Organic Seeds

Ok I'm all for no (cides) and other things, but could someone explain the difference between a organic seed and nonorganic. I just can't see how a tiny seed can contain anything revelent to being yucky and pulluted when eating it's bounty. I've seen all kinds of accounts on GMO and (regular farming method) ((cides)) what they can do to your body and health. Just need a little in sight on this. We are starting up a roadside stand for next summer and although I won't get a organic stamp I will say that I grow everything free of cides and naturallly. I just don't know what to say when they ask about the seeds.

For me, the main thing about organic seeds is the genes they contain. They have proved that they can be grown without being dependent on artificial inputs. For me that's a biggie, but I also wouldn't reject interesting 'bloodlines' just because I didn't know if they were grown organically or not.

For instance, if I was browsing seeds in a store, I'd choose the organic ones. If I was buying beans at a market to grow out, I'd choose the very locally grown ones, especially if there were of local landraces, and not ask too many questions about how they were grown.

In the extreme case, some seeds are coated with certain pesticides to protect them as they germinate. Aside from that extreme case, in my opinion, the main difference is not in the final produce, but in the back story and who you want to support with your food buying dollar. An analogy could be made to the world of art where the back story often has a far bigger impact on the price than the actual piece of art itself.

One of these two paintings is worth millions, one is not. They look about the same to me. Flip the back stories (ie, who painted it) and the value of these pieces of art would be reversed.

A viable seed contains everything that is needed to produce a living plant (except sunshine & water).
It is the foundation of life.
To me, compromising at this early stage, is compromising the final product.

For certain varieties, organic seed is not readily available. In such cases, I would purchase standard seed from a reliable source, and then grow out sufficient plants that I could save seeds for future crops. Unless you are certified, these seeds would not be certified organic seeds, but, in essence, be as good as organic, with the added bonus that they were optimized for your climate and soil.

To sell "as natural", every step should be as close to natural as you can get it. Explain to your customers that organic seed wasn't available, and that you used the best available, with the intent of creating an organic seed bank for your future crops.