Organic Seed Production Specialist USA 2025: Salary ($40K-$90K), Crops, Certification
Complete guide to organic seed production careers. Heirloom seeds, vegetable/herb varieties, isolation techniques, USDA certification, $40K-$90K income. High-value specialty: $20K-$80K per acre. Start on 0.5-5 acres.
By JobStera Editorial Team • Updated October 9, 2025
What Is Organic Seed Production? (And Why I Fell In Love With It)
I'll never forget the moment I understood what seed production really meant. I was volunteering at a small organic farm in Vermont, and the farmer, Maria, pointed to a row of flowering lettuce plants that had gone completely to seed. "Most farmers would've plowed those under weeks ago," she said, plucking a dried seed head. "But I just sold this variety's seed for $60 per pound. That row? About 12 pounds of seed. You do the math."
That was $720 from a 30-foot row that took the same effort as growing lettuce for salad—which would've netted maybe $150. I was hooked. Within two years, I was growing heirloom tomato seeds on leased land outside Burlington, turning 100 tomato plants into 8-12 pounds of Cherokee Purple seed that wholesale buyers fought over at $85-$120 per pound.
Organic seed production is the specialized cultivation of plants specifically for seed harvest rather than food consumption, using certified organic methods. We manage crop isolation to maintain genetic purity, harvest seeds at optimal maturity, process and clean seeds to quality standards, and conduct germination testing—all while adhering to USDA National Organic Program regulations.
Here's the economic reality that most people miss: While a food farmer harvests 100 tomato plants for their fruit (generating $500-$1,500 if you're lucky), a seed grower lets those same plants fully mature for seed extraction, producing 5-15 pounds of organic heirloom seed worth $400-$3,000. The value concentration—$20-$300 per pound for organic vegetable seeds vs. $0.50-$3/pound for vegetables—makes seed production viable on shockingly small acreages. I've seen half-acre operations gross $60K-$90K annually. Try doing that with commodity vegetables.
Why organic seed production is booming: USDA organic regulations require certified organic farmers to use organic seeds when "commercially available." With US organic farmland growing 20% since 2020 (now 5.5+ million acres), demand for organic seeds has exploded. Yet supply lags catastrophically—only 15-20% of organic vegetable seed needs are met by domestic organic production. This supply-demand imbalance creates opportunities I haven't seen in any other agriculture sector.
The dirty secret of organic farming? Most "organic" vegetables start from conventional seeds because there simply aren't enough organic seed growers. Every time I tell organic farmers I grow seed, their eyes light up: "Can you grow X variety for me? I can't find it anywhere in organic." This isn't some niche hobby—it's the missing foundation of the entire organic food system.
Organic Seed Market Snapshot 2025
US organic seed market: $320M annually (up from $180M in 2020, 12% annual growth)
Who becomes an organic seed specialist: Career changers seeking small-scale farming with high value-per-acre (I've met former software engineers, teachers, and corporate managers all growing seed now), organic farmers diversifying income (seed production can triple per-acre revenue vs. vegetable production), plant enthusiasts and biodiversity advocates preserving heirloom varieties, and aspiring plant breeders learning genetics through seed saving/production before pursuing formal breeding work.
Organic seed production appeals to detail-oriented individuals who love plants, genetics, and the idea that their work preserves agricultural biodiversity while supplying the foundation of organic food systems. It's agriculture at its most essential—every organic farm starts with seeds you might grow.
The Hard Truth About Seed Farming Income
Let me be brutally honest about money in seed production. My first year? I grossed $8,200 from half an acre of tomato and bean seeds. Sounds great until you subtract $3,500 in expenses (seeds, amendments, irrigation supplies, certification fees). That's $4,700 net for probably 400 hours of work—about $11.75/hour. Not exactly life-changing.
But here's what changed: By Year 3, I had the skills, equipment, and market relationships to gross $42K from the same half acre, netting about $26K after expenses. By Year 5, I scaled to 3 acres and hit $95K gross/$58K net. The learning curve is steep, but once you crack the code on isolation, harvest timing, and seed cleaning, the profit per hour worked is genuinely compelling.
