best practices in increasing the yield of regionally adapted seed through the potential of growing out multiple carrot varieties without cross-pollination.
Category: Publications
This guide provides detailed climatic considerations for organic and specialty seed production in the Pacific Northwest. Topics include environmental influences on pollination and fertilization, and the influence of temperature, day length, frost-free days, precipitation, and wind. The guide also includes sections on environmental management, crop selection for seed production, and the history and geography of seed production in the region. Also available en espanol
Category: Publications
Easy to read chart for seed saving information on popular seed crops.
Category: Publications
Cucumber seed production cheat sheet
Category: Publications
A series of seed crop trials are getting underway at locations in southwestern B.C. with the aim of reducing local farmers’ extreme reliance on imported vegetable seed. While B.C. produces vegetable crops worth almost $3 billion, almost all the seed is imported, which leaves us vulnerable to seed crop failures abroad and reliant on strains of plants not bred to thrive in local growing conditions, said Alexandra Lyon, lead researcher for the three year B.C. Seed Security program, based at the Ce...
Category: BC Seed in the News
This summary is based on a talk by Professor Fred Crowe from Oregon State University. The transcript can be viewed here. The original sound recording is here.
Category: Publications
Use this record sheet to track annual seed harvesting and handling details, including weight, damage, harvest dates, seed sources, cleaning methods, storage conditions, and germination details.
Category: Publications
As soon as days begin to get longer and the winter cold starts to fade, gardeners, like the over-wintering plants, get restless. Leafing through seed catalogues and flipping through seed racks is an annual rite of passage. This time of year gardeners and small farmers alike look forward to Seedy Saturday. Seedy Saturday serves as a re-opening of the gardening season on Salt Spring Island and a way for farmers and gardeners to reconnect after a winter’s rest. This year the event features a seed s...
Category: BC Seed in the News
The people involved in the first stage of growing fresh and healthy B.C. vegetables are getting some help to increase the amount of local food grown in their communities. British Columbia’s seed farmers will be able to expand their businesses through a comprehensive project that includes help in growing, processing, managing and marketing their products. The not-for-profit organization, FarmFolk CityFolk, is leading a project to increase both the production capacity and customer base of seed far...
Category: BC Seed in the News
This manual teaches farmers how to breed carrots for organic production systems, including step-by-step instruction for developing breeding goals, identifying breeding material, performing breeding methods, and maintaining a new variety for quality and uniformity.
Category: Publications
This manual teaches farmers how to breed sweet corn for organic production systems, including step-by-step instruction for developing breeding goals, identifying breeding material, performing breeding methods, and maintaining a new variety for quality and uniformity.
Category: Publications
This manual teaches farmers how to breed tomatoes for organic production systems, including step-by-step instruction for developing breeding goals, identifying breeding material, performing breeding methods, and maintaining a new variety for quality and uniformity.
Category: Publications
"The growing power of seed multinationals (with their worrisome use of Genetically Modified products and seed patenting), coupled with greater international financial distress has made community seed saving more important than ever. Readily accessible, locally appropriate supplies of varied seed are important to communities and will be even more so in the near future. Hopefully, instead of being held for an emergency, these seed collections will become a vital part of ongoing community life. Man...
Category: Publications
This manual provides an overview of on-farm organic plant breeding methods, including an overview of basic genetics, farm-based experimental design, and appropriate breeding techniques for organic farms, among other useful background and instruction.
Category: Publications
Tracking on-farm labor can be confusing or overwhelming, but it is also extremely important for growers trying to get a handle on what their operator costs are, or produce enterprise budgets. The forms in this tool are designed as a guide that offers different method for tracking. Three different forms are included in the Labor Tracking Tool for Seed Producers. Each operation (or operator) might prefer a different type of form or a modified version of one of the forms. The first form is designed...
Category: Publications
Tracking on-farm labor can be confusing or overwhelming, but it is also extremely important for growers trying to get a handle on what their operator costs are, or produce enterprise budgets. The forms in this tool are designed as a guide that offers different method for tracking. Three different forms are included in the Labor Tracking Tool for Seed Producers. Each operation (or operator) might prefer a different type of form or a modified version of one of the forms. The first form is designed...
Category: Publications
These notes are a record of some of the information shared at Gathering Together Farm, where the field day focused on seed production by Frank Morton, a specialty lettuce and brassica seed producer, and farmer-breeder.
Category: Publications
The report includes findings from a statewide survey conducted in 2016 on organic vegetable production in Montana. The survey captured challenges growers face in sourcing organic seed and asked them to identify vegetable crops in need of improvement, including desirable traits.
Category: Publications
Onion seed production cheat sheet
Category: Publications
This is a summarizing document to provide a verification support to the edamame (Glycine max (L.) Merr L.) study reported from 2009 – 2015 as an effort to help meet the mission of The Sharing Farm and Richmond Food Security Society. The 2016 study was designed using (a) segregating populations of spontaneous mutations identified and developed at The Sharing Farm, (b) varieties tested for adaptation at Richmond agro-climate, and (c) appropriate technology for local seed production. Studies were p...
Category: Publications
Full Listing of OSA Work and Record Sheets
Category: Publications
These online tutorials teach professional techniques for organic seed production of brassicas, carrots, lettuce, onions, beets and chard, and wet-seeded crops. The tutorials also cover climatic considerations and the topics of seed disease and quality.
Category: Publications
This is the first of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This first webinar is an introduction to the series.
Category: Publications
This is the second of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This second webinar focuses on trials and selection.
Category: Publications
This is the third of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This third webinar focuses on diseases and pests.
Category: Publications
This is the fourth of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This fourth webinar focuses on seed quality, harvesting techniques and equipment.
Category: Publications
This is the fifth of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This fifth webinar focuses on cleaning and record keeping.
Category: Publications
This is the final webinar in a six-part series on organic seed production that provides training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This sixth webinar focuses on seed economics and contracting.
Category: Publications
This guide is intended for producers and agricultural professionals seeking information about organic seed production. Most of the resources are focused in the western region of the United States (OR, WA, ID, and CA) but much of the information is applicable to all climatic regions. Each section of the guide includes a brief introduction followed by a list of available online and print resources and references.
Category: Publications
This guide is intended for producers and agricultural professionals seeking information about organic seed production. Most of the resources are focused in the western region of the United States (OR, WA, ID, and CA) but much of the information is applicable to all climatic regions. Each section of the guide includes a brief introduction followed by a list of available online and print resources and references.
Category: Publications
This report analyzes input from targeted stakeholders — farmers, plant breeders, seed companies, food industry, and others — throughout the Pacific Northwest on regional priorities for organic plant breeding. The report provides an overview of priority traits by crop, organic breeding priorities that address broad production challenges within sub-regions of the Pacific Northwest, and opportunities for future research, education, development efforts, and potential collaborations to address the ne...
Category: Publications
Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) is a highly effective on-farm breeding method that involves a close collaboration between farmers and researchers. The approach provides farmers an opportunity to adapt crop varieties to their specific regions and organic farming practices. This toolkit includes a background on the theory and practice of PPB, case studies of successful projects, and worksheets to facilitate project planning and execution.
Category: Publications
This new publication aids organic seed producers in understanding the role and diversity of seed crop pollinators, as well as strategies for reducing pollen movement between organic and non-organic farms. Profiles of common pollinators, strategies for managing pollination, and guidelines for specific crops are all included.
Category: Publications
This guide includes the basic instruction need for on-farm organic bean seed production. Topics include understanding basic bean seed biology, climatic and soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
Category: Publications
This guide includes basic instruction for on-farm organic beet seed production. Topics include understanding basic beet seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
Category: Publications
This guide includes basic instruction needed for on-farm organic carrot seed production. Topics include basic carrot seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
Category: Publications
This guide includes basic instructions needed for on-farm organic lettuce seed production. Topics include basic lettuce seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
Category: Publications
This guide includes basic instructions needed for on-farm organic lettuce seed production. Topics include basic lettuce seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
Category: Publications
This guide includes basic instructions needed for on-farm organic radish seed production. Topics include basic radish seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
Category: Publications
This guide includes basic instructions needed for on-farm organic spinach seed production. Topics include basic spinach seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
Category: Publications
Common questions around foundation, stock, and production seed are: How much foundation seed do I need to ensure I have enough stock seed? How much stock seed should I produce every third year for my production seed? The Production Planning Tool for Seed Producers is a simple excel sheet that helps guide decision making around how much and how often to produce foundation, stock, and production seed based on your operation, desired inventory, longevity of the seed, and estimated yield. A blank te...
Category: Publications
Vegetable soybean (Glycine max Merr L.) popularly known as Edamame, is a crop with rising popularity in the western world. Its rich nutritive value and health benefits have created increasing market demand among health conscious consumers. Though this crop is generally adapted to Asian countries, its cultivation is slowly expanding in Europe and North America. Edamame seeds and frozen pods imported from Asia, mainly from China, Taiwanand Japan, are available in market place and super stores. How...
