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Organic seed and plant breeding to accelerate sustainable and diverse food systems in Europe

Project description

Organic production for sustainable food systems in Europe

Consumer demand for organic products is rising across the EU. The EU-funded LIVESEEDING project will contribute to the upscaling of organic production by improving the availability of organic plant reproductive material for organic cultivars of crops. The project will reinforce and diversify the organic seed sector according to market demands. LIVESEEDING will develop cultivars suited for organic and low external input production, improved diversity and adaptation to local conditions, and innovative governance models linking breeders with value chain actors and citizens with local food production. The project will provide national and European authorities and policymakers with science-based evidence and best practice solutions to achieve 100 % organic seed.

Objective

LIVESEEDING contributes to the upscaling of organic production in Europe through (i) improving availability of organic plant reproductive material of organic cultivars (Organic Heterogeneous Material, Organic Varieties, landraces) of a large range of crops, bred for improved diversity and adaptation to local conditions, and (ii) strengthening and diversifying the organic seed sector informed by market demands. LIVESEEDING contributes to the transition towards environmentally-friendly, climate-neutral, healthy and fair food systems through further developing (i) cultivars suited for organic and low external input production, (ii) novel governance models linking breeders with value chain actors and citizens with local food production, and (iii) awareness around the importance of biodiversity for our food and health. LIVESEEDING focuses on the main drivers for (i) the supply and demand of organic seed and cultivars, (ii) the supply and demand of food products derived from them, and (iii) enabling frameworks and roadmaps through active policy dialogue with national and European authorities and policymakers by providing science-based evidence and best practice solutions to achieve 100% organic seed. LIVESEEDING addresses the topics in a holistic multi-actor, multi-stakeholder participatory approach involving organic and public research institutes (with proven competencies in breeding, seed multiplication and health, socio-economics, extension and outreach), variety examination offices, private breeders and seed companies, organic production and civil society associations. Additional stakeholders along the value chain are involved in the local Living Labs (LLs) and the established networks of organic breeders (ECO-PB), seed savers (ECLLD) and Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP). 15 European countries cover the different pedoclimatic zones and socio-economic contexts, including countries with a low level of development in organic seed and breeding in East and South Europe

Coordinator

FIBL EUROPE - FORSCHUNGSINSTITUTFUR BIOLOGISCHEN LANDBAU IN EUROPA
Net EU contribution
€ 699 439,81
Address
RUE DE LA PRESSE 4
1000 Bruxelles / Brussel
Belgium

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Region
Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/ Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest Arr. de Bruxelles-Capitale/Arr. Brussel-Hoofdstad
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
€ 699 439,81

Participants (31)

Partners (5)