With the recent strong demand for certified organic produce, many regional seed companies are increasingly seeking out dedicated seed growers to ensure a reliable source of organically grown seeds for their farmer and gardener customers. This trend represents a great business opportunity for small-scale commercial growers. At the same time, organic farmers are becoming aware of the ever-diminishing number of high-quality, organic vegetable seed choices available to them. The genetic diversity of our vegetable crops has been dangerously eroded, with proprietary "one-size-fits-all" hybrids often taking the place of regional "farmer" strains that are often much more resilient and better adapted to local growing conditions. The Organic Seed Grower will both help dedicated home seed savers, commercial seed growers, and diversified small-scale farmers learn the necessary steps that are involved in successfully producing a commercial organic seed crop and provide details on many of the standard methods used by professional seed growers. Written by well-known plant breeder and organic seed expert John Navazio, The Organic Seed Grower is the most up-to-date and useful guide to best practices that will inspire vegetable growers interested in growing high-quality seeds using organic farming practices. Detailed profiles for each of the major vegetables provide users with practical, in-depth knowledge about growing, harvesting, and processing seed for a wide range of common and specialty vegetable crops. In addition, Navazio provides extensive and critical information on topics including: annual vs.

biennial seed crops; maintaining adequate population size for genetic integrity; seed-crop climates; seedborne diseases; seed-cleaning basics; seed storage for farmers; a detailed glossary of terms; a brief history of agricultural seed growing; and more. The knowledge of growing and saving seed is too important to leave to the agribusiness "experts." The Organic Seed Grower reclaims traditional know-how, blends it with the latest scientific research, and places it squarely back into the hands of local seed growers and farmers. Book jacket.