Safe Seed Pledge
Question: What is the Safe Seed Pledge?
So you see that your favorite garden catalog has taken the Safe Seed Pledge. Or, you read an article that
suggests buying only from those companies that have taken the pledge. What does this mean for you as a gardener?
Answer:The Safe Seed Pledge was created in 1999. A group of seed catalog companies, headed by High Mowing
Organic Seeds, came up with the pledge to state their position on genetically engineered, or GMO, seeds so their
customers would be assured that the companies were not selling GMO seeds. Since then, over 70 companies have
taken the pledge, including:
What the Safe Seed Pledge Promises
The Safe Seed Pledge, which the companies that have signed on to it carry on their catalogs and websites, states:
"Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms poses great biological risks, as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities."
Is It Regulated?
The Safe Seed Pledge is fully voluntary, and there is no oversight, which has been a sticking point for the pledge's critics. These companies are basically saying: "we swear that we don't knowingly sell GMO seeds." We count on them to be honest in this. It's worth noting at this time that there are very few, if any, GMO varieties available to home gardeners anyway. So chances are good that no matter who you're buying from, you're not buying GMO seeds.
It's also worth noting that taking the pledge does NOT mean that a company isn't still doing business with Monsanto. Monsanto currently owns about 40% of the home vegetable seed market, since acquiring Seminis. This means that many popular heirlooms, such as 'Early Girl' tomatoes, are owned by Monsanto. This is worth mentioning, because many assume that companies who take this pledge are not in any way involved with Monsanto -- in most cases, such as those companies that only sell heirloom varieties, this is definitely true. Also, if you are buying organic seed, you are automatically assured that you're not buying GMOs.
What It Means for Gardeners
Really, the Safe Seed Pledge is more a statement about what a company stands for more than anything else. If a company has taken it, they're publicly taking a stand against GMOs and saying that they believe they have no place in our gardens. It is a respectable stance, and I (for one) am more likely to support a company that takes a public stance like that. I appreciate companies that address consumers' growing concerns over the safety and possible environmental impact of GMOs. If, someday, GMO seeds become available to home gardeners, it will be even more helpful to know which companies carry them, and which do not.
Disclaimer: If you feel you have the rights to a photograph on this website, Send proof and we will be happy to remove it or give you credit for it. FresnoChili.com does not pay any fees or penalties at anytime due to a non documented photo or text submitted to us for use. Send an email to fresnochili@gmail.com
Suggested Reading
Suggested Reading
Suggested Reading
Related Articles
Question: What is the Safe Seed Pledge?
So you see that your favorite garden catalog has taken the Safe Seed Pledge. Or, you read an article that
suggests buying only from those companies that have taken the pledge. What does this mean for you as a gardener?
Answer:The Safe Seed Pledge was created in 1999. A group of seed catalog companies, headed by High Mowing
Organic Seeds, came up with the pledge to state their position on genetically engineered, or GMO, seeds so their
customers would be assured that the companies were not selling GMO seeds. Since then, over 70 companies have
taken the pledge, including:
- Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
- Botanical Interests
- Bountiful Gardens
- Comstock Ferre & Co.
- Casey's Seeds
- The Cook's Garden
- Ed Hume Seeds
- Fedco Seeds
- Ferry Morse Seed Company
- John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds
- Johnny's Selected Seeds
- Lake Valley Seed
- Nichols Garden Nursery
- Peaceful Valley Farm Supply
- Renee's Garden
- Seed Savers Exchange
- Select Seeds
- Territorial Seed Company
- Victory Seed Company
What the Safe Seed Pledge Promises
The Safe Seed Pledge, which the companies that have signed on to it carry on their catalogs and websites, states:
"Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms poses great biological risks, as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities."
Is It Regulated?
The Safe Seed Pledge is fully voluntary, and there is no oversight, which has been a sticking point for the pledge's critics. These companies are basically saying: "we swear that we don't knowingly sell GMO seeds." We count on them to be honest in this. It's worth noting at this time that there are very few, if any, GMO varieties available to home gardeners anyway. So chances are good that no matter who you're buying from, you're not buying GMO seeds.
