Santa Cruz, California, USA
April 30, 2010

The Organic Farming Research Foundation is directing its fall 2010 grant round toward organic seed and crop breeding projects. The move comes as part of a new, multi-organizational effort called Seed Matters™, a program to promote organic seed and breed development and diversity.

“Ensuring organic farmers seed and breed choices is crucial,” said Jane Sooby, OFRF grants program director. “The Seed Matters program enables OFRF to focus its competitive grants program on organic seed and breed research over a five-year period. We expect to see organic farmers' options increase during that time.”

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) funds research and outreach/education projects involving organic farming and food systems. Possible research topics include systems approaches to managing seed-borne diseases, participatory plant breeding activities, and developing organic seed storage strategies that reduce insect or mold losses. Possible education/outreach topics include educating growers on how to maintain seed quality or on small-scale seed harvesting, drying, and processing methods.

Proposals must involve farmers or ranchers in project design and implementation and take place on working certified organic farms or ranches whenever possible.

The Seed Matters program received initial funding of $500,000 over five years from the CLIF BAR Family Foundation. OFRF is joined by the Organic Seed Alliance and the Center for Food Safety as partners in Seed Matters. The CLIF BAR Family Foundation developed the initiative to help conserve crop genetic diversity and promote organic seed research.

“One of the key barriers to the growth of organic farming is a lack of attention, research and resources focused on organic seed bred to thrive in organic conditions,” said Elysa Hammond, sustainability advisor of the CLIF BAR Family Foundation and director of environmental stewardship for Clif Bar & Company. “The Seed Matters program seeks to lift that barrier.”

For the first time, OFRF will accept electronically submitted proposals. The deadline for applying is June 2, 2010. For details on application procedures see the Requests for Proposals.

Website: http://www.ofrf.org

Published: April 30, 2010