Pacific Northwest DirectSeed Association (PNDSA)

Information/Educational Objectives

• Expand information networks (newsletter, website, on-site tours and conferences) to collect and disseminate information.
• Facilitate farm tours that bring together various entities (regulators, the media, environmental and marketing groups, policymakers). Familiarizing those who influence the adoption of direct seed cropping systems with the practice and creating a forum in which they can communicate directly.
• Collaborate and cooperate with conservation farming organizations around the world.
• Disseminate information to educate the public and those who influence public policy on the environmental and economic benefits of direct seed cropping systems.

Research Objectives

Reduce risks associated with the transition from conventional to direct seed cropping systems by indentifying and characterizing key variables.

• Identify agronomic, environmental and economic efficiencies of alternative direct seed systems including those for water, nutrient management, herbicides, carbon sequestration, fuel, and labor as well as profitability, risk and environmental cost effectiveness.
• Develop strategies for managing rotations with herbicide resistant crops.
• Develop alternative crops for new rotations.
• Explore opportunities to pursue "value-added agriculture."