Seeds and Non-GMO Definitions
More and more people talk about organic and heirloom seeds for their starter container garden to the family friendly plot in the back acre. Like many things that start out as trendy or healthy, there may be companies that jump on the label bandwagon to monetize their product. If you are going to grow your own garden, someone selling organic seeds, may not provide you with seed bearing plants able to germinate the next year. Understanding the difference between seed types and their provenance can be important. Here are a few definitions to help plan your garden.
Heirloom plant and seeds definition:
This should be easy. But, can already be confusing. Great tasting plants the same as our grandparents raised. Something more formal? Seed Savers Exchange defines an heirloom as any garden plant that has a history of being passed down within a family, just like pieces of heirloom jewelry or furniture. Some companies have tried to create definitions based on date, such as anything older than 50 years.
Non – GMO seeds and plants:
GMO stands for “genetically modified organism” and it is part of standard agri-business to use seeds and plants modified for growing seasonality, location and resistance. The question is, are GMO’s bad? Many countries around the world, including Japan, and countries in the European Union, there are significant restrictions or bans on the production of GMOs. In the U.S., the FDA approved commercial production of GMOs based on studies. These studies were conducted by the creators who profit from their sale.
Non-hybrid seeds:
Nutritionally valuable seeds not cross-pollinated with GMO seeds. Often uses synonymously with Open-pollinated.
Open Pollinated seeds:
Seeds that can be harvested and saved for planting next season. These seeds will germinate and produce plants again with the proper care and growing. Many hybrid plants produce non-pollinating seeds requiring the purchase of fresh seeds from the manufacturer every season.
Organic Seed:
Certified Organic refers to products grown under guidelines as mandated by the National Standards on Organic Agriculture.
Organically grown means the seeds have been grown and harvested according to the guidelines, but have not gone through the process of being certified. Certification is expensive and often prohibitive for small and local businesses. Many small businesses follow even more strict guidelines than required by the FDA and will trace back provenance of the seed, crop, and land for the last several generations to make sure not only current crops are not chemically treated, but the ground and nutrients were never part of a chemical program.
Definitions of organic, GMO, Hybrid, heirloom, seedsaving, and other terms can be inappropriately interchanged or similar terms used to infer quality. Loose definitions can be a marketer’s dream. Learn about the correct terminology and make sure you are purchasing and starting plants and seeds according to your needs.
