As serious Sunflower Greens farmers.  We depend upon a constant supply of quality Sunflower seeds. 

For the last 3 years we had been buying our Sunflower seeds in 25-50lb bags from America's largest Sunflower supplier, Dahlgren and Company.   Until January 2009, we had been very pleased with the seed from Dahlgren.  Larger than most Black Oil Organic Sunflower seeds and about a 97% germination rate.  who could complain.

But, in January  of 2009, that all changed.  We did not know it, but Dahlgren started irradiating the seed end of 2008 it seems.  They did not label the bags, that we had been ordering.  In fact the labels remained the same, CERTIFIED ORGANIC and NON-GMO.  So we were completely unaware of the irradiation.

So from Januaray 2009 to July 15 2009, we tried every trick we know.  But alas the worst possible crops, with ana average of maybe 5-10% germination.  Month after month, we tried test after test, from new soil to finally changing seed ordering sources.  But, it was the change in ordering that gave the clue.  We started just growing some Tiger Sunflower from the bulk bin, not organic but excellent flavor, growth rate 90%+ germination, etc. 

Then we order from a different store, and get the same Dahlgren seed, no good.  So  that store, SPROUTS took the time to research and finally a rep from Dahlgren admitted to SPROUTS that they had been irradiating the Sunflower seeds, so they will not grow any longer.  But not to worry, they are still organic and non-GMO.  Even if they are not fit to be dog food.

Hard to believe that Dahlgren can take this attitude, worse they are in violation of law....

Legal and Regulatory Background

At the heart of the irradiation labeling controversy is a legal question: is the fact that food has been irradiated a "material fact" that must be disclosed under Sections 403(a) and 201(n) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Section 403(a) of the act deems food misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading in any particular. Section 201(n) of the act identifies the factors FDA will consider when determining whether labeling is misleading; one factor is the extent to which the labeling fails to reveal material facts.

While I do not plan to repeat the entire discussion here, you may want to take a look, CLICK HERE and be aware of this issue.

The Bottomline...

We have found the hard way, that Dahlgren has contracted the crops or purchased the farms and now control the American Sunflower seed market.  They are now shipping IRRADIATED seed, so it will be soon impossible for any other farmer to get quality seed.

Take this as the warning intended and support your local and international ORGANIC FARMERS.  We need to save them, while we can.  The last great hope for the healing of the nations.