Category: Publications
As soon as days begin to get longer and the winter cold starts to fade gardeners, like over-wintering plants, get restless. Leafing through seed catalogues and flipping through seed racks is an annual rite of passage into the new year. This time of year gardeners and small farmers alike also look forward to Seedy Saturday and Sunday events across B.C. Foster Richardson of Hilldown Farm gets pretty excited about seed. He’s working with Cowichan Green Community to organize the 2018 Seedy Sunday in...
Category: BC Seed in the News
British Columbia is home to a vegetable industry worth $2.8 billion annually, but nearly every seed planted to grow those veggies is produced outside of Canada. While local, organic vegetable production is on the upswing, seed production is lagging. That may not appear to be a problem when browsing through a thick seed catalogue, but behind the seeming abundance of seed available there is a narrowing of diversity and neglect of varieties that perform well under organic or non-industrial agricult...
Category: BC Seed in the News
Use this record sheet to track annual seed crop production, including crop location, emergence details, cultivation methods, harvest dates, selection characteristics, and disease and pest damage.
Category: Publications
RICHMOND – Information sharing and engagement is more important than oneway presentations at the annual BC Seed Gathering, now in its fifth year. Organized by Keeley Nixon with Farm Folk/City Folk’s Chris Thoreau and Shauna MacKinnon, the event attracted about 100 enthusiasts. Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond was the main venue for proceedings, and gave attendees a glimpse of the new KPU seed lab in addition to the collective nature of the gathering itself. “It’s unlike a lot of gathe...
Category: BC Seed in the News
The main objective of seed extraction and cleaning is to; reduce the bulk and weight by removing non-seed chaff or debris, and to put seed into a suitable condition for storage and/or sowing. The principles of seed cleaning are to separate seeds and their associated structures into different fractions and retain only good, healthy, viable seeds. These fractions usually include; -good, healthy, insect free, viable filled seeds -find debris (smaller in size and lighter than seed) -coarse debris (l...
Category: Publications
Full Listings of OSA's Seed Production Resources
Category: Publications
Farmers need quality seed that is free of disease and that delivers on advertised germination rates, vigor, trueness to type, and specific traits for a particular variety. This manual provides recommendations to assure the quality of seed Montana’s specialty crop growers produce. The recommendations are intended as best practices to assist growers in reducing the risk of producing or selling inferior quality seed. The practices in this guide focus on growers who sell primarily vegetable seed. Th...
Category: Publications
CHILLIWACK – One of the biggest problems facing small, local farmers is not weather nor weeds, it is access to seeds. Seed security and seed saving, particularly of heritage varieties suited to local conditions, has been a recurring topic at recent Certified Organic Associations of BC conferences, and has become a major focus at Farm Folk/City Folk. For the past few years, FF/CF has been working with the University of BC Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and farmers in the Fraser Valley and on...
Category: BC Seed in the News
This series of short videos covers introductory seed saving practices with Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds, Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farms and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm. Filmed on location on working farms, the series provides the next best thing to hands-on experience to beginning seed growers.
Category: Publications
This report includes findings from an online survey developed with support from our regional partners to assess organic seed systems in the Southeast and identify collaborative opportunities to expand and improve these systems. The survey was advertised to farmers and gardeners throughout the Southeast, and was open from November 2011 through March 2012.
Category: Publications
State of Organic Seed is an ongoing project to monitor the status of organic seed systems in the United States. The project aims to develop diverse stakeholder involvement in implementing policy, research, education, and market‐driven activities that result in the improved quality, integrity, and use of organic seed. This report is the first comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities in building the organic seed sector. The first five-year update was published in 2016.
Category: Publications
Organic food should begin with organic seed. Right now most organic farmers rely on seed that isn’t organic. But that’s changing, for the good. Organic farmers produce food differently, and that means they need different seed for the crops they grow: seed developed to thrive without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and adapted to their local climate and soil conditions. State of Organic Seed is a project of Organic Seed Alliance that monitors the status of organic seed in the US and provide...
Category: Publications
Sweet Corn Seed Production Cheat Sheet
Category: Publications
Whether they are planted or consumed, seed is at the origin of our agricultural and food systems. Seeds carry the essence of the agricultural biodiversity responsible for food system resilience. Despite the importance of agrobiodiversity, 90% of the agricultural crop varieties have disappeared over the last century due to the increase of the industrial-type corporations’ control over seed systems (FAO, 2015). In response to this decline, there has been increasing efforts to build a strong global...
Category: Publications
The BC Seed Gathering is not your typical conference. The foundation of the event is a deep commitment to responding to community needs and providing a place for experienced and new seed growers to come together to learn, network and strategize together. The Gatherings are a connection point and forum to discuss what is needed to propel BC seed systems forward. At the 2012 Gathering plans for the BC Eco Seed Co-op were hatched. The Co-op was launched at the 2014 Gathering and 2017 offered an opp...
Category: BC Seed in the News
Growing local: the BC Seed Trials You might know where the veggies on your table come from, but do you know where the seeds are grown? It’s a question even most farmers can’t answer, but the BC Seed Trials aim to show the impact of using local seeds. “Knowing where your seeds come from is really important,” says lead researcher Dr. Alexandra Lyon. “Because farmers are losing access to varieties that work really well for them, particularly in organic agriculture.” The BC Seed Trials were launched...
Category: BC Seed in the News
On-farm variety trials help farmers manage risk by identifying optimal genetics for a grower’s unique environmental and market conditions. This guide provides farmers fundamental skills to conduct on-farm variety trials that reflect their particular goals and farming operations. Readers will find scientific principles presented in an accessible way, and will be walked though the process of planning, implementing, evaluating, and interpreting a variety trial. This tool is useful for farmers, as w...
Category: Publications
Tomato Seed Production Cheat Sheet
Category: Publications
Use this record sheet to score variety trials, including documenting varieties and trait scoring. Also see our variety trial planning worksheet.
Category: Publications
Starts at 7 minutes and 15 seconds in the video.
Category: BC Seed in the News
Here's a case in which research yields tasty results. Nonprofit society FarmFolk CityFolk and the Centre for Sustainable Food System at UBC Farm will hold an event entitled Seeds of Knowledge: A Research Showcase and Beet Tasting at the UBC Farm. Research at UBC Farm will be spotlighted, and will include a guide tour of the farm and University of the Fraser Valley and Kwantlen Polytechnic University researchers in attendance to share their knowledge. As UBC Farm has held annual beet-tastings in...
Category: BC Seed in the News
Use this worksheet to plan variety trials in your field. This document includes instructions and sections for capturing desired traits, varieties in the trial, planning tips, field assessments, trial layout, and evaluation criteria and timing. Also see our trial evaluation worksheet.
Category: Publications
Radio segment with Chris Thoreau on the VegetationStation
Category: BC Seed in the News
According to the WSDA Seed Program, Washington State now has over 70,000 acres in seed production, an increase of 30% since 2012. While mostly alfalfa, corn, and grass seed dominate this acreage, other farms are cultivating vegetable and flower seed both for on-farm use and to sell directly to consumers or contractually to seed companies. WSDA’s Seed Program can help guide producers through the regulations that govern seed sales to ensure high quality seed reaches the marketplace and complies wi...
Category: Publications
• Washington State supplies approximately 75% of the U.S. production and 25% of the world production of cabbage seed • 400−500 acres are grown annually in Washington State (350-400 acres of hybrid seed and 50-100 acres of open-pollinated seed) • Value of market seed sold to commercial growers is $22.4 million • Grower production costs are $3500/acre for hybrid seed and $1200/acre for open-pollinated cultivars
Category: Publications
Washington's agricultural industry may be better known for the apples, carrots, hops, or wines produced here; however, the small-seeded vegetable seed grown in this state is the foundation for a major share of vegetable production in the United States and worldwide. Washington is known to produce high-quality vegetable seed: an essential ingredient in any crop equation. Without quality seed, no matter how much time growers spend preparing the land and controlling pests, they cannot produce prime...
Category: Publications
The presence of inclement weather as seeds mature and during harvest may adversely affect dry-seeded seed crops. By following preventative measures and preparing for inclement weather, growers can significantly reduce risks and prevent financial losses. The scope of this publication covers weather-related harvesting issues and recommendations for dry-seeded crops in the Pacific Northwest.
Category: Publications
Watch an archive of webinar sessions from our 6th Organic Seed Growers Conference held January 19 – 21, 2012, in Port Townsend, Washington. This webinar series includes the following sessions: Introduction to On-Farm Plant Breeding; Organic Wheat Breeding; Breeding Peas, Sweet Corn, Broccoli, Winter Squash, and Carrots as Part of NOVIC; Organic Corn Breeding; Breeding for Nutrition; and Breeding for Positive Microbial Interactions.
Category: Publications
Watch an archive of webinar sessions from our 7th Organic Seed Growers Conference held January 30 – February 1, 2014, in Corvallis, Oregon. This webinar series includes the following sessions: Why Organic Seed Matters and How to Meet the Demand; Research Update: Small Grains and Corn; Research Update: Vegetable Crops; Unpacking the Cell Fusion Debate; Pollinator Conservation Strategies for Organic Seed Producers; and Managing Seed-Borne Diseases in Seed Production.