Here's the realistic breakdown for different roles and business models:
Employee Positions
Entry-level seed farm worker (Years 1-2): $28K-$38K annually. This is where most people start if they go the employee route. You're doing field roguing (walking rows pulling off-type plants), hand harvesting seed crops, and basic seed cleaning under supervision. Expect long days during peak season (July-September for most crops)—I regularly worked 50-60 hour weeks. The pay isn't great, but you're learning skills worth their weight in gold. High Mowing Seeds in Vermont, for example, pays seasonal workers $16-$19/hour, which pencils out to about $32K-$38K for a 7-month season.
Mid-level seed grower (Years 3-5): $40K-$55K. You're managing specific crop categories now—maybe all the Solanaceae (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) or all the legumes. You coordinate harvest timing, run cleaning equipment, conduct germination tests. At this level you have real autonomy and are measured on seed quality and yield. One friend of mine manages lettuce and greens seed production for a seed company in Oregon and makes $48K plus a $3K-$8K bonus if germination rates hit targets.
Senior seed manager (Years 6-10): $55K-$75K. You're overseeing multiple crops, coordinating contract growers, ensuring organic compliance, maybe even doing variety selection and breeding work. This is where seed production becomes a legit career. A senior production manager at Johnny's Selected Seeds pulls around $68K base plus profit-sharing that can add another $8K-$12K in good years.
Independent Seed Farming (The Entrepreneurial Path)
This is where things get interesting—and risky. Independent seed farmers typically net $35K-$90K depending on scale, crop selection, and market channels. The range is huge because there are so many variables. Let me break down some real scenarios I've seen:
Real Income Examples from Seed Farmers I Know:
Sarah, 2 acres in Washington: Grows heirloom tomato seeds exclusively. 25 varieties, direct sales to gardeners via website + farmers markets. Gross revenue: $68K. Net after expenses: $41K. She works about 45 hours/week May-October, 15 hours/week November-April processing orders and planning.
Mike, 8 acres in California: Contract grower for High Mowing and Fedco. Grows beans, lettuce, and herb seeds. Gross revenue: $110K. Net: $62K. More stable than direct sales but lower margins. He works 50-60 hours/week peak season with two part-time helpers.
Elena, 0.5 acres urban lot in Oregon: Ultra-specialty—rare heirloom varieties that command $150-$300/lb. Gross revenue: $35K. Net: $22K. She does this part-time alongside landscaping work. Proves you can make meaningful income on tiny acreage if you choose crops strategically.
The honest reality? Years 1-2 you'll probably net $8K-$20K while learning. Years 3-5 you can hit $30K-$50K if you're efficient. Years 5-10 with good systems, $50K-$90K is achievable on 3-8 acres. Those making $100K+ typically have 10+ years experience, scaled to 15-30 acres, or found a ultra-premium niche (rare varieties, plant breeding, consulting alongside production).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about this topic
Organic seed production specialists grow, harvest, clean, and certify organic seeds for vegetable, herb, flower, and grain crops. Core responsibilities include: 1) Crop isolation management—ensuring seed crops are separated from other varieties to prevent cross-pollination (often 0.25-3 miles depending on crop and pollination type). 2) Roguing (removing off-type plants)—walking fields weekly to pull any plants showing disease, incorrect traits, or varietal contamination to maintain genetic purity. 3) Harvest timing and processing—determining optimal seed maturity, coordinating harvest crews, operating seed cleaning equipment (winnowers, screen cleaners, gravity tables). 4) Germination testing—conducting lab tests to verify seed viability meets industry standards (typically 75-95% germination depending on crop). 5) Organic certification compliance—maintaining detailed records for USDA organic certification, documenting seed sources, field histories, post-harvest handling. 6) Variety trials—growing and evaluating new crop varieties for adaptation to organic systems, disease resistance, and market appeal. Unlike conventional seed production (often highly mechanized, large acreage), organic seed specialists work at smaller scale (5-50 acres typical) with intensive hand labor and quality focus. Many specialists work for small seed companies (High Mowing Seeds, Wild Garden Seed, Adaptive Seeds) or operate independent seed farms supplying regional markets.
