In today’s ever expanding organic market, the importance of optimizing your farm's production and
marketability is extremely important. Keeping up with new trends and studying up on new research can
be discouraging and exhausting. But with a little curiosity and good ole fashioned science
experiments, farmers can stay well ahead of the pack in markets while giving farms added stability
and improving profitability. Through on farm variety trials, organic producers: increase and
optimize for yields; identify climate adapted varieties; increase marketability; manage risks of
pest and environmental factors; identify organic seed sources required by the National Organic
Program (NOP) and most importantly increase security for individual farms as well as the greater
sustainable agriculture community.
Seed catalogs list countless varieties, each one boasting disease resistance, yield capabilities
and season specific qualities. It is difficult to really know whether a variety will perform as
written in a catalog. Additionally, environmental factors such as pest pressure, soil type, climate
and resource availability all play a massive role in the success of producing a specific crop. By
taking the time to trial several different varieties within the production fields of a farm, farmers
can find the varieties that are perfect for them.
Many farmers have their tried and true varieties. Growing the same carrots, from the same seed
company, every year is convenient and safe. As organic farming gains popularity, seed companies are
increasing varieties offered and promoting new breeding programs in order to fill demand and assist
farmers. Therefore, the variety a farmer has grown for a decade may actually be far less superior in
the new market. Exploring new varieties creates the opportunity to not only increase yields but also
find something that tastes better, looks better and even grows better during a specific time of
year.
Experimenting with new varieties also improves marketability by attracting new customers to a farm
stand or adding a new component to an established wholesale customer. Bringing unique items to
markets is exciting for customers and can set farmers at the front of the newest trends. Perhaps one
has had trouble with consistent salad mix harvests through the winter months. Trialing new lettuce
varieties to find the ones best suited for winter production or that have a more vibrant and unique
look or taste can help bridge the seasonal gap and maintain customer relations as well as increase
profits.
Another major benefit to variety trials is the opportunity to identify specific organic seed
sources in order to comply with organic certification. The NOP requires growers to use organic seeds
except when organically produced seed is unavailable. Trialing new organic seed varieties helps a
farmer identify organic sources that work best for them and will help them prove to certifying
agencies when a conventionally produced seed is the best or only option.
Overall, on-farm variety trialing gives farmers the opportunity to increase the stability of their
farming operation both financially and physically, by further understanding their markets, their
land and the environment. Experimenting with new varieties and sharing results within a community
and the greater organic farming world also increases food security and strengthens the movement as a
whole. The more information farmers have makes for a more successful farming operation as well as a
greater and more positive effect on the world around us.
There are many resources out there to explore and find more information about variety trials. For
specific how-to guides and past trial reports, visit the
Organic
Seed Alliance Publications page. High Mowing Seeds also has bountiful and entertaining
articles
on seed variety trials. For instructional and informative videos check out the
NPSAS Farm
Breeding Club YouTube Channel. This
interview,
with an OSA board member on Greenhorns Radio at the Heritage Radio Network, explores the importance
of farmer involvement in seed production and trialing. Ultimately, connecting with a local farming
community, attending regional agricultural conferences and talking one on one with your farmer
neighbors and friends is the best way to learn and share information on varieties for your farm.
Helpful Links:
Organic Seed Alliance Publications:
Farm Breeding Club YouTube Channel:
Heritage Radio interview:
Trial by Farmer: On-Farm Variety Trialing at the Intervale Community Farm:
Patrick Dunn has been farming for over 9 years and his experience ranges from production
scale market farming to community-based urban agriculture. He studied at the Center for
Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at UCSC and co-founded Emerald Street Community
Farm and Master Street Farm in Philadelphia, PA. When Patrick isn't farming, you can find
him dangling from ropes high on the granite walls of Yosemite or jetting off to the
mountains for solitude in the wilderness.