Category: Publications
Watch an archive of webinars from our 8th Organic Seed Growers Conference held February 4 – 6, 2016, in Corvallis, Oregon. This webinar series includes the following sessions: State of Organic Seed; What Indigenous Farmers Taught Me About Building Seed and Food Sovereignty; Seed Economics; Vegetable Breeding Research Updates; Organic Cover Crop Seed Production; Vegetable Seed Production: Scaling Up; Managing Seed Borne Pathogens; and a Seed Production Intensive.
Category: Publications
Winter Squash Seed Production Cheat Sheet
Category: Publications
Sourcing Medium-Scaled Equipment for Canadian Seed Producers
Category: Publications
This construction manual is intended for the purposes of building Farm Folk’s Seed Cleaning Unit. All materials can be locally sourced within the British Columbia, and no special equipment or processes are required for its construction.
Category: Equipment Library, Publications, Seed Cleaner Plans
Address:
225 Saucier Road Kelowna, BC
Sunshine Farm is Certifed Organic, and uses this setting to offer Vocational Development Opportunities to Adults in the Community Living Sector. The farm provides a mixed setting for hands on experience with a multitude of activities. We cater to a wide variety of interests such as cooking classes, music classes, literacy, computer, woodworking, greenhouse, equipment operation, etc.. The educational opportunities at the farm occur in the gardens, as well as in the various buildings (shop, barn,...
Category: BC Seed Companies
We are a producers' co-operative committed to vegetable, herb, grain, flower, and cover crop seed that is ecologically grown, open-pollinated, regionally selected, and GE-free. The BC Eco Seed Co-operative’s mission is to increase the quantity and improve the quality of ecological and organic seed grown in BC. We actively strive to educate and demonstrate that seed sovereignty is an essential part of sustainable bioregional and global food systems.
Category: BC Seed Companies
Pemberton has a long reputation for producing disease and virus free Seed Potatoes. High surrounding mountains and isolation from other growing areas combine with the flush-through system to keep Pemberton Seed Potatoes fresh and disease free.
Brother Nature's Organic Seed produces strong, Certified Organic, heirloom and heritage seeds to the home gardener. Our vegetable, annual, perennial, and herb seeds are germination tested to ensure only quality seed is delivered to your doorstep.
Welcome to the retail website of Eagleridge Greenhouse Gardens, producers of endangered heirloom seeds since 1995. Our specialty selections include tomatoes, vegetables, herbs and flowers suited for northern and temperate climates. We practice organic gardening methods, use raised beds, water saving techniques and companion planting. Our designs attract beneficial insects and are living examples of the amazing diversity possible growing heirloom plants. We wish to share the stories of our coll...
Category: BC Seed Companies
Address:
P.O. Box 807, Sooke BC, Canada
V0S 1N0
2018 celebrates 25 years of growing and selling seeds from our farm! You will find among our seeds many heritage varieties selected by generations for their excellent flavour and pest resistance. Also, you will find unusual varieties from Asia and Europe – prized by chefs from our best restaurants. All of Full Circle Seeds are grown at our farm ALM Organic Farm in Sooke and are certified by Islands Organic Producers Association. Full Circle Seeds are: Certified Organic meaning the plants these s...
Address:
Pemberton, BC
We are a family owned and operated farm located in the Seed Potato Capital of North America: the beautiful Pemberton Valley. We have farmed organically since clearing the land and making fields in 1980 and we are the fourth generation of this family to farm in the Pemberton Valley.
Address:
542 Wootton Rd,Victoria, BC, Canada
V9C 3Z4,
Metchosin Farm is non certified organic, in transition to organic certification. The farm offers plant starts (30+ varieties of vegetables, herbs, native plants and unusuals); root tubers, such as sunchokes, New Zealand yam and Japanese artichokes; 30+ varieties of tomatoes; fruit bushes (17+ varieties); and seeds (200+ varieties). Metchosin Farm also sells fresh eggs at their farm stand.
Category: BC Seed Companies
Address:
5865 North Naramata Rd.Naramata, BC, Canada
V0H 1N0
Naramata Seed Company is a small farm-based seed company located in the Okanagan Valley of southern British Columbia. The same conditions that have made the Okanagan famous for its fruit - a long growing season, abundant sunshine, and fertile mineral-rich soil combine to create ideal conditions for producing high quality vegetable seeds. Naramata Seed Company is dedicated to the preservation of genetic diversity in the vegetable world. In this catalogue can be found many rare and historic varie...
Category: BC Seed Companies
Address:
Spider Lake, BC
Omega Blue Farms is a heritage animal and heirloom plant conservation farm. The animal and plant varieties we utilize are maintained, restored, and improved using traditional breeding and morganic practices. Unlike the food found in the grocery store, the heritage foods we offer are grown from publicly (Canadian) owned genetics. By buying Omega Blue, you are supporting your own
Category: BC Seed Companies
Address:
Mojave Kaplan
PO Box 1005, Lillooet, BC Canada
V0K 1V0
We have some great new seeds available for this year, including bringing a few wilds into our gardens, as well as many we've been taking care of for a long time.
Category: BC Seed Companies
Address:
Saanich, BC
Welcome to Ravensong Seeds! We are a small seed business located at Fireweed Farm & School on Vancouver Island BC Canada. We specialize in medicinal herbs, pollinator plants, and native plants with a selection of veggies, and garlic. Our seeds are organically grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or GMOs. We believe in the importance of environmental stewardship and choose Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper for our seed packages and shipping materials.
Category: BC Seed Companies
Address:
Victoria, BC
Rebecca’s Garden grows over 30 varieties of unique heritage dry beans. Beans are available as seed and also (in limited quantities) for cooking. In addition, the farm offers a line of vegetable garden seeds, jellies, chutney, pickles, dried tomatoes, dried fruits, and fresh seasonal produce as available.
Category: BC Seed Companies
Address:
Box 444 Ganges P.O., Salt Spring Island BC , Canada
This is our 31st year of promoting a safe, sustainable and local agriculture. It is very gratifying to now see so many individuals and communities embracing this concept! We hope that some of the vegetables, beans, grains and herbs in this catalogue will help you to become more self-reliant in food and medicine. All our seeds are organically grown, untreated, open-pollinated and non-GMO. We grow all our own seeds and sell only our most recent harvest. We fill orders year-round and usually within...
Category: BC Seed Companies
Address:
Saanich, BC
We’re excited to let you know that Saanich Organics adventures in seed production have been going well. A few years ago, we started getting excited about seed. We are very concerned about narrowing corporate control of our seed supply and about the lack of regionally adapted, organically grown seed. We decided to become part of the solution by starting “Seeds of the Revolution” (Saanich Organics seed). From the start, our first priority was producing top quality seed. We read, we attend workshop...
Address:
Gabriola Island, BC
Sweet Rock Farm is a family-run, diversified farm that grows seeds, provides vegetables and fruits for the local markets, and keeps a small herd of sheep. We also have a gentle, loving horse called Archie and we board a buddy of his, Donny. Our priority is to grow the best quality food possible, and to that end, we don’t use any synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. In fact, everything is fertilized from compost made on the farm from our sheep and horse manures. We aren’t yet certi...
Category: BC Seed Companies
2431 Beverly Street Duncan BC V9L 3W4 250-748-8506 kat@cowichangreencommunity.org
Category: BC Seed Companies, Seed Libraries
Address:
741 Haliburton Road, Saanich, BC, V8Y 1H7
Saanich Native Plants offers one of the largest native plant seed selections on Southern Vancouver Island. Seeds are collected from our own stock and sold in pre-made mixes, packages, and in wholesale quantities. We also offer custom mixes suited to a variety of conditions and customer needs. Seed orders can be picked up from the nursery or mailed to your business or home.
Category: BC Seed Companies
New Entrant Strategy
Category: Publications
On small farms across British Columbia, a handful of growers has taken on a vital task to help save the planet’s food system. They are seed savers who plant and safeguard diverse varieties of food crops, herbs and flowers. By growing and saving the seeds of heirloom and open-pollinated varieties of plants no longer in common use, they are helping preserve plant diversity for future generations of farmers and food consumers.
Category: Publications
This electric winnower removes chaffs from small grains (barley, clover, quinoa, wheat), large grains (vetch, pea, bean) and dried roots.
Category: Publications
Conversion of a Leaf Shredder/Wood Chipper into a Grain Thresher.
Category: Publications
The winnower separates seeds from chaff by blowing the less dense chaff away as seeds fall down a column of air. Place the seed and chaff mixture on the tray. Turn the crank handle and move the seed mixture into the air duct. Manually adjust the crank speed to provide enough airflow to lift the lighter chaff up and out the top of the air duct, while allowing the denser seeds fall through the bottom of the air duct.
Category: Publications
A hand operated vacuum packing system (Figure 1) was developed to facilitate the storage of dry seeds. The system provides a means to seal containers with reduced oxygen content. A sealed container prevents rehydration of seeds, thus extends their viability. The reduced oxygen content suffocates adult insects that are stored with the seeds, and also extends the viability of the seeds by slowing down the seed respiration rate. This system can be used to vacuum pack dry food. Moist food, however,...