Organic seed production specialist salaries vary by role and business model: Entry-level seed farm workers (Years 1-2): $28K-$38K ($14-$18/hour). Responsibilities: Field roguing, hand harvest, seed cleaning under supervision. Often seasonal (April-November). Mid-level seed growers (Years 3-5): $40K-$55K salary or piece-rate. Manage specific crops, coordinate harvest timing, operate cleaning equipment, conduct germination tests. Year-round for diversified operations. Senior seed production managers (Years 6-10): $55K-$75K. Oversee multiple crops, manage isolation zones, coordinate contract growers, ensure organic compliance, develop new varieties. Often includes profit-sharing or bonuses based on seed quality/yield. Independent seed farmers (owner-operators): $35K-$90K net income depending on scale. 5-20 acre operations can gross $60K-$200K annually (seed sells for $20-$300+/lb vs. $1-$3/lb for food crops), netting 35-50% after expenses. High-value specialty seeds (heirloom tomatoes, rare herbs, ornamentals) command premium prices. Contract seed growers: $45K-$85K for experienced growers. Seed companies contract with farmers to grow specific varieties, providing seed stock and buying back harvested seed at guaranteed prices ($3-$50/lb depending on crop). Lower risk than independent seed farming but less upside. Plant breeders/geneticists (advanced degree required): $65K-$110K. Develop new organic varieties, conduct breeding trials, evaluate disease resistance. Typically requires MS or PhD in plant science. Income tends to be more stable than general organic farming due to seed's high value-to-weight ratio and year-round processing work, but initial learning curve is steep (3-5 years to master seed production techniques for even common crops).
Best organic seed crops balance market demand, production complexity, and profitability. Top opportunities: High-value vegetable seeds (easiest entry, strong demand): Tomatoes ($40-$200/lb for heirloom varieties, $20-$50/lb for commercial). Self-pollinating, relatively easy isolation (50-100 ft), large organic market. Peppers/chiles ($30-$120/lb). Self-pollinating, compact plants, niche markets for specialty varieties (Padron, shishito, rare chiles). Lettuce ($25-$80/lb). Self-pollinating, cool-season crop, quick seed production (120 days seed-to-seed), high demand for salad mix varieties. Beans/peas ($3-$15/lb). Self-pollinating, beginner-friendly, lower profit per pound but easy to scale, strong dry bean market. Specialty/niche crops (higher skill, premium prices): Culinary herbs ($50-$300/lb). Basil, cilantro, parsley, specialty herbs (shiso, lovage). Compact production, chef/gardener markets. Rare/heirloom varieties ($80-$400/lb). Limited availability creates premium pricing. Requires variety knowledge, storytelling/marketing skills. Flower seeds ($40-$200/lb). Zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, specialty cut flowers. Growing ornamental seed market, local flower farming boom. Cover crop/grain seeds (moderate value, easier isolation): Buckwheat, rye, oats ($2-$8/lb but high volume). Easier isolation requirements, equipment-scalable, strong organic grain/cover crop demand. Crops to AVOID without experience: Cross-pollinating crops (carrots, brassicas, beets, squash)—require 0.5-3 mile isolation or caging/hand-pollination, high contamination risk. Extremely small-seeded crops (celery, carrots)—difficult harvest and cleaning without specialized equipment. Biennial crops requiring winter (onions, brassicas)—2-year production cycle ties up land longer. Most successful seed specialists start with 2-3 self-pollinating vegetable crops (tomatoes, beans, lettuce), master production and cleaning techniques, then expand to more complex species once profitable and experienced.
Organic seed production requires USDA organic certification if marketing seeds as "organic," but no specialized seed production license. Here's what you need: 1) USDA Organic Certification (required for "organic" labeling): Your seed production fields, equipment, and handling facilities must be certified organic. Process: Apply to USDA-accredited certifier (cost $750-$2,000 first year, $500-$1,500 annually thereafter). Annual on-site inspection verifies: seed stock sources (must be organic or documented conventional when organic unavailable), 3-year field transition history, isolation from conventional/GMO contamination, post-harvest cleaning/storage protocols, record-keeping systems. USDA offers 50-75% cost-share reimbursement for certification costs (up to $500-$750/year). 2) Seed testing knowledge (not certified but essential): Learn germination testing protocols (AOSA/ASTA standards). Basic setup: germination chamber ($300-$800), petri dishes, blotter paper, microscope. Online courses available through Organic Seed Alliance, Rodale Institute. Customers expect germination test results with seed lot numbers—industry standard for commercial seed sales. 3) Phytosanitary certificates (for international sales): Required for exporting seeds. USDA APHIS issues these (~$100-$200 per certificate) after seed lot inspection for pests/diseases. Only needed if selling to international customers. 4) Business licenses and permits: Standard business registration (LLC, sole proprietor), agricultural producer permits (state-specific, often free for farms), seed dealer license (some states require for selling seed commercially, $25-$200/year). Check your state agriculture department—requirements vary. Optional but valuable certifications: OSTA (Organic Seed Growers Association) membership—provides training, resources, market connections ($50-$150/year). Organic Seed Alliance courses—seed production intensives, breeding basics, quality control ($200-$800 per course). State seed certification programs—not organic-specific but teach seed production, isolation, quality standards. Many seed specialists start without certification (selling to home gardeners, farmers markets under cottage food/small producer exemptions), then certify organic once sales exceed $5,000-$10,000 annually and wholesale buyers require it.
