Safe Seed Program

Public opinion polls in the US and abroad reveal that the large majority of consumers are wary of genetically modified (GM) crops and plants. As a result, agricultural producers and manufacturers have found that "GM-free" can be both a socially responsible statement and an effective marketing slogan.

Created in 1999, the Safe Seed Pledge helps to connect non-GM seed sellers, distributors and traders to the growing market of concerned gardeners and agricultural consumers. The Pledge allows businesses and individuals to declare that they "do not knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds," thus assuring consumers of their commitment.

The Safe Seed Pledge:

"Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative,

We pledge that we do not knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds or plants.

The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities."

We here at Heirloom Organics are extremely proud to have signed this pledge as soon as we were made aware of it. These principles align with our own and we have adhered to them even before we knew of the pledges existence. To read more about the Safe Seed Pledge visit the Council for Responsible Genetics Website at: http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/ViewPage.aspx?pageId=261