Category: Publications
Principles and practices of seed harvesting, processing, and storage: an organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
Category: Publications
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
Category: Publications
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and South.
Category: Publications
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
Category: Publications
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
Category: Publications
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
Category: Publications
Principles and practices of isolation distances for seed crops: an organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
Category: Publications
2019 marked the first year of our Seedy Saturday/Sunday capacity Building Project that aims to connect organizers from across BC to build capacity and shared frameworks. A key objective is data collection to demonstrate the role and impact of these events in communicates across the province. Our goal in 2019 was to establish a baseline of data and we're thrilled that 26 communities generously shared their data to contribute to this knowledge base.
Category: Publications, Seedy Saturdays and Sundays
Seed growers in BC have identified lack of infrastructure as one of their barriers to scaling up seed production. The Mobile Seed Cleaner came to fruition to help address this infrastructure gap and act as an educational tool to promote seed production in BC. The design is based on a mobile seed cleaner built by the Organic Farm School on Whidbey Island in Washington State and was designed and fabricated over the winter of 2018-2019. This document provides an overview of the Mobile Seed Cleaner,...
Category: Equipment Library, Publications, Seed Cleaner Plans
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm discuss how to breed kale plants for specific traits. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm discuss how determine when Kale seed is ready to harvest and some methods for harvesting. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm discuss how to clean brassica seeds. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm discuss harvesting and cleaning beans for seed and selecting seed for specific traits. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to breed and grow carrot seed for selected traits. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to harvest and clean carrot seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to harvest radish seed and how to determine when they are ready to harvest. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to clean radish seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to harvest beet seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to clean beet seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to harvest lettuce seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to clean lettuce seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part One of the opening session from the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. Presentations by Susan Walsh of USC Canada on The Bauta Initiative, a National Seed Program, and by Patrick Steiner from Stellar Seeds. The BC Seeds Gathering is a provincial gathering of seed growers, community leaders, and farmers from across British Columbia, Canada. Various participants from the conference present their views on seed saving at the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. The conference wa...
Category: Videos and Webinars
Part Two of the opening session from the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. The BC Seeds Gathering is a provincial gathering of seed growers, community leaders, and farmers from across British Columbia, Canada. Various participants from the conference present their views on seed saving at the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. The conference was organized and presented by FarmFolk CityFolk and hosted at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond, British Columbia.
Category: Videos and Webinars
Saturday morning at the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9-11, 2012. Patrick Steiner and Melanie Sylvester give a presentation about the basics of seed saving. The BC Seeds Gathering is a provincial gathering of seed growers, community leaders, and farmers from across British Columbia, Canada. Various participants from the conference present their views on seed saving at the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. The conference was organized and presented by FarmFolk CityFolk and hosted at Kw...
Category: Videos and Webinars
- BC Seed Companies (21)
- BC Seed in the News (22)
- Certified Organic BC Seed Companies (6)
- Equipment Library (12)
- Podcasts (6)
- Publications (120)
- Recipes (6)
- Seed Cleaner Plans (9)
- Seed Libraries (28)
- Seedy Saturdays and Sundays (62)
- Videos and Webinars (28)
While there are many high-end air-driven seed cleaning machines on the market, such machines can also be made at home or on farm using readily available materials – reducing the cost of this seed cleaning method significantly. One of the well-known designs for a homemade air separator is the zig-zag seed cleaner, the building of which we describe in detail here.
The highlight of the Seed Equipment Library is the complete Mobile Seed Cleaning Unit with a Clipper AGM 224 Fanning Mill. The mobile unit offers a range of seed cleaning options to meet most needs. Here is an overview of what is included with the trailer. Cargo Trailer The trailer itself is a 7' x 12' cargo trailer with a 2" hitch ball. There is sufficient room to work inside the trailer, while many of the components can be removed and used on their own. The floor is solid vinyl which ma...
The Organic Seed Grower is a comprehensive manual for the serious vegetable grower who is interested in growing high-quality seeds using organic farming practices. It is written for both serious home seed savers and diversified small-scale farmers who want to learn the necessary steps involved in successfully producing a commercial seed crop organically. Detailed profiles for each of the major vegetables provide users with practical, in-depth knowledge about growing, harvesting, and processing s...
This is not a “How To Grow Seeds” manual. Such information already exists and still more is being produced. A resource list at the end of this book details some readily accessible print and on-line resources about the how-to of seedgrowing. Beyond the mechanics of growing and harvesting seeds however, there are other considerations for the farmer seeking to incorporate seedgrowing into their farming systems. The strength of this book lies in the first-hand experiences of a number of growers who...
The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm (CSFS) is a unique research centre and local to global Food Hub working towards a more sustainable, food secure future. Our living laboratory is committed to finding solutions to local and global challenges facing food systems sustainability. Through our Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles, the CSFS models new paradigms for sustainable communities. The UBC Farm is a 24-ha teaching and learning space, and integrated production farm located o...
All gardeners and farmers should be plant breeders, says author Carol Deppe. Developing new vegetable varieties doesn't require a specialized education, a lot of land, or even a lot of time. It can be done on any scale. It's enjoyable. It's deeply rewarding. You can get useful new varieties much faster than you might suppose. And you can eat your mistakes. Authoritative and easy-to-understand, Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties: The Gardener's and Farmer's Guide to Plant Breeding and Seed Saving...
A guide for vegetable producers farming one acre or hundreds of acres, One Level at a Time combines the latest science-based research with real-world stories from farmers to illuminate the challenges and benefits of organic transition. Full of practical information about organic standards, ecological and agricultural principles (agro-ecology) and marketing to set you on your path to successful organic production.
V8A 0N8
15 years experience in growing organically for seed, herbs and vegetables. Eternal Seed is a company that grew out of a personal, family interest in heirloom varieties. The hybrid varieties offered today have been bred for ‘shipability‘. Not an attractive criteria when no more than 100 feet separates our garden from our kitchen. We are interested in flavours, textures and aroma and we wanted to be able to sow the seed from our produce to grow next year‘s garden. We also have a concern for the...
V9J 1G6
Saving Seed has been the main focus of what we do from the start, although we do other things as well. We take a lot of pride in the quality of what we grow, in being truly sustainable, and supplying our local community. Our emphasis is on older varieties that have amazing flavour. We are trying to preserve a simple, age old way of life that has sustained people all over the world for ages.
A variety trial is an effective tool for assessing a range of varieties within a given crop to find a suitable variety for your farming system or to identify varieties with characteristics you are looking for in that crop. Variety trials are best performed over multiple seasons to better identify environmental factors in performance, “Every season is different, and it is important to make sure that a new variety holds up under the range of environmental conditions your farm experiences.” (Organi...
Various how-to guides for organic seed production.
Full listings of Organic Seed Alliance's Variety Trials
See full listings of event proceedings and webinars from the Organic Seed Growers Conference
Yield: 60 Canapes, Prep Time: 1 hour Carrot Red Lentil Hummus Ingredients 200g Red Lentil 5g Garlic Pinch of Salt 170g Raw Carrot (weight before peeling), medium dice 0.5 tbsp Spicy Crushed Chilies 0.5 tsp Honey 0.5 tsp Whole Cumin Seeds 0.5 tsp Salt 0.5 tsp Gr. Black Pepper 0.5 tbsp Tahini 0.5 lemon, juiced, no seeds 0.5 cup + 1 Tbsp Olive Oil Instructions Preheat oven to 400F Toss carrots, cumin seeds, chili flakes, honey, 1tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Lay evenly on a baking tra...
Yield: ~50 Servings Prep Time: 1 hour, Pickling Time: Overnight Ingredients 230g Golden Beets (1.5 Cups Chopped) 1Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar Pinch of Salt 3 Long English Cucumbers 2 Small Chioggia Beets Pickled Beet Brine 0.25 Cup Sugar 0.75 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds 0.25 tsp Black Peppercorns 2 tsp Turmeric 1 Sprig of Thyme Pinch of Salt Herbed Chevre 2 Cloves Garlic, minced 2 Scallions, green and white separated, sliced thin 1 tsp Vegetable Oil 100g Chevre 1 Tbsp Heavy Crea...
Yield: 80 sample pieces/ 8 Large pieces of cake The Cake Ingredients 4 medium beets, trimmed, peeled, and cut into 2-inch chunks 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda Salt 2 large eggs 3/4 cup warm water 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 pinches of nutmeg Vegetable oil cooking spray/ Coconut Oil/ Veg oil for pan greasing Directions Cover beets with 2 inches water in a pot. Bring to a boil. Re...
Prep Time: 20 mins Cooking Time: 20 mins Servings: 6 Ingredients: 6 Ribs of Lacinato Kale – Rib removed and leaves thinly sliced 2 Small White Onions – Diced small 2 Small Red Potatoes (~ 1 cup) – Cut in half lengthways and then sliced widthways paper-thin – Store in water if more than 10 mins away from cooking 6 Cloves Garlic – Minced ½ Cup Grape Tomatoes – Halved 10 Small Eggs – Whisked 2 Tbsp 35% Cream 1 tsp Rosemary Leaves - Finely chopped 1 Tbsp Butter 2 Tbsp Olive Oil – (½ tsp for potatoes...
