The Contamination Avoidance and Testing Protocols Project’s primary objective is twofold. It seeks to limit transgenic contamination of organic seed while also facilitating early identification of contaminated seed lots.

The project focused on creating a comprehensive manual as an educational tool for organic seed growers and organic seed company professionals to achieve these objectives. A sub-goal of this project is to begin documenting the challenges and burdens organic producers must bear in order to maintain genetic purity when faced with the regulatory realities of GE crops. The project consisted of analyzing and developing variety specific GE avoidance and testing strategies to maintain strict purity standards in organic seed. While particulars are geared to crops with GE counterparts currently in commercial production− corn, soy, cotton, alfalfa, papaya, canola (Brassica rapa, Brassica napus), sugarbeet, and squash (Cucurbita pepo)−the process for determining best management practices remains the same for other crops and is helpful in assessing risk management for potential future GE releases, and even the impact of GE field trials.

While the project schedule has shifted to accommodate the rapidly shifting discourse surrounding transgenic contamination within the organic seed industry, the manual is slated for final review by the OSGATA policy committee and professional consultants later this month. It will be released according to the original distribution plan shortly thereafter. Surveys of organic farmers and the organic seed industry will follow the outreach campaign (2014) to determine acceptance and adoption of recommended protocols within the organic community.

Click here to access The Organic Farmer’s Handbook to GE Avoidance and Testing