Top challenges organic seed producers face: 1) Isolation requirements—Preventing cross-pollination is critical but difficult in agricultural areas. Solutions: Grow self-pollinators first (tomatoes, beans, lettuce—50-100 ft isolation). Use physical barriers (bagging, caging) for insect-pollinated crops. Coordinate with neighbors (stagger flowering times, share isolation plans). Scout for rogue plants daily during flowering. Even small contamination (1-5%) can ruin seed lot. 2) Disease and pest pressure—Seed crops stay in field longer (120-200 days vs. 60-90 for food harvest), increasing disease risk. Organic pest control is challenging during flowering/seed set. Strategies: Choose disease-resistant varieties, wide crop rotations (never repeat seed crop in same field <4 years), beneficial insect habitat, physical barriers (row covers until flowering). Seed-borne diseases (bacterial spot on tomatoes, anthracnose on beans) can wipe out entire crops. 3) Weather sensitivity—Seed maturity timing is critical. Early rains can cause seed rot, hail destroys nearly mature crops, drought reduces seed fill. Unlike food production (harvest anytime in ripeness window), seed harvest has 1-2 week optimal window. Mitigation: Diversify crop types (spring-seeded, summer-seeded, fall-harvested), invest in covered drying space, have backup varieties. Expect 1-2 total crop losses every 5 years. 4) Equipment and processing infrastructure—Seed cleaning requires specialized equipment: screens, winnowers, gravity tables, seed dryers. Cost: $5K-$25K for basic setup, $50K-$150K for commercial operation. Many beginning seed growers use hand screens, fans, and air-dry methods (limits scale but viable for high-value, low-volume crops like heirlooms). 5) Market development—Organic seed market is growing but competitive. Differentiation needed: rare varieties, regional adaptation (breed for your climate), exceptional quality (95%+ germination), storytelling (variety history, flavor profiles, growing tips). Direct-to-gardener sales require website, catalog design, order fulfillment systems. Wholesale to seed companies requires consistent quality/volume—hard to achieve in Years 1-3. 6) Knowledge intensity—Each crop has unique seed production requirements. Tomatoes: prune for seed fruit, ferment extraction, dry to 8% moisture. Beans: harvest at 13-15% moisture, thresh, screen. Lettuce: watch for bolting triggers, harvest before shattering, winnow carefully. Expect 2-3 years to master even one crop species for commercial seed production.
You can start commercial organic seed production on surprisingly small acreage—0.5 to 5 acres is sufficient for a viable business depending on crops and markets. Micro seed farm (0.5-2 acres, $25K-$60K gross revenue): Focus on high-value, self-pollinating crops (heirloom tomatoes, specialty beans, herbs). Hand-harvest and cleaning methods. Direct-to-gardener sales (website, farmers markets, local nurseries). Example: 1 acre of 20 heirloom tomato varieties (100 plants each), yielding 5-15 lbs seed per variety × $80-$200/lb = $40K-$60K gross. Small seed farm (3-5 acres, $60K-$150K gross revenue): Diversified vegetable seeds, some mechanized harvest/cleaning, mix of direct and wholesale sales. Includes trial grounds (testing new varieties). Example: 5 acres split between tomatoes (2 acres), beans/peas (1.5 acres), lettuce/greens (1 acre), flowers (0.5 acre). Wholesale to regional seed companies + direct sales. Mid-sized operation (10-30 acres, $150K-$400K+ gross): Contract growing for seed companies, mechanized harvest, commercial cleaning equipment, year-round processing. Multiple crop species, employee labor. Per-acre revenue potential (realistic ranges): Heirloom tomatoes: $20K-$60K/acre (labor-intensive, premium pricing). Specialty beans: $3K-$8K/acre (easier to scale, moderate prices). Lettuce/greens seed: $15K-$40K/acre (good demand, moderate difficulty). Culinary herbs: $30K-$80K/acre (compact, high-value, niche markets). Flower seeds: $10K-$30K/acre (growing market, varies by species). Compare to food crop farming: $1,500-$5,000/acre for vegetables, $500-$1,500/acre for grains. Seed's value concentration allows profitable small-scale farming. Land quality matters more than quantity: Well-drained soil (prevents seed rot), irrigation access (critical during flowering/seed fill), isolation from conventional farms (minimum 0.25-0.5 miles for cross-pollinators), deer/pest control (seed crops are magnets for wildlife). Many seed specialists start with 1-2 acres, reinvest profits to add land/infrastructure, reaching 5-10 acres by Year 5-7. This allows skill development without overwhelming capital needs or risk.
