Israeli seed breeder Genesis Seeds is promoting its organic vegetable, flower and herb seeds to the conventional market.

There are about 10 companies in the world producing organic seeds and Genesis is among the big players, producing over 350 varieties of heritage, open pollinated and F-1 hybrid seeds. It has an 11-year history in the field, but the rapid development of organic agriculture worldwide and the regulations that organically grown produce must start with an organically certified seed enhanced the development of the organic seed companies, resulting in an over-supply of seeds.

This development, according to Dr Isaac Nir, ceo of Genesis prompted the company to change its strategy for "We are now also targeting our seeds to the so-called conventional market, while emphasising the extra value inherent in organic seeds which are produced in an environmentally-friendly protocol, and offer our organic seeds at competitive prices," said Nir.

In 2004, Genesis produced 22 tonnes of organic seed and how has potential to double this volume. "But the volume does not necessarily reflect the real value of the seeds," said Dr Nir. "What makes organic seeds unique is their added value in that growers world-wide can use them taking advantage of their special attributes, such disease resistance and disease tolerance, size of product, colour, aroma, taste, high yields and relatively long shelf life."

Two years ago, Genesis Seeds launched comprehensive research projects with The Volcani Center and with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot to develop organic hybrid seeds of greenhouse and open-field tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, onions, garlic chives, herbs and flowers, especially bedding plants. The aim is to provide growers with organically produced seeds at prices that compete with conventional, non-organic seeds. Since the yields and quality of produce from organic seeds are similar to those from non-organic seeds, conventional growers who use organic seeds can gradually reduce the amount of chemicals and pesticides used during cultivation.

Seventeen organic growers produce seeds nation-wide for Genesis in Israel. They grow on 100ha in open fields, under nets and under plastic enabling year-round supply. The company also operates two large experimental farms, one in the Upper Galilee and one in the Negev.

Genesis Seeds markets its organic seeds through seed companies and wholesalers in 30 countries, mainly in the US, Western Europe and Israel.

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