Question
If a non-organic seed is grown using organically approved methods, is that first generation plant then organic? If not, how many generations of growing organically makes it so?

Can a home gardener become organically certified, perhaps to advertise as such at local farmer's markets or to sell to co-ops? What is the procedure and cost if this is possible?

Thank you.
DAWN

Answer
Search for "organic certification" by state.  You just apply, give them them the fees, and they may or may not inspect your land.  We have been certified and non-certified.  They never even came over to check.  So I think save the money and grow organic, and say you are non-certified organic. It is up to you.  It can be expensive, was $50 in 1986 in WA state.  Have no idea what it costs by state now.

Your growing a seed in organic soil makes the plant organic.  The big importance is that you are supporting the organic growers and seed companies that make organic seed possible.  I would think that organic seed would be healthier seed.

http://www.hortmag.com/weekly-tips/organicseeds :

"Organic seed is seed harvested from plants that are grown organically. In terms of germination and seedling health, there probably isn抰 much difference between organic and non-organic seeds.

However, organic seeds represent another way to live an eco-friendly life. Seed producers grow thousands of acres of plants from which they harvest their seeds for sale. By buying organic seeds, you can support producers who do not use toxic, persistent pesticides and fertilizers. This becomes more significant when you consider how seed crops generally require more chemical applications than food crops, because the plants must go through their entire life cycle for the seeds to mature, and they are usually left standing even longer so the seeds can dry.

Plants grown from organic seeds may also be a bit tougher than those from non-organic seeds. Organic seeds?parent plants have to thrive in organic growing conditions, where they are not pampered with fertilizers or protected with pesticides. Their offspring are well-equipped to thrive in a similar setting. This is especially important to consider if you garden organically yourself.

Because the demand for organic seed is still relatively small, there hasn抰 been as much research and development of organic varieties. Therefore the advantage of non-organic seed is the wider range of varieties to choose from."