Got a line on some organic hard spring wheat, 10 $/bu. Have to drive a ways, but that's OK. But I wonder if it's food safe? I've heard that run-of-the-mill seed is generally treated with pestiside... I've seen sweet corn seed that's red from whatever they treat it with. I've also read that DE, silica, and controlled atmospheres are the only way to treat organic grain. But I haven't found anything specific to organic seed. Any thoughts?
Is organic wheat seed food safe?
- Thread starter k15n1
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Denim Deb
More Precious than Rubies
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Well, you could always try it and see if anything happens to you. 
unclear do you want to eat it or grow it? Organic USED TO BE PURE AND SIMPLE but there are lots of fast buck con men in the game now, Ii sure would NOT risk my health by eating organic seed grain from an unknown supplyer. Grow it yes, eat it no way!k15n1 said:
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- #4
GD, I'm intending to make flour from it. That's the reason for my worry. If I was planting it, there'd be no problem.
I've read about some exceptions to what is organic. Mainly, if organic seed isn't available, farmers may substitute non-organic seed (or starts, in the case of strawberries). Even this exception requires the seed to be un-treated and non-GMO [1]. I wonder how much it would cost to get it tested...
1. http://www.extension.org/pages/18340/organic-seed-resource-guide:-introduction-and-table-of-contents
I've read about some exceptions to what is organic. Mainly, if organic seed isn't available, farmers may substitute non-organic seed (or starts, in the case of strawberries). Even this exception requires the seed to be un-treated and non-GMO [1]. I wonder how much it would cost to get it tested...
1. http://www.extension.org/pages/18340/organic-seed-resource-guide:-introduction-and-table-of-contents
Corn Woman
Almost Self-Reliant
If the organic wheat has the USDA organic label on the package then it should be just fine to eat. If it is a generic package then beware. The only problem that you would run into with seed is there can be other items in your wheat not considered food. ie weed seeds, grit and insects over the "allowed amount". Also seed wheat must have a percentage of germantion rate listed on the package. True USDA organic seed will not be treated. You can also ask for a GMO-free statement from the producer. I'm currently paying $8 for 50 lbs. hard red, hard white or soft white and thats delivered with no minium. As far as the exceptions to organic go if the product has the USDA Organic label then you can be sure that the produce is at least 95% organic.
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- #6
Thanks. That's exactly what I needed. I'll look for the USDA stamp of approval.
BTW, how did you find your source of wheat? What state do you live in? I called around to a few elevators around here, the there's not much wheat in SE MN. Eventually, I found a source on craigslist, but that's a one-time deal. 4 bu is enough for about one year, so I'm still trying to locate a good source.
BTW, how did you find your source of wheat? What state do you live in? I called around to a few elevators around here, the there's not much wheat in SE MN. Eventually, I found a source on craigslist, but that's a one-time deal. 4 bu is enough for about one year, so I'm still trying to locate a good source.
Well I learned the hard way. Organic grass SEED from a garden center. planted on Pasture apair of geese got in by accident the female died the gander was very sick but pulled thru [either difference in mass or the the fact that the gander woud give choice bits to the female he was trying to seduce] Never again, I bought from the feed store, their stuff was meant to be eaten, Seed is meant to be planted.k15n1 said:
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- #8
me&thegals
A Major Squash & Pumpkin Lover
It should be okay. Organic seed is not allowed to be treated. Most treatments are hot pink and show up clearly.
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- #10
Oh. Well, when I searched with "seed treatment", I found all kinds of information. Such as this:
Federal Food and Drug Administration regulations
require that all food grain seeds (for example, wheat,
corn, oats, rye, barley) treated with seed treatment
pesticide formulations be colored with an approved
dye to contrast with the natural color of the seed to
prevent its use as food or feed. This requirement
provides a convenient means of detecting the presence
of treated seed mixed with food or feed grains or
products...
www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/docs/pdf/seedstudy.pdf
Federal Food and Drug Administration regulations
require that all food grain seeds (for example, wheat,
corn, oats, rye, barley) treated with seed treatment
pesticide formulations be colored with an approved
dye to contrast with the natural color of the seed to
prevent its use as food or feed. This requirement
provides a convenient means of detecting the presence
of treated seed mixed with food or feed grains or
products...
www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/docs/pdf/seedstudy.pdf
