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Advisory Services
While many of our events and outreach activities are supported by grants and private donations we also offer the following services on a fee for service basis to private entities and organizations.
Other non-profit organizations and groups of growers are also invited to inquire about partnering with OSA on fundraising for projects and services.
- Enterprise and Cooperative Development
Our staff knows the seed business. We also have extensive experience with development of producer enterprises and maintain close working relationships with cooperative and economic development support centers around the country. We can help with business start-up or with re-tooling existing businesses. Read about one success FFSC and OSA partner to Implement Decentralized Seed Production and Marketing System
Quality seed production requires specialized knowledge and attention. OSA provides organic seed-related technical assistance to seed companies, producers, producer groups and the organic industry. Improve your seed quality with professional support for field visits, quality control, selection, and general production protocols.
The OSA Research Program focuses on participatory models of breeding in and for organic systems. Plant breeding and crop improvement services are delivered through OSA’s network of professional breeders and farmers. Breeding methodologies focus on development of durable horizontal resistance, genetic resiliency, and adaptation to regional, organic farming conditions combined with quality traits such as flavor and nutrition desired by organic consumers. Crop and seed development services include: Organic Plant Breeding, Stock Seed Development, Organic Variety Trials, Organic Seed Production Assistance.
Organic Seed Alliance offers workshops, field days, and classes in seed saving, farm-scale seed production, plant variety improvement, and classical plant breeding for organic systems. Workshops range from beginning to advanced levels and can be customized to meet the needs of the host and participants. We encourage workshop hosts to work with local organic food industries (retailers, distributors, and producers) to offset costs and provide farmer scholarships. Many host organizations have had great success with this and we offer consultation for fundraising as a part of our services.
OSA staff regularly presents publicly on a diversity of organic seed related topics. From inspirational talks about community-based seed systems to technical presentations to advocacy topics, we are available for your conference or gathering.
Consultations and quotes
Please contact Dan Hobbs at 719-250-9835 or dan@seedalliance.org for an initial free consultation (30 minutes) to discuss the feasibility of OSA assisting you with your project or educational event.
Delivery of Services
Our professional services are delivered in partnership with a broad network of organic seed growers, organic farmers, and professional plant breeders across the United States. The OSA Plant Breeding Committee includes university-based and private leaders in organic plant breeding research and variety development. Many past OSA projects have already resulted in new or improved organic varieties being sold by organic seed companies and utilized by organic farmers. OSA has also worked with an extended network of experienced produce growers, Extension, and seed company representatives to conduct replicated organic on-farm variety trials and host on-farm workshops. OSA staff service providers hold over 20 years collective experience in the commercial and organic seed industry.
OSA Technical Services Providers
 Dan Hobbs, Director of Advisory Services, has 20 years agricultural and rural development experience in the US and South America and formerly served as executive director of NewFarms 501(c)(3) organization and as a cooperative specialist with the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. He is skilled in the organizational and business aspects of value-added agricultural cooperatives and other membership organizations. Dan owns and operates an organic seed and vegetable farm in southern Colorado.
Dr. John Navazio, Research and Education Specialist, is a plant geneticist with 27 years experience in plant breeding, teaching and organic farming. He specializes in developing vegetable varieties for nutritional quality, flavor, texture, ability to scavenge nutrients, compete with weeds, and resist heat and drought.
Micaela Colley, Executive Director, Education and Research, frequently speaks, teaches workshops, and has authored several publications on organic seed production, on-farm crop improvement and on-farm variety trials. Micaela has nine years of experience in the organic seed field including past experience managing an organic seed Research Farm where she launched the company’s Organic Commercial Seed business.
Matthew Dillon, Director of Advocacy, Founding Director of Organic Seed Alliance holds extensive knowledge of the seed industry. Prior to OSA, Matthew was the Executive Director of Abundant Life Seed Foundation. As the Director of Advocacy, Matthew currently serves as the Senior Policy Analyst for the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association working on issues of Organic Seed Integrity and GMO contamination as well as National Organic Standards as they pertain to seed.
Organic Seed Alliance is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to the ethical development and stewardship of seed.
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