Seed saving is important because it helps to preserve genetic diversity and maintain the health and resilience of crops over time. By saving and replanting seeds, farmers can adapt to changing environmental conditions and protect their crops against disease and pests.
Compared to conventional farming, organic farming values seed saving and promotes the use of locally adapted and non-GMO seed varieties. Conventional farming, on the other hand, often relies on proprietary seeds and commercial seed companies, which can limit genetic diversity and reduce farmer autonomy.
The use of terminator seeds, also known as suicide seeds, is banned in organic farming because these seeds are designed to produce crops that cannot produce viable seeds for future harvests. This goes against the principles of seed saving and limits the ability of farmers to produce their own seed and maintain their independence.
Organic standards also limit the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and terminator seeds, promoting the use of non-GMO seed varieties and the preservation of genetic diversity. By doing so, organic standards contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of the environment and help to ensure that future generations have access to a diverse array of healthy and resilient crops.
