NEW YEAR = NEW PLANTS
“GMO, or genetically
modified organism, seed is
seed that has been altered
using DNA.”
Organic seed – Organic seed is seed that is
procured from plants that are certified organic
by third-party organizations. The seeds were
produced from plants that received no artificial
fertilizers or pesticides in a manner consistent with
organic production. There are numerous statewide, national, and international organizations that
confer certified organic status to producers. Organic
seed may be from heirloom, hybrid, or other classifications, but must not have come from any plant
produced by non-organic means.
Non-GMO/GMO seed – GMO, or genetically modified organism, seed is seed that has been altered
using DNA. This is done in a lab setting to give
seeds specific traits that they would not otherwise
obtain through hybridization or other natural means.
Sometimes referred to as “Frankenseed” these seeds
are patented by their developers and are often modified to be resistant to the affects of other products
manufactured by the same company.
GMOs are highly contentious and controversial around the world. In many municipalities and
regions of both North America and Europe, GMO
seed has either been outright banned or is required
to be clearly labeled as such so that the consumer
can decide about acquiring the seeds or consuming products made from crops that were raised from
GMO seeds. The manufacture, breeding, and labeling of GMO seeds is still a debatable topic and will
likely be unresolved for many years. A seed packet
bearing any language on its label referring to being
non-GMO is seed that has not been collected or
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Maximum Yield USA | January 2017