It's also worth noting that taking the pledge does NOT mean that a company isn't still doing business with Monsanto. Monsanto currently owns about 40% of the home vegetable seed market, since acquiring Seminis. This means that many popular heirlooms, such as 'Early Girl' tomatoes, are owned by Monsanto. This is worth mentioning, because many assume that companies who take this pledge are not in any way involved with Monsanto -- in most cases, such as those companies that only sell heirloom varieties, this is definitely true. Also, if you are buying organic seed, you are automatically assured that you're not buying GMOs.
What It Means for Gardeners
Really, the Safe Seed Pledge is more a statement about what a company stands for more than anything else. If a company has taken it, they're publicly taking a stand against GMOs and saying that they believe they have no place in our gardens. It is a respectable stance, and I (for one) am more likely to support a company that takes a public stance like that. I appreciate companies that address consumers' growing concerns over the safety and possible environmental impact of GMOs. If, someday, GMO seeds become available to home gardeners, it will be even more helpful to know which companies carry them, and which do not.
Disclaimer: If you feel you have the rights to a photograph on this website, Send proof and we will be happy to remove it or give you credit for it. FresnoChili.com does not pay any fees or penalties at anytime due to a non documented photo or text submitted to us for use. Send an email to fresnochili@gmail.com
Suggested Reading
Suggested Reading
- Complete Guide to Growing Organic Lettuce
- How to Grow Organic Potatoes in Your Garden
- The Organic Seed Finder
Suggested Reading
- Are Organic Seeds Required for Organic Certification?
- How Do I Know If My Old Seeds Will Grow?
- How To Make Your Own Seed Packets
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You'll never look at seeds the same
The interior of this spiky datura pod looks remarkably like a brain. (Photo: Robert Llewellyn/Timber Press)
By: Catie Leary
September 25, 2015, 8:10 a.m.
The interior of this spiky datura pod looks remarkably like a brain. (Photo: Robert Llewellyn/Timber Press)In the gorgeous new book "Seeing Seeds," award-winning photographer Robert Llewellyn and prolific nature writer Teri Dunn Chace delve into the fascinating world of seedheads, pods and fruit — ensuring you'll never look at these important plant parts the same way again.
The red seeds of the cardboard plant, Zamia furfurcea, fall easily off the female cone. (Photo: Robert Llewellyn/Timber Press)As you flip through the book, it doesn't take long to understand how unique seeds are from one other, despite being united in the pursuit of their ultimate function — reproduction.
"There is a lot of diversity among seeds, but there are also identifiable patterns or types," Chace explains in the book. "Even some truly weird-looking novelty seeds conform to categorization, even if it doesn't seem so at first glance."
What makes "Seeing Seeds" really stand out is Llewellyn's crisp macro photography, which masterfully combines a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world with an unyielding fascination for the science that makes it all possible.
The seeds inside the capsule of a Flanders poppy are capable of laying dormant for decades. (Photo: Robert Llewellyn/Timber Press)Based out of his studio in Earlysville, Virginia, Llewellyn (pictured below) has spent his life photographing the natural, and in the last several years, he's focused his lens on bark, leaves, flowers and — more recently — seeds.
While challenging at times, the journey has proved well worth the effort, as Chace writes in the introduction of the book:
"Photographing seeds, pods and fruits requires a far amount of inventiveness and flexibility. Sometimes [Llewellyn] had to carefully slice open a fruit to reveal its hidden contents. Sometimes he had to search a room for seeds that had flung out in his absence. Sometimes he had to soak, dry, coax, pry or pin plant bits to expose seeds. He went down the rabbit hole into a wonderland."
Learn more about his inspiration and process in the interview below.
Robert Llewellyn in his studio (Photo: Robert Llewellyn/Timber Press)MNN: 'Seeing Seeds' is the third installment of a book series that also includes 'Seeing Trees' and 'Seeing Flowers.' What inspired this multi-book journey?
