There are a number of sources of seeds free of Genetic Engineered organisms, that are certified organic, that are also free of unneeded fungicides. A quick web search for "organic plant seeds" produce many of them.

I can't think of any studies right off. Organic is becoming more popular, but synthetics have worked for years, as well.

I like using organic seeds if I can - I don't put a lot of thought or effort into it, but if they're readily available I'll pick them over the others; because I think they might yield better. If you're a plant that has to get by without much chemical help with the bugs and diseases out there, you better be a plant from a pretty tough family; and I think the seeds from organic plants have to fit that bill. I really don't know if it makes a difference, but I kind of assume that it must.

A lot of people might use organic methods but live right on top of large farms that use lots of chemicals so these chemicals are within an 1/8 mile or less. I believe as this is just my opinion that this negates any claims that their stuff is chemical free. Runoff is water from rain and melted snow which is not absorbed and captured by the soil, but runs over the ground and in and out of loose soil. Farm runoff is water leaving farm fields because of rain - melted snow - or possibly irrigation methods. As runoff moves, it picks up and carries pollution, which it can deposit into rivers,small ponds, lakes, coastal waters, and underground sources of drinking water. Agricultural runoff include,s pollution from soil erosion, livestock feeding systems, grazing, plowing, animal waste, and herbicides-pesticides, irrigation water, and fertilizer. Pollutants from farming include soil particles, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, salts, and nutrients such as excessive nitrogen - phosphorus. Large levels of nitrates from fertilizers in the runoff can infiltrate drinking water I wonder if these so-called organic method gardeners that say they are chemical-free explain this to their customers. All certified organic growers are the proper distance away from farm fields that use lots of different chemicals to prevent cross contamination or at least they should be. When I choose to grow produce for sale I do not mention anything even close to the word organic because I am NOT certified and tested and inspected and licensed ORGANIC If people ask me what chemicals I use for my operation they get all of my information. If they don,t ask I do not say anything because the weed/bug sprays that I use are available over the counter and are legal to use without special fed, or county-govt. permits. Nick