Organic and non-organic seeds and products often appear the same.
When companies like Monsanto are staking a claim in the majority of commercially available seeds, it can be difficult to avoid buying chemically-produced or genetically-engineered seeds. The benefit of organic products to the environment and your health make it worth looking a little harder to find quality seeds. Does this Spark an idea?
Non-Organic Features
Most corn in the US is genetically modified.
Non-organic seeds are often genetically modified organisms (GMOs), meaning their genes are spliced with those of other animals or plants, or they are engineered to resist pesticides and herbicides.
Non-Organic Impact
Genetically-engineered seeds pose a threat of contamination to nearby farms where the quality and genetic purity of their crops may be compromised, according to Matthew Dillon of the Organic Seed Alliance.
Organic Benefits
Organic seeds have all natural ingredients.
Organic seeds come from and produce plants with no harmful, man-made chemicals or genetic engineering. Only natural products are used in the production of the seed.
Organic Considerations
"Certified Organic" seeds and produce must meet USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) qualifications. From seed to soil to fruit, the entire process of production must involve only natural products and processes.
Costs
Organic seeds require more care.
Organic seeds are usually slightly more expensive than their non-organic counterpart. Mass producing non-organic seeds can alter and compromise the plant's genetic integrity. Organic seed cultivation requires more careful labor.
Tags: Organic seeds, genetically modified, natural products, Organic Seed