Prep Time: 15 mins Cooking Time: 4 Hours Servings: 8 – 10 Ingredients: 398ml Can of Cannellini Beans 796 Can of Diced Tomatoes + Juice (Rinse can with ½ Cup of water to get all the flavour) 3 Cups Chicken (or vegetable) Stock ½ Cup Basmati Rice – Rinsed 1 Large Onion – Large Dice 8 Cloves Garlic – Chopped Fine 1 Medium Hot Chili – Minced (keep seeds for extra heat) 2 Large Carrots – 1” half Wheels 2 Bay Leaves 1 Tbsp Rosemary Leaves – Chopped Fine 2 tsp Oregano Leaves – Chopped Fine 2 tsp B...
3 Parts Prep Time: 20 mins Chilling Time: 1 hour Cook Time: 10 mins Full Servings: 2 Side Servings: 4 Part 1: Cous Cous Ingredients: 2/3 Cup Cous Cous 1 Cup Chicken (or Vegetable) Stock 1 tsp Olive Oil 1 tsp salt Method: Bring wet ingredients and salt to boil. Add cous cous, remove from heat, cover with lid and let stand for 5 mins Remove lid, fluff with fork. Transfer to a container with high surface area. Cool uncovered in the fridge Part 2: Kale Ingredients: 8 Ribs of Lacinato Kale – D...
V8Z 4B9
Located at the South Saanich Community Office
V1N 2A2
Located at the Castlegar & District Public LIbrary
Supported by the Creston Valley Food Action Coalition
V0C 1V0
Located at the Hudsons Hope Public Library
V1B 2N5
Located in the Okanagan College Library - Vernon Campus
An initiative of the Kamloops Food Policy Council. Seed library also offers seed cleaning equipment to use.
V3A 8G9
Located at KPU, Langley Campus Library
Operated by Lillooet Food Matters. For more information about how to access the winnower or any conversations you'd like to have about seed saving please contact Eleanor Wright at eleanor.ronaele@gmail.com
V7M 1N9
Located at the North Vancouver City Library
V0N 2L1
Located at the Pemberton and District Public Library and Operated by Stewardship Pemberton Society
V6Y 2S2
Hosted by Richmond Food Security Society.
V8K 2T6
Located at the Salt Spring Island Public Library
V8B 0A7
Located at the Squamish Public Library
V0H 1Z01
Located at the Summerland Public Library
V0N 2W0
Located at the Robert's Creek Community Library. Managed by the Sunshine Coast Seed Saving Collective.
V0N 3A0
Located at the Sechelt Public Library. Managed by the Sunshine Coast Seed Saving Collective.
V4A 1T5
Located at The Ocean Park Library
Check listings for many seed libraries around Vancouver.
You can sign up at the seed library when you check out seeds for the first time during one of the seed library events or when we have a booth at community events. To find out about upcoming events, sign up for the newsletter!
A "Little Seed Library" is a portable box containing seeds. It can be displayed at various events to share seeds for free and to encourage gardening. Make your own "Little Seed Library"! Pick a box, Gather the seeds, Display at events, Share!
V5N 4M4
Located at the Trout Lake Community Centre
V6T 1Z1
Located in the Woodward and Education Libraries at UBC, Vancouver Campus
Located at Greater Victoria Public Library Branches. To participate in the Seed Library, please attend a member orientation session and become a member. Membership is free and includes access to seeds, classes and other resources.
In order to promote seed security awareness successfully, we found it crucial that we have information about what BC organic farmers are already doing to ensure their own seed security. Thus, this survey was created to gather important information from farmers. We hope that by utilizing the results of this survey, as well as continuing talks with organic farmers, that we can develop a plan to decrease reliance on larger seed companies and increase reliance on each other for sourcing quality seed...
The 2014 BC Seed Producers Survey was developed and hosted by the BC Seeds Project, a project of FarmFolk CityFolk. Designed to inform the business plan of the B.C. Eco Seed Producers Co‐operative, a for profit co‐operative for British Columbia (BC) certified organic and ecological seed producers, the goal of the survey was to research the production and use of BC-grown certified organic and ecological seeds, and to gauge producer (i.e., small-scale commercial seed producers), interest in part...
This report represents the first effort to document information about plant breeding priorities that was previously only available anecdotally. More extensive research with an effort to improve response rates would further substantiate the findings presented here. However, when viewed alongside regional approaches to priority setting for plant breeding, the survey results can provide a broader national context for participatory organic/ ecological vegetable breeding. We hope it will be useful fo...
OSA has condensed years of farming, gardening, plant breeding, and seed-saving wisdom into one manual to guide your seed growing. This manual provides the basics of how to grow seed, from choosing appropriate varieties for seed saving to harvesting, processing, and storing seed. The instructions assume that the reader has basic knowledge of vegetable growing.
This seed enterprise budget tool was developed as a starting point to guide farmers who are interested in knowing the costs associated with producing individual seed crops on their farms. Enterprise budgets provide a snapshot of costs associated with a single crop for a single year and do not make predictions or forecasts for future years. However, they can be used to provide guidance for farmers who are considering investments in new equipment, training, or scale. Sensitivity analyses can be do...
The British Columbia Seed Trials project is working to assist the province’s vegetable seed business. Variety trials and other seed-related research is underway to help farmers identify crops and and varieties that have a strong potential for the seed industry in B.C., according to Alexandra Lyon, a postdoctoral fellow with the University of British Columbia. “The reason we want to get involved with supporting the vegetable seed industry here is to create opportunities in local agriculture becau...
BC Almanac discussion on food security featuring Chris Thoreau
New entrants to agriculture face significant barriers to entry. The rising cost of agriculture land and inputs makes it increasingly difficult to start-up a farm. From 2011 to 2016, the total number of B.C. producers fell from approximately 29,000 to 26,000 and the average age rose to 56 years. Despite these trends, the number of B.C. producers under the age of 35 increased by 205 to 1,825. New entrants, from diverse backgrounds, are entering the agricultural and agrifood sector across the provi...
The organic seed sector will be getting a boost through a comprehensive project that includes seed production, business, and market supports. FarmFolk CityFolk, which has been working to cultivate local, sustainable food systems since 1993, will be leading the project with funding provided from the Governments of Canada and B.C. through the Canadian Agriculture Partnership. The five year, $3 billion Canadian Agricultural Partnership launched on April 1, 2018, and includes $2 billion in cost-shar...
Agriculture as we define it today has existed for roughly 12,000 years. Though the practices have been refined over millennia, modern farmers would still recognize the intent and the activity as ‘farming.’ We can find examples of plants we recognize as cereal grains, peas, barley, wheat, rice, and squash dating back 10,000 years. What makes this possible is that all these food plants produce seed.
I would like to bring your attention to the recent Ministry of Agriculture press release about vegetable seed program funding at FarmFolk CityFolk. FarmFolk CityFolk's Seed Security Program is focused around helping organic farmers scale up production of high-quality organic vegetable seed. We run a number of training and outreach programs and have developed a suite of tools to give organic farmers more information on integrating seed production into their farming operations. These resources inc...
Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) “star legume” is the most widely grown and used legume in the world. USA and Brazil dominate the production of grain type soybean while China and Taiwan dominate the production of vegetable type soybean popularly known as ‘Edamame’. Japan and USA are major importers of Edamame. Soybeans, in general, are rich in protein, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, omega -3 fatty acids and other nutrients. In addition Edamame contains more proteins, sucrose and abscisic acids th...
While the curiosity and qualms of many visitors were audible around the kiosk where samples were being doled out, the diversity of opinion was exactly what co-ordinator Chris Thoreau wanted. The more people who participated in the taste test, the better the range of feedback he would have regarding consumer experience of the root vegetable that can be served pickled, roasted, chipped or – as unlikely as it sounds – in ice cream. “The tasting events are a great way for us to engage the public in...
Broccoli seed production cheat sheet
This webinar provides an overview of Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) project results from the first three years, including advancements in breeding for nematode resistance and insights into the genetic component of a plant’s response to beneficial microbiota and implications for organic farming systems. This webinar is presented by CIOA project partners.
This webinar provides an overview of Carrot Improvement for Organic Agriculture (CIOA) project results from the first three years, including advancements in breeding for nematode resistance and insights into the genetic component of a plant’s response to beneficial microbiota and implications for organic farming systems. This webinar is presented by CIOA project partners.
Carrot seed production cheat sheet
The long-term objectives of this 4-year project are, broadly, to increase the viability of growing organic and ecologically grown carrot seed in high tunnel isolation structures. In addition to addressing the reality of cross-pollination with Queen Anne’s Lace, the outcomes generated by this research will also point to best practices in increasing the yield of regionally adapted seed through the potential of growing out multiple carrot varieties without cross-pollination.
This guide provides detailed climatic considerations for organic and specialty seed production in the Pacific Northwest. Topics include environmental influences on pollination and fertilization, and the influence of temperature, day length, frost-free days, precipitation, and wind. The guide also includes sections on environmental management, crop selection for seed production, and the history and geography of seed production in the region. Also available en espanol
Easy to read chart for seed saving information on popular seed crops.
