We bring new varieties to our catalog through a number of different sources. We work with some seed companies that provide finished varieties available for us to buy and bring to our customers. We also work with independent breeders and some universities where we can license and then produce new or existing varieties that we feel meet our customer’s needs. Regardless of the origins of a new variety, we have typically seen them perform over a number of seasons in our trials program before they are added to our organic assortment. 

Before we license a variety to produce with one of our contract growers, we start by trialing breeding lines, or pre-commercial seed. We give feedback about qualities that we like or places where we feel a variety is lacking. This feedback is helpful to the breeder, and newer selections are provided to us to trial again. All to say, creating new varieties can take years, and the investment in dollars and resources can be huge.  

We often sign a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) with the breeder that applies certain restrictions on how the seeds, and the fruit or vegetables that the seeds produce, can be used. Usually, the conditions revolve around postharvest disposal of the plants and their produce.  For example, after we have done our evaluations, all the produce is either tilled in or buried in the center of the compost pile so it won’t be consumed or utilized by anyone outside of the agreement. In most cases, these lines are close to release, and this level of protection is sufficient. 

There are times however, when a variety needs to have an extra layer of protection applied, and in this case we implement a Cloaked trial. 

A number of years ago, researchers at Romulus University developed the compound that we use to create a layer of “living camouflage” that surrounds the plants and makes them invisible to the naked eye. This compound, sustainably harvested by startling chameleons in a laboratory setting, is applied to the young seedlings in the greenhouse and is effective for the remaining life cycle of the plant. The plants then behave as they would in the field had they been untreated.  

To make the trials visible to our staff, we have to use a special lens treated with RevEal which allow us to monitor the progress of the crop throughout the season. Like any other trial, we rate vigor, uniformity, and fruit quality. Admittedly, it’s a little cumbersome to trial this way, but we find that when the outcome is a new variety that our growers are looking for, it’s worth it.  

Hoping that the upcoming season provides new discoveries on the farm or in the garden.