WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the results of its Organic Seed Survey, offering timely insights into the key challenges and priorities facing the organic seed sector.

IFPA’s Organic Committee convened an Organic Seed Working Group to examine the current usage, availability, and market conditions for organic seed used in fresh produce production. Conducted in response to discussions at the 2024 National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) fall meeting, the survey gathered feedback from fresh produce growers from across the nation and organic seed manufacturers.

“The survey’s findings highlight the barriers, research needs, and policy priorities shaping the future of organic seed availability,” said Sara L. Neagu-Reed, IFPA’s director of production and environmental policy, in a recent press release. “We deeply appreciate the input of our members and industry partners. These survey results offer a valuable roadmap for where our collective efforts should focus — ensuring a stable, viable organic seed supply while upholding the trusted standards that consumers expect.”

Key Barriers Identified

Survey participants identified several significant obstacles limiting the growth and accessibility of organic seed:

• High barriers to entry for new seed manufacturers, including limited land access, pest management challenges, and elevated production costs.
• Geographic constraints, with few regions offering the land and climate conditions suitable for commercial organic seed production.
• Extended crop rotation requirements and increased crop-specific disease risks further limit production capacity.

Research and Policy Priorities

Stakeholders also highlighted critical areas of focus for research and policy advancement:

• A call for expanded research into organic-compliant pest and disease management tools, along with improved risk management practices.
• Strong support for maintaining current organic seed standards, with caution against abrupt changes that could disrupt market availability or increase consumer costs.
• A clear need for consistent, direct engagement with producers and manufacturers in policy discussions impacting organic seed supply.
• Continued attention to emerging genetic technologies and their potential role in organic systems, with an emphasis on inclusive, transparent dialogue.

As the organic industry works to address challenges around seed availability and production, IFPA urges regulators and policymakers to pursue incentive-based, collaborative approaches that overcome production hurdles while preserving organic market integrity.

IFPA will continue working closely with growers, seed manufacturers, and policy leaders to advocate for balanced, practical solutions that strengthen organic seed production and support the broader organic fresh produce industry. Learn more about IFPA’s organic policy.