Seeds of Sustainability: An Analysis of Small-Scale Commercial Seed Producers in Ontario

Abstract

Food and agriculture are an important part of Ontario’s economic and social identity. Seeds are some of the most basic and important inputs of these systems, both in Ontario and globally. Despite this, there is a noticeable lack of research on seeds within Ontario that does not focus solely on their economic importance. Thus, this study aims to fill a gap in current food systems research by identifying the demographic characteristics of small-scale commercial seed producers in Ontario, their values and motivations, and areas of future concern and opportunity. Through (1) an anonymous electronic survey and (2) content analysis of the websites of 23 small-scale commercial seed producers, this study found that these producers are largely guided by relational values, or values that they hold due to their responsibilities to, and relationships with, other people and the environment. Specifically, these producers are largely motivated by a desire to promote sustainable agriculture, which they action through the production of seeds that are organic, non-genetically modified, and open-pollinated. Furthermore, this study revealed that while current challenges to seed production vary significantly, these producers overwhelmingly anticipate that environmental challenges, such as periods of drought and warming summers, will become the greatest challenge to their production within the next ten years. These findings highlight the need for further research into the unique role, values, and challenges held and experienced by small- scale commercial seed producers in Ontario; the lack of pre-existing literature on this topic makes it difficult to contextualize and understand how the experiences of small-scale commercial seed producers in Ontario differ from their larger counterparts.