Please note that PayPal has been causing problems with large or "leisurely" orders. Until we resolve this issue, be sure to make a list of the items you've ordered. If PayPal times out you'll have a record of what you ordered. Thanks. -Kim (February 5, 2012)

About Our Seed

All our seed is certified organic by Pro-Cert Canada. As active members of the Organic Seed Alliance we show our support for the ethical development and stewardship of seed.

We live and work at Hawthorn Farm near Palmerston in central Ontario (zone 5) and we've been certified organic since 1996. We grow, select and save most of the seed we sell. Those varieties that will not produce high quality seed in our region are brought in from other organic farmers and growers we know and trust. All our seed is open-pollinated and belongs to the public domain. As organic growers we utilize farming techniques that build soil, enhance natural ecosystems, reduce water consumption, and minimize energy inputs. With more than eleven years experience growing, selecting, and saving seed, our expertise is time-tested. You can be assured that the seed you order is the seed you receive— with all necessary precautions against cross-pollination and disease.

Our seed is cleaned and packaged with care in kraft envelopes. We test our seed for germination rates and list the results on each package. If you are unhappy with your seed, contact us and we will replace it or refund the cost of the seed.

Very rarely we must substitute commercially purchased seed for varieties that are in short supply or have not met our germination test requirements. These seeds are always organic, from trusted sources, and undergo the same quality and testing controls as our home-grown seed. Any off-farm varieties will be clearly indicated in the catalogue and the web site descriptions.

We support the Safe Seed Initiative, and have signed the Safe Seed Pledge:

Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities.

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