Robert Llewellyn: I published a book called "Remarkable Trees of Virginia" and traveled the state photographing trees. There was a sudden realization that trees were alive. They were another civilization living with us on Earth. They were born and they died. They made flowers and seeds and sent their children out into the world. I wanted to know more, so I studied and photographed parts on the tree. I started looking at Earth as if I was visiting another planet for the first time. I was amazed at what was hiding in plain sight.
I found it worked better to study them in the studio. So the next book was looking at the life of trees. "Seeing Trees" got me interested in flowers, so I did "Seeing Flowers" I realized the flower was only there to be pollinated and produce seeds and seed pods — the plant children. So, continuing the journey, I did "Seeing Seeds."
It is a never-ending journey since there are 400,000 flowering plants in the world.
Read more: http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/blogs/youll-never-look-seeds-same-way-again#ixzz3mmkr7OR2
September 25, 2015, 8:10 a.m.
The interior of this spiky datura pod looks remarkably like a brain. (Photo: Robert Llewellyn/Timber Press)In the gorgeous new book "Seeing Seeds," award-winning photographer Robert Llewellyn and prolific nature writer Teri Dunn Chace delve into the fascinating world of seedheads, pods and fruit — ensuring you'll never look at these important plant parts the same way again.
The red seeds of the cardboard plant, Zamia furfurcea, fall easily off the female cone. (Photo: Robert Llewellyn/Timber Press)As you flip through the book, it doesn't take long to understand how unique seeds are from one other, despite being united in the pursuit of their ultimate function — reproduction.
"There is a lot of diversity among seeds, but there are also identifiable patterns or types," Chace explains in the book. "Even some truly weird-looking novelty seeds conform to categorization, even if it doesn't seem so at first glance."
What makes "Seeing Seeds" really stand out is Llewellyn's crisp macro photography, which masterfully combines a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world with an unyielding fascination for the science that makes it all possible.
The seeds inside the capsule of a Flanders poppy are capable of laying dormant for decades. (Photo: Robert Llewellyn/Timber Press)Based out of his studio in Earlysville, Virginia, Llewellyn (pictured below) has spent his life photographing the natural, and in the last several years, he's focused his lens on bark, leaves, flowers and — more recently — seeds.
While challenging at times, the journey has proved well worth the effort, as Chace writes in the introduction of the book:
"Photographing seeds, pods and fruits requires a far amount of inventiveness and flexibility. Sometimes [Llewellyn] had to carefully slice open a fruit to reveal its hidden contents. Sometimes he had to search a room for seeds that had flung out in his absence. Sometimes he had to soak, dry, coax, pry or pin plant bits to expose seeds. He went down the rabbit hole into a wonderland."
Learn more about his inspiration and process in the interview below.
Robert Llewellyn in his studio (Photo: Robert Llewellyn/Timber Press)MNN: 'Seeing Seeds' is the third installment of a book series that also includes 'Seeing Trees' and 'Seeing Flowers.' What inspired this multi-book journey?
Robert Llewellyn: I published a book called "Remarkable Trees of Virginia" and traveled the state photographing trees. There was a sudden realization that trees were alive. They were another civilization living with us on Earth. They were born and they died. They made flowers and seeds and sent their children out into the world. I wanted to know more, so I studied and photographed parts on the tree. I started looking at Earth as if I was visiting another planet for the first time. I was amazed at what was hiding in plain sight.
I found it worked better to study them in the studio. So the next book was looking at the life of trees. "Seeing Trees" got me interested in flowers, so I did "Seeing Flowers" I realized the flower was only there to be pollinated and produce seeds and seed pods — the plant children. So, continuing the journey, I did "Seeing Seeds."
It is a never-ending journey since there are 400,000 flowering plants in the world.
Read more: http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/blogs/youll-never-look-seeds-same-way-again#ixzz3mmkr7OR2