The National Organic Program requires NOP-certified farmers to use organic seeds when they are commercially available. Currently, demand far exceeds supply due to a lack of practical information and training on organic seed production. This planning project sought to build the capacity of organic seed producers and increase the quality, quantity, and diversity of organic seed. Project activities included:
(1) Surveys of organic seed producers (88 respondents) and industry representatives (39) to identify production and economic challenges and research priorities.
(2) A review and compilation of existing organic seed production research.
(3) Survey and interviews of researchers to determine capacity and interest in organic seed production research.
(4) Development of an OREI proposal to address priorities identified.

The project team developed and submitted a proposal to OREI, entitled “OSPREY: Organic Seed Production Resources on Equipment and Yield” to conduct multisite replicated trials and crowd-sourced nonreplicated trials to document vegetable seed yields and seed diseases; evaluate the effects of genetics, climate, planting density, irrigation, and other management factors on yield; test seed cleaning and processing equipment; and develop economic decision tools for organic seed growers. A revised proposal submitted in 2024 was funded at nearly $3.5 million, supporting a nationwide network of researchers and seed growers in these endeavors.