Are there any seed companies that do not have any GMOs in their seeds?

Expert response from Bernice Slutsky

Senior Vice President, Domestic and International Policy, American Seed Trade Association

Tuesday, 17/05/2016 11:14

Yes, today’s plant breeders use a wide variety of breeding methods to meet farmer and consumer demands. Whether they’re using traditional, organic, genetic engineering, or newer breeding methods, the goal of plant breeders is the same: producing better seed for a better quality of life. All farmers should have the right to choose the production systems that best fit their farms, and seed companies work to provide high quality seed for whatever production system or systems a farmer chooses.

Different agricultural production systems have been coexisting for decades. Co-existence has been accomplished through sensible, local and regional, farm level practices such as separating crops by distance, time (season) or both, minimizing physical seed mixing, and respecting and communicating with neighbors. Since maintaining a seed variety’s trueness to type is critical for market acceptance and use, robust quality management practices are in place for both biotechnology or non-biotechnology derived crops. It’s important to note that coexistence is market-driven and is not related to safety. The Federal Seed Act, which regulates the interstate shipment of agricultural and vegetable seed, requires that seed shipped in interstate commerce be labeled with information that is truthful and allows seed buyers to make informed choices.

The seed industry employs a variety of tools to successfully manage coexistence and general seed production. For more information, see the American Seed Trade Association’s Guide to Seed Quality Management Practices http://www.amseed.org/resources/guide-to-seed-quality-management/.  

Although every breeding program is slightly unique, they all follow a fairly standard timeline and set of procedures. Thanks to seed improvement, farmers can count on increased varieties of crops, consistent and reliable harvests, and food that stays fresher longer. The result is increased quality and quantity of our food supply, quality of life, and a more sustainable future.