Cucumber seed production cheat sheet
A series of seed crop trials are getting underway at locations in southwestern B.C. with the aim of reducing local farmers’ extreme reliance on imported vegetable seed. While B.C. produces vegetable crops worth almost $3 billion, almost all the seed is imported, which leaves us vulnerable to seed crop failures abroad and reliant on strains of plants not bred to thrive in local growing conditions, said Alexandra Lyon, lead researcher for the three year B.C. Seed Security program, based at the Ce...
This summary is based on a talk by Professor Fred Crowe from Oregon State University. The transcript can be viewed here. The original sound recording is here.
Use this record sheet to track annual seed harvesting and handling details, including weight, damage, harvest dates, seed sources, cleaning methods, storage conditions, and germination details.
As soon as days begin to get longer and the winter cold starts to fade, gardeners, like the over-wintering plants, get restless. Leafing through seed catalogues and flipping through seed racks is an annual rite of passage. This time of year gardeners and small farmers alike look forward to Seedy Saturday. Seedy Saturday serves as a re-opening of the gardening season on Salt Spring Island and a way for farmers and gardeners to reconnect after a winter’s rest. This year the event features a seed s...
The people involved in the first stage of growing fresh and healthy B.C. vegetables are getting some help to increase the amount of local food grown in their communities. British Columbia’s seed farmers will be able to expand their businesses through a comprehensive project that includes help in growing, processing, managing and marketing their products. The not-for-profit organization, FarmFolk CityFolk, is leading a project to increase both the production capacity and customer base of seed far...
This manual teaches farmers how to breed carrots for organic production systems, including step-by-step instruction for developing breeding goals, identifying breeding material, performing breeding methods, and maintaining a new variety for quality and uniformity.
This manual teaches farmers how to breed sweet corn for organic production systems, including step-by-step instruction for developing breeding goals, identifying breeding material, performing breeding methods, and maintaining a new variety for quality and uniformity.
This manual teaches farmers how to breed tomatoes for organic production systems, including step-by-step instruction for developing breeding goals, identifying breeding material, performing breeding methods, and maintaining a new variety for quality and uniformity.
"The growing power of seed multinationals (with their worrisome use of Genetically Modified products and seed patenting), coupled with greater international financial distress has made community seed saving more important than ever. Readily accessible, locally appropriate supplies of varied seed are important to communities and will be even more so in the near future. Hopefully, instead of being held for an emergency, these seed collections will become a vital part of ongoing community life. Man...
This manual provides an overview of on-farm organic plant breeding methods, including an overview of basic genetics, farm-based experimental design, and appropriate breeding techniques for organic farms, among other useful background and instruction.
Tracking on-farm labor can be confusing or overwhelming, but it is also extremely important for growers trying to get a handle on what their operator costs are, or produce enterprise budgets. The forms in this tool are designed as a guide that offers different method for tracking. Three different forms are included in the Labor Tracking Tool for Seed Producers. Each operation (or operator) might prefer a different type of form or a modified version of one of the forms. The first form is designed...
Tracking on-farm labor can be confusing or overwhelming, but it is also extremely important for growers trying to get a handle on what their operator costs are, or produce enterprise budgets. The forms in this tool are designed as a guide that offers different method for tracking. Three different forms are included in the Labor Tracking Tool for Seed Producers. Each operation (or operator) might prefer a different type of form or a modified version of one of the forms. The first form is designed...
These notes are a record of some of the information shared at Gathering Together Farm, where the field day focused on seed production by Frank Morton, a specialty lettuce and brassica seed producer, and farmer-breeder.
The report includes findings from a statewide survey conducted in 2016 on organic vegetable production in Montana. The survey captured challenges growers face in sourcing organic seed and asked them to identify vegetable crops in need of improvement, including desirable traits.
Onion seed production cheat sheet
This is a summarizing document to provide a verification support to the edamame (Glycine max (L.) Merr L.) study reported from 2009 – 2015 as an effort to help meet the mission of The Sharing Farm and Richmond Food Security Society. The 2016 study was designed using (a) segregating populations of spontaneous mutations identified and developed at The Sharing Farm, (b) varieties tested for adaptation at Richmond agro-climate, and (c) appropriate technology for local seed production. Studies were p...
Full Listing of OSA Work and Record Sheets
These online tutorials teach professional techniques for organic seed production of brassicas, carrots, lettuce, onions, beets and chard, and wet-seeded crops. The tutorials also cover climatic considerations and the topics of seed disease and quality.
This is the first of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This first webinar is an introduction to the series.
This is the second of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This second webinar focuses on trials and selection.
This is the third of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This third webinar focuses on diseases and pests.
This is the fourth of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This fourth webinar focuses on seed quality, harvesting techniques and equipment.
This is the fifth of a six-webinar series on organic seed production providing training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This fifth webinar focuses on cleaning and record keeping.
This is the final webinar in a six-part series on organic seed production that provides training for seed growers and their interns throughout the 2016 growing season. This sixth webinar focuses on seed economics and contracting.
This guide is intended for producers and agricultural professionals seeking information about organic seed production. Most of the resources are focused in the western region of the United States (OR, WA, ID, and CA) but much of the information is applicable to all climatic regions. Each section of the guide includes a brief introduction followed by a list of available online and print resources and references.
This guide is intended for producers and agricultural professionals seeking information about organic seed production. Most of the resources are focused in the western region of the United States (OR, WA, ID, and CA) but much of the information is applicable to all climatic regions. Each section of the guide includes a brief introduction followed by a list of available online and print resources and references.
This report analyzes input from targeted stakeholders — farmers, plant breeders, seed companies, food industry, and others — throughout the Pacific Northwest on regional priorities for organic plant breeding. The report provides an overview of priority traits by crop, organic breeding priorities that address broad production challenges within sub-regions of the Pacific Northwest, and opportunities for future research, education, development efforts, and potential collaborations to address the ne...
Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) is a highly effective on-farm breeding method that involves a close collaboration between farmers and researchers. The approach provides farmers an opportunity to adapt crop varieties to their specific regions and organic farming practices. This toolkit includes a background on the theory and practice of PPB, case studies of successful projects, and worksheets to facilitate project planning and execution.
This new publication aids organic seed producers in understanding the role and diversity of seed crop pollinators, as well as strategies for reducing pollen movement between organic and non-organic farms. Profiles of common pollinators, strategies for managing pollination, and guidelines for specific crops are all included.
This guide includes the basic instruction need for on-farm organic bean seed production. Topics include understanding basic bean seed biology, climatic and soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
This guide includes basic instruction for on-farm organic beet seed production. Topics include understanding basic beet seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
This guide includes basic instruction needed for on-farm organic carrot seed production. Topics include basic carrot seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
This guide includes basic instructions needed for on-farm organic lettuce seed production. Topics include basic lettuce seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
This guide includes basic instructions needed for on-farm organic lettuce seed production. Topics include basic lettuce seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
This guide includes basic instructions needed for on-farm organic radish seed production. Topics include basic radish seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
This guide includes basic instructions needed for on-farm organic spinach seed production. Topics include basic spinach seed biology, climatic requirements, soil fertility requirements, planting and cultivation, flowering and pollination, isolation requirements, genetic maintenance and improvement, harvesting, and common diseases.
Common questions around foundation, stock, and production seed are: How much foundation seed do I need to ensure I have enough stock seed? How much stock seed should I produce every third year for my production seed? The Production Planning Tool for Seed Producers is a simple excel sheet that helps guide decision making around how much and how often to produce foundation, stock, and production seed based on your operation, desired inventory, longevity of the seed, and estimated yield. A blank te...
Vegetable soybean (Glycine max Merr L.) popularly known as Edamame, is a crop with rising popularity in the western world. Its rich nutritive value and health benefits have created increasing market demand among health conscious consumers. Though this crop is generally adapted to Asian countries, its cultivation is slowly expanding in Europe and North America. Edamame seeds and frozen pods imported from Asia, mainly from China, Taiwanand Japan, are available in market place and super stores. How...
As soon as days begin to get longer and the winter cold starts to fade gardeners, like over-wintering plants, get restless. Leafing through seed catalogues and flipping through seed racks is an annual rite of passage into the new year. This time of year gardeners and small farmers alike also look forward to Seedy Saturday and Sunday events across B.C. Foster Richardson of Hilldown Farm gets pretty excited about seed. He’s working with Cowichan Green Community to organize the 2018 Seedy Sunday in...
British Columbia is home to a vegetable industry worth $2.8 billion annually, but nearly every seed planted to grow those veggies is produced outside of Canada. While local, organic vegetable production is on the upswing, seed production is lagging. That may not appear to be a problem when browsing through a thick seed catalogue, but behind the seeming abundance of seed available there is a narrowing of diversity and neglect of varieties that perform well under organic or non-industrial agricult...
Use this record sheet to track annual seed crop production, including crop location, emergence details, cultivation methods, harvest dates, selection characteristics, and disease and pest damage.
