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My basic weeding rule: if they grow in rows they're flowers; if they don't they're weeds. - David Hobson Seeds of Diversity thanks the George Cedric Metcalf Foundation and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support. Design by Allison Prindiville | Eastern Canadian Organic Seed Growers Network
The Eastern Canadian Organic Seed Growers Network (ECOSGN) is a new group formed under the umbrella of Seeds of Diversity, geared toward helping growers to produce top-quality certified organic seeds in Canada.
The ECOSGN was formed at a meeting hosted by Seeds of Diversity, in Montreal, in March 2008. About forty seed growers from Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and Ontario attended the meeting, to hear Tom Stearns of High Mowing Seeds speak about his Vermont company's success. Family-owned High Mowing Seeds has become one of the largest suppliers and producers of certified organic seeds in the Eastern U.S., providing products and services that are virtually unavailable from Canadian sources. Federal standards require the use of certified organic seeds on organic farms in Canada, but the supply of Canadian-produced organic seeds has not grown to meet the demand of the rapidly growing organic food market. The ECOSGN wants to change this situation, by creating a network of farmers helping farmers to produce more high-quality certified organic Canadian seeds. Through technical assistance and education, marketing collaboration, a stronger voice for organic standards, and affordable access to lab tests and seed cleaning equipment, ECOSGN will make organic seed production a rewarding and viable choice for Canadian growers.
The Eastern Canadian Organic Seed Growers Network fosters a community of seed growers and seed sellers who can protect and enhance an economically viable and ecologically sustainable organic seed supply for Eastern Canada. We strive to do this through education, shared resources, research and a united political voice.
What does ECOSGN do?Technical assistance and education for seed producers
Marketing Collaboration
Advocacy
Potential shared facilities
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