Fair seed as a basis for organic products: Eosta takes a stand and supports the breeding of open-pollinated varieties.

Summary

Seed is the basis of food crops, and thus for products in shops, and comes with a long history. Plant breeding is developing rapidly, a fact that raises questions among growers, shopkeepers and consumers. In 2015, for the first time European patents were granted to companies for plant varieties and native plant traits, such as for a tomato variety with more healthy substances and a bell pepper variety that is resistant to pest insects. These patents have caused strong social indignation: the free exchange of seeds and plant material with these advantageous qualities is blocked by these patents. As a chain party, at Eosta we are taking a stand against this and support the free breeding in line with the values of organic agriculture as well as our products. Eosta pursues fair trade in true sustainable products and also makes out a case for a fair basis: fair seed.