 |
Organic Farming Explained
“Organic farming promotes the use of crop rotations and cover crops, and encourages balanced host/predator relationships. Organic residues and nutrients that are produced on the farm are recycled back into the soil. Cover crops and composted manure are used to maintain soil humus. Organic food production prohibits the use of highly soluble or synthetically compounded mineral fertilizers, synthetically compounded pesticides, growth regulators, antibiotics, hormones, colouring or other artificial additives, ionizing radiation, and recombinant genetic manipulation of plants or animals. Prohibited practises must not be used on certified farms for at least three years prior to harvest of certified organic products” (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, Fact Sheet 01-027, June 2001).
Who Certifies Us
Agrestal Organic Heritage Seed Co. is an organic producer-processor certified by OCPP/Pro-Cert Canada Inc. (ISO65 and EU2092/91 accredited by the Standards Council of Canada). Certification by OCPP also includes compliance with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP), the Canadian Organic Standards, EEC Organic Standards, the Quebec Organic Reference (Conseil des Appellations Agroalimentaires du Quebec), and the Japan Agricultural Standard (JAS). The term "Verified Organic" is used interchangeably with "Certified Organic" under the certification mark of OCPP/Pro-Cert Canada. As a certified producer-processor we adhere to all requirements as set forth under this certification which includes, but is not limited to; on-going soil & water testing, inspections & audits of cropping history and seed facilities, non-use of prohibited substances or processes. A copy of our certification documentation is available upon request with your order.
Certified Organic Seed
Throughout the catalogue you will see seeds identified as Certified Organic. These are varieties that either we have produced ourselves, or had another certified grower produce for us. While our goal is to grow-out most of our own seed inventory, sometimes due to distancing and other requirements, we have to rely on other growers to help us out. These growers are carefully chosen in order to maintain the standards of quality we strive to maintain on our own premises.
Organically Produced Seed
Throughout the catalogue you will also see some seeds identified as Organically Produced. These are seeds that have been produced by growers who choose not to become certified, yet still adhere to strict sustainable organic practices. These reliable growers have been carefully chosen to produce seed of certifiable quality adhering to the same standards of quality we strive to maintain on our own premises.
Open-Pollinated
All of the seed we carry are open-pollinated varieties. This means that they will remain true-to-type, producing the same type of plant year after year, as long as cross-pollination does not occur. If you plan on saving seed to re-plant next year, be sure to adhere to the necessary distancing requirements for each variety. Please also be aware that these are not hybrid varieties and as such plants produced from the same seed packet will not all necessarily grow the same height nor mature at exactly the same time. Sometimes “acts of nature” will occur, producing rogues, or different looking varieties, ie: a cob of dark red corn, in a field of white cobs. Embrace these moments of unbridled nature and consider yourself fortunate to be host to such an event.
Heirloom & Heritage
Worthy of preservation, if not for their genetic diversity alone, heirloom vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers offer the gardener a glimpse into the purest world of botanical possibilities. But, what defines a variety as “Heirloom”? In the broadest sense of the definition, heirlooms are those varieties which have been passed down from generation to generation. These are considered Family Heirlooms, brought across oceans, treasured in tightly sealed glass jars and carefully cultivated year after year. They are tried and true, carefully selected by their propagators for taste and dependability. There are also Commercial Heirlooms, varieties which were developed pre-1940’s and sold through large seed houses. More recently there have been a number of Created Heirlooms. These are “new” heirloom varieties created by cross-pollinating two (or more) different older heirloom varieties. Most heirlooms have long been abandon by large commerical growers in search of varieties with better shelf life and durability. Unfortunately, shelf life has little to do with taste and traditional values, which is a shame. As the world becomes faster and faster, fewer people have the advantage of consuming vegetables that not only look good, but also taste good and have a history to boot!
Germination
Whether we grow the seed here, or it is produced by one of our small family of growers, all seed is germination tested by us on our premises. Our grow-outs are done May through October. The majority of the germination testing is done November and December. Rest assured that every variety we offer meets, and in most cases exceeds, germination standards suggested by both Canadian and United States regulators. In fact, the majority of our seed germinates between 90-100%. In order to allow you the very best possible advantage when planting, should any of our seed fall below 80% in our germination tests, we will increase the amount of your original order for that variety at no additional charge to you. The only exception will be varieties that are specifically notated in the catalogue as poor germinators due to their own genetic traits (ie: Peppers, and some Flowers). We trust this will allow for better control when estimating the number of seeds you need to get the volume of plants you require. However, please bear in mind that regardless of our test results, it is your climate, soil and planting practice that will have the final say for actual in-ground germination.
No GMOs
We do not knowingly buy, sell or grow any genetically modified seed, nor are we aware of any genetically-modified crops growing within our proximity. Having said that, there is always the possibility of genetic drift. It is possible that transgenic traits may someday invade traditional and heirloom plants.
No Treated Seed
We do not carry chemically treated seed. Adherence to planting the right variety of seed in the correct weather condition eliminates the need for fungicide.
No Hybrids
We do not carry hybrid seed. Hybrids are the result of cross-pollinating (hybridizing) two (or more) different types of a variety to produce another. Unfortunately, this newly formed “other” is limited to the first generation of plantings. Any seeds saved and re-planted from that “other” do not necessarily produce true-to-type.
Seeking Canadian Growers
We are always actively seeking-out Canadian growers with a passion for quality to help support the organic seed market. If you are a certified organic grower, and would like to assist us in growing our specialty vegetable seed, please give us a call (905) 888-1881. We would love to chat with you.
Any Suggestions?
Is there a particular variety of seed that you would like to see us carry? Looking for something different but couldn't find it in our catalogue? Have you got a particular heirloom in your family treasure box that we should be offering? Please contact us! We are always on the look-out for that hidden botanical gem. |
