Eugene, Oregon
January 22, 2008
The
Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) has slashed prices
for seed suppliers to list organic varieties in the Organic Seed
Database. Best known for its work as an independent watchdog to
ensure the compliance of fertilizers and pesticides for organic
agriculture, OMRI established the database in October 2006. The
site
(http://ent.groundspring.org/EmailNow/pub.php?module=URLTracker&cmd=track&j=185994316&u=1869182)
uses an online search tool to assist organic farmers and
certifiers seeking organic seeds and planting stocks.
The change represents a dramatic fee reduction for suppliers.
Previously, seed companies paid a flat $25 plus $50 for every
five varieties included beyond the initial five. Effective
today, the new fee will simply be a $60 flat rate. Payments not
made through PayPal will cost $15 extra.
"We wanted to encourage the participation of smaller, more
diverse companies in our service," explains David DeCou, OMRI
executive director.
Since December, OMRI has utilized Google's Adwords to place
high-profile ads alongside search results. "We are seeing a 40%
increase in visits over last year at this time," reports Miguel
Guerrero, OMRI marketing director. "The service is a powerful
method for connecting seed companies with new commercial
customers."
Organic certifiers report that the Organic Seed Database is a
highly effective tool in their work. Certifiers must verify that
the non-organic seeds used by organic farmers are not
commercially available in organic form. John Stalley, a farm
reviewer for Oregon Tilth Certified Organic, said that the
service is "great" because it saves him time while reviewing
farm plans for organic certification.
The Organic Seed Database enables organic growers to instantly
search the ever-broadening diversity of available organic seed,
both open pollinated varieties and newly developed hybrids.
Additionally, the Organic Seed Database offers an inexpensive
opportunity for innovative seed companies to connect with
growers on a new scale. |
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