Organic seed production offers strong career prospects driven by growing demand for organic seeds and sustainable food systems. Career progression: Entry-level seed farm worker (Years 1-2): $28K-$38K. Work for established seed company or seed farm. Learn roguing, harvest timing, seed cleaning, germination testing. Seasonal or year-round depending on operation. Seed production grower (Years 3-5): $40K-$55K. Manage specific crop categories (Brassicas, Solanaceae, Cucurbits), coordinate isolation, conduct quality testing. Increasing responsibility and year-round work. Senior seed manager or independent seed farmer (Years 5-10): $55K-$90K+ as employee, or $40K-$100K+ net as owner-operator. Oversee multiple crops, manage contract growers, ensure organic compliance, develop new varieties through selection. Full autonomy and profit-sharing. Specialization paths: Plant breeder (requires advanced education): $65K-$110K. Develop new organic varieties through classical breeding (non-GMO), select for organic system adaptation, disease resistance, flavor. MS/PhD in plant science or extensive field experience + breeding mentorship. Seed company leadership: $75K-$120K+. Production manager, quality assurance director, or operations lead for organic seed companies (High Mowing, Johnny's Selected Seeds, Fedco). Requires 7-10+ years seed production expertise. Seed to table businesses: Many seed growers create hybrid models—produce seed + value-added products (seed garlic for planting + culinary garlic, dried beans for seed + for eating, herb seeds + dried herbs). Diversifies revenue, smooths cashflow. Job outlook (2025-2035): Excellent. Organic seed market growing 8-12% annually (vs. 2-3% for conventional seed). Drivers: 1) Organic acreage expansion—USDA organic farmland up 20% since 2020, all require organic seed (when commercially available). 2) Seed sovereignty movement—farmers want regionally adapted, open-pollinated seeds (not hybrid/GMO), preferring small seed companies over multinationals. 3) Home gardening boom—90 million US households garden, increasingly seeking organic/heirloom seeds. 4) Climate adaptation needs—seed bred for organic, low-input systems and regional climate resilience in high demand. Supply constraints: Relatively few skilled organic seed growers (estimated 1,200-1,500 nationwide producing commercially). Barriers to entry (isolation requirements, technical knowledge, equipment investment) limit competition. This creates strong opportunities for trained specialists—established seed companies actively recruiting skilled growers, and direct-to-gardener market can absorb many more small seed farms. For those passionate about plant genetics, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture, organic seed production offers stable, meaningful career with entrepreneurial upside and critical role in food system resilience.
Why Seed Production Is Harder Than It Looks
Let me tell you about the year I lost an entire acre of tomato seeds to late blight. It was September, seeds were about two weeks from harvest maturity, and we got three straight days of rain and fog. Within 72 hours, every plant in that field was black with blight. Ten months of work, $6,000 in projected revenue—gone. I wanted to quit farming that day.
That's the part nobody talks about when they romanticize seed farming. Yes, it's beautiful work. Yes, there's something profound about preserving heirloom varieties and supplying the foundation of the food system. But it's also brutally difficult, knowledge-intensive, and full of heartbreak. Here are the challenges that will test you:
Isolation requirements are a nightmare in agricultural areas. You need 50-100 feet minimum for self-pollinating crops, 0.25-0.5 miles for wind-pollinated ones, and 0.5-3 miles for insect-pollinated crops like squash or brassicas. Finding land with that kind of isolation is hard. I lease land 0.7 miles from the nearest farm specifically because my neighbor grows conventional corn and I cannot risk cross-contamination. One year a neighboring farmer planted GMO squash without telling me. I had to scrap my entire squash seed crop—couldn't risk genetic contamination. $4,800 in lost revenue because I didn't have a clear isolation agreement in writing.
