Choose Non-GMO Seeds

Update – January 2026: For the first time, genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) seeds could soon be for sale to home gardeners. GM “Purple Tomato” seeds could be for sale in 2026 and other GM vegetable seeds could follow, such as gene-edited mustard seeds.

• If you already source your fruit and vegetable seed from a local company, write to them to confirm that they sell only non-GM seed and send them our GM garden seeds alert.
• Are you going to a Seedy Saturday event in 2026? Share our information on the new threat of the GM garden seeds in Canada: Download or request our information flyer to share.

For more information and action see cban.ca/SeedsAction

Non-GMO Seed Options

There are many ways to make sure you are buying only non-GMO vegetable seeds, including non-GMO purple tomatoes. All organic seeds are, by definition, non-GMO and there are also many other local, ecological seed growers that provide non-GMO seeds. Many of these local seed companies sell through food co-ops and seed co-ops or have booths at farmers markets and Seedy Saturday/Sunday events.

All certified organic seeds are also, by definition, non-GMO.

• Look for the “Canada Organic” logo to find certified organic seed.
• Check the Ecological Seed Finder index of Canadian seed companies. (Use the “Certified Organic Only” filter to find organic seeds.)

Additionally, the following non-organic seed companies have either confirmed to CBAN (January 2025) that they will not sell any genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) seeds, have non-GM commitments on their website, or display non-GM signage on their seed racks in garden centres:

• • Ontario Seed Company (OSC) 
  • McKenzie Seeds 
  • Burpee USA 
  • West Coast Seeds 
  • Salt Spring Seeds
  • Berton Seeds
  • Cornucopia Seeds
  • Mr. Fothergill’s
  • Osborne Seeds
  • Vesey’s
  • William Dam
  • Zappa Seeds
  • Johnny’s Selected Seeds (US)

Many US-based companies have also signed the Safe Seed Pledge – Click here to check that database. Note: This database now also includes Canadian seed companies, and is being actively updated as more companies sign-on.

Find Non-GMO Purple Tomato Seeds

In Canada, one option you can use to search for companies that sell non-GM purple tomatoes bred for high anthocyanins, like the Indigo Rose tomatoes and its derived varieties, is to use the Ecological Seed Finder from Seeds of Diversity:

Visit the Ecological Seed Finder. In the search area under “Find,” use the drop-down menu to select “By Crop,” then choose “Tomato.” In the “By Variety” field, type “Indigo.”This will generate a list of purple tomato varieties bred using traditional methods to contain high anthocyanins. You can also try searching “purple” or “blue” in the “By Variety” field, though not all results will necessarily be high in anthocyanins (the best way to confirm is to ask the seed company). Click on a variety name to see which companies sell it, then follow the links to the seed company websites to find the variety you’re looking for.

For questions or to share information, email Fionna at outreach@cban.ca

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For more information and action see cban.ca/SeedsAction