The specialty seed industry in Oregon produces a variety of seed crops, over 170 crop species ranging from vegetable seed to cover crop and ornamental flowers. An estimated 14,000+ acres are planted to vegetable seed production statewide, for a farm gate value of $27,429,748 in 2012 (NASS 2014). Farm gate estimates including a wider selection of specialty seed crops such as flowers and cover crops exceed $50 million annually.
The Specialty Seed Growers of Western Oregon and the Willamette Valley Specialty Seed Association are locally run organizations that exist to promote high quality seed production in Willamette Valley and Western Oregon through cooperation with seed companies, growers, and Oregon State University Extension. These groups are focused on research-based solutions to seed production issues
Willamette Valley Specialty Seed Association - maintains maps to ensure isolation distances between crops, promotes quality seed production
Specialty Seed Growers of Western Oregon - a non-profit group of growers working to support the specialty seed industry in the Willamette Valley of Oregon through education, research, and advocacy
Resources
- Quinoa Production for the Willamette Valley - an OSU extension publication
- Oregon Bee Project - protecting pollinators needed for seed production, including the Flagship Farms program
- Organic Seed Alliance Conference - this annual event in Corvallis focuses on organic seed production systems
- Ohio State Seed ID website