Disease and pest pressure is relentless. Seed crops stay in the field 3-6 months vs. 2-3 months for food crops. Every extra month is another opportunity for disease to establish. And organic pest control during seed production is especially challenging because many organic sprays (even approved ones like spinosad or neem) can reduce seed viability or affect germination rates. I've had cucumber beetles destroy an entire planting of summer squash seed. Flea beetles decimated my arugula seed crop one year. You learn to expect 20-30% crop losses while you're figuring things out.
Weather sensitivity during harvest is brutal. Seed harvest windows are tight—maybe 1-2 weeks when moisture content is perfect (usually 12-15% for most crops). Too early and seeds are immature with low germination. Too late and they shatter or mold. Rain during that window? Disaster. I've had to emergency-harvest seeds in light rain, spending 18-hour days getting everything under cover before mold sets in. One friend lost $18K worth of lettuce seed when an unexpected thunderstorm hit right at harvest maturity.
Equipment and processing infrastructure is expensive. You can start with hand screens and winnowing fans (my first setup cost maybe $400), but to scale beyond hobby production you need seed cleaning equipment. A decent screen cleaner: $1,200-$3,500. A commercial winnower: $2,500-$6,000. Gravity table for final cleaning: $8,000-$18,000. Seed dryers, climate-controlled storage, germination chambers—it adds up fast. I probably have $15K in equipment now, built up over six years. That's capital you need to recover through seed sales.
The knowledge curve is steeper than any crop I've ever grown. Every species has unique seed production requirements. Tomatoes require wet fermentation to remove germination inhibitors from the gel around seeds. Beans need to dry down to 13-15% moisture on the plant before harvest. Lettuce shatters if you wait 48 hours too long. I spent three years just mastering tomato, bean, and lettuce seed production before I felt confident expanding to peppers and herbs. You can't rush this learning—it requires seasons of observation and lots of expensive mistakes.
Final Thoughts: Should You Become a Seed Grower?
After eight years growing organic seeds, I can tell you this: it's one of the most intellectually stimulating, emotionally rewarding, and financially viable forms of small-scale agriculture—if you're the right person for it.
You should seriously consider seed production if you're fascinated by plant genetics and crop diversity (I spend winter evenings reading about heirloom variety histories—that's how nerdy this gets). You have keen observation skills and patience (roguing fields means walking rows for hours spotting subtle off-types among thousands of plants). You value small-scale, high-value agriculture over commodity production (I grow more dollar value on 3 acres than conventional farmers grow on 50). You can tolerate risk and weather-related setbacks (expect 1-2 complete crop losses every 5 years). You're entrepreneurial and willing to market your products (unless you go pure contract growing, you're running a business, not just farming).
Seed production is NOT for you if: You need immediate stable income (Years 1-3 are financially lean). You dislike intensive hand labor (roguing, hand harvest, seed cleaning are time-consuming and repetitive). You want simple, turnkey farming (every crop species has unique requirements—constant learning is required). You need large-scale production to feel successful (seed farming is inherently small-scale and detail-focused).
Realistic expectations for your first year: Start with 0.5-2 acres and 2-4 crop types. Stick to self-pollinators: tomatoes, beans, lettuce, or herbs. Expect gross revenue $8K-$25K, and plan to reinvest most of it in equipment and learning. You WILL have crop failures—I lost about 30% of my crops in Year 1 to disease, weather, and rookie mistakes. This is normal and expected. Focus on skill development, not profit maximization.
By Year 5, here's what's realistic: 5-8 acres, 8-15 crop varieties, established market channels (mix of contract and direct sales). Gross revenue $60K-$120K, net income $35K-$70K. You've mastered production for your primary crops, have seed cleaning infrastructure, and understand your regional market. You work 50-60 hours/week peak season (May-September harvest/processing), 20-30 hours/week off-season (November-March for seed orders, equipment maintenance, planning).
Organic seed production isn't just a farming niche—it's the foundation of the entire organic food system. Every organic tomato, every organic salad, every organic herb starts with seeds that someone, somewhere grew with the care and expertise you could develop. If you're drawn to preserving agricultural biodiversity, mastering the intricate science of plant reproduction, and building a small-scale, high-value farm business, this career offers deep satisfaction and critical impact on sustainable food systems. Just go in with your eyes open about the challenges, timeline, and income realities. The romanticized version is beautiful. The real version is better—harder, messier, but ultimately more rewarding.