RICHMOND – Information sharing and engagement is more important than oneway presentations at the annual BC Seed Gathering, now in its fifth year. Organized by Keeley Nixon with Farm Folk/City Folk’s Chris Thoreau and Shauna MacKinnon, the event attracted about 100 enthusiasts. Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond was the main venue for proceedings, and gave attendees a glimpse of the new KPU seed lab in addition to the collective nature of the gathering itself. “It’s unlike a lot of gathe...
The main objective of seed extraction and cleaning is to; reduce the bulk and weight by removing non-seed chaff or debris, and to put seed into a suitable condition for storage and/or sowing. The principles of seed cleaning are to separate seeds and their associated structures into different fractions and retain only good, healthy, viable seeds. These fractions usually include; -good, healthy, insect free, viable filled seeds -find debris (smaller in size and lighter than seed) -coarse debris (l...
Full Listings of OSA's Seed Production Resources
Farmers need quality seed that is free of disease and that delivers on advertised germination rates, vigor, trueness to type, and specific traits for a particular variety. This manual provides recommendations to assure the quality of seed Montana’s specialty crop growers produce. The recommendations are intended as best practices to assist growers in reducing the risk of producing or selling inferior quality seed. The practices in this guide focus on growers who sell primarily vegetable seed. Th...
CHILLIWACK – One of the biggest problems facing small, local farmers is not weather nor weeds, it is access to seeds. Seed security and seed saving, particularly of heritage varieties suited to local conditions, has been a recurring topic at recent Certified Organic Associations of BC conferences, and has become a major focus at Farm Folk/City Folk. For the past few years, FF/CF has been working with the University of BC Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and farmers in the Fraser Valley and on...
This series of short videos covers introductory seed saving practices with Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds, Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farms and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm. Filmed on location on working farms, the series provides the next best thing to hands-on experience to beginning seed growers.
This report includes findings from an online survey developed with support from our regional partners to assess organic seed systems in the Southeast and identify collaborative opportunities to expand and improve these systems. The survey was advertised to farmers and gardeners throughout the Southeast, and was open from November 2011 through March 2012.
State of Organic Seed is an ongoing project to monitor the status of organic seed systems in the United States. The project aims to develop diverse stakeholder involvement in implementing policy, research, education, and market‐driven activities that result in the improved quality, integrity, and use of organic seed. This report is the first comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities in building the organic seed sector. The first five-year update was published in 2016.
Organic food should begin with organic seed. Right now most organic farmers rely on seed that isn’t organic. But that’s changing, for the good. Organic farmers produce food differently, and that means they need different seed for the crops they grow: seed developed to thrive without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and adapted to their local climate and soil conditions. State of Organic Seed is a project of Organic Seed Alliance that monitors the status of organic seed in the US and provide...
Sweet Corn Seed Production Cheat Sheet
Whether they are planted or consumed, seed is at the origin of our agricultural and food systems. Seeds carry the essence of the agricultural biodiversity responsible for food system resilience. Despite the importance of agrobiodiversity, 90% of the agricultural crop varieties have disappeared over the last century due to the increase of the industrial-type corporations’ control over seed systems (FAO, 2015). In response to this decline, there has been increasing efforts to build a strong global...
The BC Seed Gathering is not your typical conference. The foundation of the event is a deep commitment to responding to community needs and providing a place for experienced and new seed growers to come together to learn, network and strategize together. The Gatherings are a connection point and forum to discuss what is needed to propel BC seed systems forward. At the 2012 Gathering plans for the BC Eco Seed Co-op were hatched. The Co-op was launched at the 2014 Gathering and 2017 offered an opp...
Growing local: the BC Seed Trials You might know where the veggies on your table come from, but do you know where the seeds are grown? It’s a question even most farmers can’t answer, but the BC Seed Trials aim to show the impact of using local seeds. “Knowing where your seeds come from is really important,” says lead researcher Dr. Alexandra Lyon. “Because farmers are losing access to varieties that work really well for them, particularly in organic agriculture.” The BC Seed Trials were launched...
On-farm variety trials help farmers manage risk by identifying optimal genetics for a grower’s unique environmental and market conditions. This guide provides farmers fundamental skills to conduct on-farm variety trials that reflect their particular goals and farming operations. Readers will find scientific principles presented in an accessible way, and will be walked though the process of planning, implementing, evaluating, and interpreting a variety trial. This tool is useful for farmers, as w...
Tomato Seed Production Cheat Sheet
Use this record sheet to score variety trials, including documenting varieties and trait scoring. Also see our variety trial planning worksheet.
Starts at 7 minutes and 15 seconds in the video.
Here's a case in which research yields tasty results. Nonprofit society FarmFolk CityFolk and the Centre for Sustainable Food System at UBC Farm will hold an event entitled Seeds of Knowledge: A Research Showcase and Beet Tasting at the UBC Farm. Research at UBC Farm will be spotlighted, and will include a guide tour of the farm and University of the Fraser Valley and Kwantlen Polytechnic University researchers in attendance to share their knowledge. As UBC Farm has held annual beet-tastings in...
Use this worksheet to plan variety trials in your field. This document includes instructions and sections for capturing desired traits, varieties in the trial, planning tips, field assessments, trial layout, and evaluation criteria and timing. Also see our trial evaluation worksheet.
Radio segment with Chris Thoreau on the VegetationStation
According to the WSDA Seed Program, Washington State now has over 70,000 acres in seed production, an increase of 30% since 2012. While mostly alfalfa, corn, and grass seed dominate this acreage, other farms are cultivating vegetable and flower seed both for on-farm use and to sell directly to consumers or contractually to seed companies. WSDA’s Seed Program can help guide producers through the regulations that govern seed sales to ensure high quality seed reaches the marketplace and complies wi...
• Washington State supplies approximately 75% of the U.S. production and 25% of the world production of cabbage seed • 400−500 acres are grown annually in Washington State (350-400 acres of hybrid seed and 50-100 acres of open-pollinated seed) • Value of market seed sold to commercial growers is $22.4 million • Grower production costs are $3500/acre for hybrid seed and $1200/acre for open-pollinated cultivars
Washington's agricultural industry may be better known for the apples, carrots, hops, or wines produced here; however, the small-seeded vegetable seed grown in this state is the foundation for a major share of vegetable production in the United States and worldwide. Washington is known to produce high-quality vegetable seed: an essential ingredient in any crop equation. Without quality seed, no matter how much time growers spend preparing the land and controlling pests, they cannot produce prime...
The presence of inclement weather as seeds mature and during harvest may adversely affect dry-seeded seed crops. By following preventative measures and preparing for inclement weather, growers can significantly reduce risks and prevent financial losses. The scope of this publication covers weather-related harvesting issues and recommendations for dry-seeded crops in the Pacific Northwest.
Watch an archive of webinar sessions from our 6th Organic Seed Growers Conference held January 19 – 21, 2012, in Port Townsend, Washington. This webinar series includes the following sessions: Introduction to On-Farm Plant Breeding; Organic Wheat Breeding; Breeding Peas, Sweet Corn, Broccoli, Winter Squash, and Carrots as Part of NOVIC; Organic Corn Breeding; Breeding for Nutrition; and Breeding for Positive Microbial Interactions.
Watch an archive of webinar sessions from our 7th Organic Seed Growers Conference held January 30 – February 1, 2014, in Corvallis, Oregon. This webinar series includes the following sessions: Why Organic Seed Matters and How to Meet the Demand; Research Update: Small Grains and Corn; Research Update: Vegetable Crops; Unpacking the Cell Fusion Debate; Pollinator Conservation Strategies for Organic Seed Producers; and Managing Seed-Borne Diseases in Seed Production.
Watch an archive of webinars from our 8th Organic Seed Growers Conference held February 4 – 6, 2016, in Corvallis, Oregon. This webinar series includes the following sessions: State of Organic Seed; What Indigenous Farmers Taught Me About Building Seed and Food Sovereignty; Seed Economics; Vegetable Breeding Research Updates; Organic Cover Crop Seed Production; Vegetable Seed Production: Scaling Up; Managing Seed Borne Pathogens; and a Seed Production Intensive.
Winter Squash Seed Production Cheat Sheet
Sourcing Medium-Scaled Equipment for Canadian Seed Producers
This construction manual is intended for the purposes of building Farm Folk’s Seed Cleaning Unit. All materials can be locally sourced within the British Columbia, and no special equipment or processes are required for its construction.
Sunshine Farm is Certifed Organic, and uses this setting to offer Vocational Development Opportunities to Adults in the Community Living Sector. The farm provides a mixed setting for hands on experience with a multitude of activities. We cater to a wide variety of interests such as cooking classes, music classes, literacy, computer, woodworking, greenhouse, equipment operation, etc.. The educational opportunities at the farm occur in the gardens, as well as in the various buildings (shop, barn,...
We are a producers' co-operative committed to vegetable, herb, grain, flower, and cover crop seed that is ecologically grown, open-pollinated, regionally selected, and GE-free. The BC Eco Seed Co-operative’s mission is to increase the quantity and improve the quality of ecological and organic seed grown in BC. We actively strive to educate and demonstrate that seed sovereignty is an essential part of sustainable bioregional and global food systems.
