Where to Buy Non GMO Seeds

Article from  SFF

In 2005, Monsanto grabbed 40% of the U.S. seed market and 20% of the global seed market when it bought out Seminis, making them the largest seed company in the world—supplying the genetics for 55% of the lettuce on U.S. supermarket shelves, 75% of the tomatoes, and 85% of the peppers, with strong holdings in beans, cucumbers, squash, melons, broccoli, cabbage, spinach and peas!

So, how can you make sure that none of the seeds you buy this year are not supporting Monsanto or one of the companies owned by them—even when buying non-GMO seeds? Here are five ways to keep Monsanto out of your garden:

1. Avoid buying anything from companies that are affiliated with Monsanto or Seminis. (Here’s a list of what to avoid.)

2. Avoid buying seed or seedlings varieties that are trademarked by Seminis or Monsanto, especially those found at big box garden centers. This includes popular tomato varieties such as ‘Celebrity,’ ‘Early Girl,’ and ‘Better Boy,’ as well as a host of other common home garden varieties, like ‘Cheddar’ cauliflower and ‘Marketmore 76′ cucumbers. These are not GMO varieties, but their purchase does line the pockets of Monsanto. (Here’s a list.)

3. Buy seeds or seedlings only from companies that Monsanto hasn’t bought out and that aren’t affiliated with Seminis. (Here’s a list.)

4. Ask seed companies if they have taken the Safe Seed Pledge and tested their stock for GMOs. (Here’s a list.)

5. Buy, plant, and save seeds from heirloom varieties. Seed Savers Exchange, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and Clear Creek Heirloom Seeds all specialize in heirlooms, and are not owned by Monsanto or Seminis. Seed Savers Exchange will gladly tell you how to collect and store seeds.

Please spread the word among other gardeners you know to be very cautious when buying seeds and seedlings for their gardens this year. If you are in doubt, call your seed company and ask if they carry seeds from Seminis.