LIVESEED – Boosting organic seed and plant breeding across Europe
Seeds are the foundation of farming. Therefore, organic production should start with organic seed. Applying organic seed is mandatory according to the European organic regulation, but untreated conventional seed is still used to varying extent in different countries.
Cultivars adapted to organic systems are key for realising the full potential of organic agriculture in Europe. Specific traits are required: tolerance or resistance against pest, diseases and weeds, nutrient use efficiency. However, few organisations invest in organic breeding programmes, mainly due to the low return on investment.
To reach 100% use of organic seed of adapted cultivars we need to overcome several challenges:
- Technical difficulties in organic seed production
- Insufficient organic breeding programmes
- Lack of information regarding the availability and demand of organic seed
- Inconsistent implementation of EU organic
- regulation
Read more about the LIVESEED aims and objectives in your language: