Guidelines for Quality and Diversity Management of OHM Seed

Summary

Organic Heterogeneous Material (OHM) constitutes a novel cultivar category characterised by a high level of genetic and phenotypic diversity and a dynamic population structure, which may contribute to increased resilience to climatic variability. OHM was introduced under Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products and must be produced in accordance with organic farming requirements. Detailed provisions governing the production and marketing of OHM are laid down in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1189. The practical implementation of OHM in seed production is still in its initial phase. Deliverable 3.3 of the european project LIVESEEDING identifies key elements of quality and diversity management for OHM seed and provides practical examples and guidelines for OHM seed propagators.