CALDWELL, ID — Canyon County, Idaho, has an important role in the world’s agriculture. It is one of the top five places globally for producing seeds. This area hosts the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Seed Association (IEOSA), supplying not only seeds essential for agriculture but also setting industry standards for quality and innovation.
“It All Starts with the Seed”
“Seed is to agriculture what microchips are to technology,” says Roger Batt, an advocate for the seed industry. “It’s the cornerstone of agriculture, the foundation of our food supply globally.”
This comparison shows how important seeds are for supporting the world’s population. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, nearly every aspect of daily life begins with seed production.
Canyon County’s Role on the World Stage
Canyon County stands out as a global leader in seed production, contributing significantly to Idaho’s reputation for agricultural excellence.
- Sweet Corn: Canyon County produces 65 percent of the world’s sweet corn seed, solidifying its position as a global leader in this category.
- Carrot and Onion Seeds: The region ranks first in the U.S. for carrot and onion seed production.
- Popcorn: Popcorn seed production has been a staple in Canyon County for over 113 years. If you’ve enjoyed popcorn at a movie theater, there’s about a 50 percent chance it originated from Idaho.
Batt emphasizes that Idaho’s seed quality is so renowned that countries like Australia, which previously banned U.S. sweet corn seed for more than 50 years, now import exclusively from Idaho. “That tells us other countries recognize the exceptional quality of Idaho seed,” he notes.
Economic Impact and Innovation
The seed industry contributes nearly $1.5 billion annually to Idaho’s economic footprint, with Canyon County producing 50 species and hundreds of varieties of seeds that are shipped to nearly 120 countries. These seeds often play a unique role in global markets, such as specific radish seeds grown in Idaho and exported to Vietnam.
Batt says this work is “highly technical, highly specialized” with the only known type of seed to produce certain crops originating here in Canyon County.
Preserving a Legacy Amid Challenges
Despite its success, the industry faces challenges. Urban growth and land use changes have led to a decline in seed production acreage, particularly in sweet corn seed. Fifteen years ago, Canyon County produced 85 percent of the world’s sweet corn seed. Today, that figure has dropped to 65 percent.
Batt attributes this decline to the loss of agricultural fields and isolation required for seed production. Nonetheless, Canyon County remains committed to preserving its agricultural legacy through innovation and adaptation.
A Collaborative Foundation: The Role of IEOSA
The Idaho-Eastern Oregon Seed Association has been a cornerstone of the region’s success. Established in 1944, IEOSA has provided a platform for collaboration among seed producers, researchers, and regulatory agencies.
“IEOSA has helped position Idaho and Canyon County as leaders in the seed industry,” says Batt. Through education, research, and advocacy, the association ensures the continued growth and sustainability of this essential sector.
Canyon County’s Agricultural Future
According to Batt, as one of the “Silicon Valleys” of seed production, Canyon County is an irreplaceable part of the global food supply chain. Its innovative practices and commitment to quality make it a shining example of how local agriculture can have a global impact.
For more information on Canyon County’s seed industry and the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Seed Association, visit https://ieosa.org/.
To listen to the full BOCC Agenda meeting on Dec. 9, 2024, with IEOSA visit: https://agenda.canyoncounty.id.gov/SupportDoc/GetSupportingDoc?supportDocID=3910
For their presentation go here.

Did you know Canyon County is one of the top 5 global leaders in seed production? This agricultural powerhouse supplies seeds that feed and clothe people worldwide.
With seeds grown here shipped to 120 countries, Canyon County is not just part of Idaho’s agriculture—it’s a key player in the global food supply chain.