Pemberton has a long reputation for producing disease and virus free Seed Potatoes. High surrounding mountains and isolation from other growing areas combine with the flush-through system to keep Pemberton Seed Potatoes fresh and disease free.
Brother Nature's Organic Seed produces strong, Certified Organic, heirloom and heritage seeds to the home gardener. Our vegetable, annual, perennial, and herb seeds are germination tested to ensure only quality seed is delivered to your doorstep.
Welcome to the retail website of Eagleridge Greenhouse Gardens, producers of endangered heirloom seeds since 1995. Our specialty selections include tomatoes, vegetables, herbs and flowers suited for northern and temperate climates. We practice organic gardening methods, use raised beds, water saving techniques and companion planting. Our designs attract beneficial insects and are living examples of the amazing diversity possible growing heirloom plants. We wish to share the stories of our coll...
V0S 1N0
2018 celebrates 25 years of growing and selling seeds from our farm! You will find among our seeds many heritage varieties selected by generations for their excellent flavour and pest resistance. Also, you will find unusual varieties from Asia and Europe – prized by chefs from our best restaurants. All of Full Circle Seeds are grown at our farm ALM Organic Farm in Sooke and are certified by Islands Organic Producers Association. Full Circle Seeds are: Certified Organic meaning the plants these s...
We are a family owned and operated farm located in the Seed Potato Capital of North America: the beautiful Pemberton Valley. We have farmed organically since clearing the land and making fields in 1980 and we are the fourth generation of this family to farm in the Pemberton Valley.
V9C 3Z4,
Metchosin Farm is non certified organic, in transition to organic certification. The farm offers plant starts (30+ varieties of vegetables, herbs, native plants and unusuals); root tubers, such as sunchokes, New Zealand yam and Japanese artichokes; 30+ varieties of tomatoes; fruit bushes (17+ varieties); and seeds (200+ varieties). Metchosin Farm also sells fresh eggs at their farm stand.
V0H 1N0
Naramata Seed Company is a small farm-based seed company located in the Okanagan Valley of southern British Columbia. The same conditions that have made the Okanagan famous for its fruit - a long growing season, abundant sunshine, and fertile mineral-rich soil combine to create ideal conditions for producing high quality vegetable seeds. Naramata Seed Company is dedicated to the preservation of genetic diversity in the vegetable world. In this catalogue can be found many rare and historic varie...
Omega Blue Farms is a heritage animal and heirloom plant conservation farm. The animal and plant varieties we utilize are maintained, restored, and improved using traditional breeding and morganic practices. Unlike the food found in the grocery store, the heritage foods we offer are grown from publicly (Canadian) owned genetics. By buying Omega Blue, you are supporting your own
V0K 1V0
We have some great new seeds available for this year, including bringing a few wilds into our gardens, as well as many we've been taking care of for a long time.
Welcome to Ravensong Seeds! We are a small seed business located at Fireweed Farm & School on Vancouver Island BC Canada. We specialize in medicinal herbs, pollinator plants, and native plants with a selection of veggies, and garlic. Our seeds are organically grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals, or GMOs. We believe in the importance of environmental stewardship and choose Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper for our seed packages and shipping materials.
Rebecca’s Garden grows over 30 varieties of unique heritage dry beans. Beans are available as seed and also (in limited quantities) for cooking. In addition, the farm offers a line of vegetable garden seeds, jellies, chutney, pickles, dried tomatoes, dried fruits, and fresh seasonal produce as available.
This is our 31st year of promoting a safe, sustainable and local agriculture. It is very gratifying to now see so many individuals and communities embracing this concept! We hope that some of the vegetables, beans, grains and herbs in this catalogue will help you to become more self-reliant in food and medicine. All our seeds are organically grown, untreated, open-pollinated and non-GMO. We grow all our own seeds and sell only our most recent harvest. We fill orders year-round and usually within...
We’re excited to let you know that Saanich Organics adventures in seed production have been going well. A few years ago, we started getting excited about seed. We are very concerned about narrowing corporate control of our seed supply and about the lack of regionally adapted, organically grown seed. We decided to become part of the solution by starting “Seeds of the Revolution” (Saanich Organics seed). From the start, our first priority was producing top quality seed. We read, we attend workshop...
Sweet Rock Farm is a family-run, diversified farm that grows seeds, provides vegetables and fruits for the local markets, and keeps a small herd of sheep. We also have a gentle, loving horse called Archie and we board a buddy of his, Donny. Our priority is to grow the best quality food possible, and to that end, we don’t use any synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. In fact, everything is fertilized from compost made on the farm from our sheep and horse manures. We aren’t yet certi...
2431 Beverly Street Duncan BC V9L 3W4 250-748-8506 kat@cowichangreencommunity.org
Saanich Native Plants offers one of the largest native plant seed selections on Southern Vancouver Island. Seeds are collected from our own stock and sold in pre-made mixes, packages, and in wholesale quantities. We also offer custom mixes suited to a variety of conditions and customer needs. Seed orders can be picked up from the nursery or mailed to your business or home.
New Entrant Strategy
On small farms across British Columbia, a handful of growers has taken on a vital task to help save the planet’s food system. They are seed savers who plant and safeguard diverse varieties of food crops, herbs and flowers. By growing and saving the seeds of heirloom and open-pollinated varieties of plants no longer in common use, they are helping preserve plant diversity for future generations of farmers and food consumers.
This electric winnower removes chaffs from small grains (barley, clover, quinoa, wheat), large grains (vetch, pea, bean) and dried roots.
Conversion of a Leaf Shredder/Wood Chipper into a Grain Thresher.
The winnower separates seeds from chaff by blowing the less dense chaff away as seeds fall down a column of air. Place the seed and chaff mixture on the tray. Turn the crank handle and move the seed mixture into the air duct. Manually adjust the crank speed to provide enough airflow to lift the lighter chaff up and out the top of the air duct, while allowing the denser seeds fall through the bottom of the air duct.
A hand operated vacuum packing system (Figure 1) was developed to facilitate the storage of dry seeds. The system provides a means to seal containers with reduced oxygen content. A sealed container prevents rehydration of seeds, thus extends their viability. The reduced oxygen content suffocates adult insects that are stored with the seeds, and also extends the viability of the seeds by slowing down the seed respiration rate. This system can be used to vacuum pack dry food. Moist food, however,...
Principles and practices of seed harvesting, processing, and storage: an organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and South.
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
An organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
Principles and practices of isolation distances for seed crops: an organic seed production manual for seed growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern U.S.
2019 marked the first year of our Seedy Saturday/Sunday capacity Building Project that aims to connect organizers from across BC to build capacity and shared frameworks. A key objective is data collection to demonstrate the role and impact of these events in communicates across the province. Our goal in 2019 was to establish a baseline of data and we're thrilled that 26 communities generously shared their data to contribute to this knowledge base.
Seed growers in BC have identified lack of infrastructure as one of their barriers to scaling up seed production. The Mobile Seed Cleaner came to fruition to help address this infrastructure gap and act as an educational tool to promote seed production in BC. The design is based on a mobile seed cleaner built by the Organic Farm School on Whidbey Island in Washington State and was designed and fabricated over the winter of 2018-2019. This document provides an overview of the Mobile Seed Cleaner,...
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm discuss how to breed kale plants for specific traits. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm discuss how determine when Kale seed is ready to harvest and some methods for harvesting. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm discuss how to clean brassica seeds. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and David Catzel of Fraser Common Farm discuss harvesting and cleaning beans for seed and selecting seed for specific traits. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to breed and grow carrot seed for selected traits. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series, Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to harvest and clean carrot seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to harvest radish seed and how to determine when they are ready to harvest. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to clean radish seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to harvest beet seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to clean beet seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to harvest lettuce seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part of the Seed Works Series - Patrick Steiner of Stellar Seeds and Jon Alcock of Sunshine Farm discuss how to clean lettuce seed. Produced by FarmFolk CityFolk with generous funding from Vancity. Special Thanks to As You Like It Media Inc without whom this project would not have been possible.
Part One of the opening session from the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. Presentations by Susan Walsh of USC Canada on The Bauta Initiative, a National Seed Program, and by Patrick Steiner from Stellar Seeds. The BC Seeds Gathering is a provincial gathering of seed growers, community leaders, and farmers from across British Columbia, Canada. Various participants from the conference present their views on seed saving at the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. The conference wa...
Part Two of the opening session from the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. The BC Seeds Gathering is a provincial gathering of seed growers, community leaders, and farmers from across British Columbia, Canada. Various participants from the conference present their views on seed saving at the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. The conference was organized and presented by FarmFolk CityFolk and hosted at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond, British Columbia.
Saturday morning at the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9-11, 2012. Patrick Steiner and Melanie Sylvester give a presentation about the basics of seed saving. The BC Seeds Gathering is a provincial gathering of seed growers, community leaders, and farmers from across British Columbia, Canada. Various participants from the conference present their views on seed saving at the first BC Seeds Gathering, Nov. 9- 11, 2012. The conference was organized and presented by FarmFolk CityFolk and hosted at Kw...