Report on breeding gaps and key factors for strengthening small breeding initiatives: Experiences on five crops

Summary

Organic farming is an increasing sector in the agriculture of the world and the European Union. However, most organic production in Europe is based on the seeds from conventionally bred varieties or even on conventional non-organic seeds, while, by contrast, there is a remarkable lack of organic seeds and/or varieties specifically adapted to low-input and organic farming in Europe. The overall goal of LIVESEED Task 3.4. is to support small existing breeding initiatives and initiate new collaborations to close gaps in various crops. This was addressed in five case studies of small scale breeding initiatives on five main crops white lupin, Brassica vegetables, apple, wheat and tomato.