Organic lawn seed is now being produced for the retail market.

For the first time homeowners and professional landscapers can purchase a lawn seed product that is free of pesticides and commercial fertilizers. DLF Organics is currently supplying organic forage seeds for livestock and organic cover crop seed for renewing acreage, and organic lawn seed is now being introduced to the portfolio. Growing concerns from consumers about the farming practices used in seed production, both in forage and lawn, prompted DLF Organic to produce lawn seed organically.

Strict regulations mandated by the USDA require potential organic production fields be chemical free for three years.  DLF’s organic farmers must utilize ground that has been free from the use of commercial fertilizers and pesticides for a minimum of three years. The organic grass seed farmer only uses natural methods to control weeds, diseases, and pests. Planted crops are fertilized with organic products and will receive very little or no pesticide application. If any pesticides are used, they must be organic in nature. Certifying agencies such as the Oregon Tilth oversee and enforce the regulations dictated by the USDA.

The conventional grass seed farmer is working with hundreds and sometimes thousands of acres of land. With consumer support for the organic farmer, there will be less land, water, and air affected by chemical herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. "It is interesting to think about converting thousands of acres of grass seed production from chemical to chemical-free land" says Marlene Cable, the DLF Organic Development Specialist.

DLF Organic was formed by a small group of committed seed enthusiasts in 2002 with a mission to provide the best available seed while supporting sustainable agriculture. They are the only seed company in the U.S. that carries a full line of forage, cover crop and lawn seed.