Breeding initiatives – An inventory and case study

In 1985 a number of biodynamic vegetable producers, who were involved in multiplication of open pollinated varieties, set up the "Initiativkreis für Gemüsesaatgut aus biologisch-dynamischem Anbau" (The Intitiativecircle for vegetable seeds from biodynamic farming). Within this informal platform they exchanged experiences and discussed issues related to organic seed multiplication and breeding. During the years they realised that, to avoid conflicts between the time dedicated to breeding, the vegetable producers needed some economic compensation for their breeder activities. To promote their work, raise funds and coordinate their breeding activities, members of the "Initiativkreis" established the (charitable) association Kultursaat in 1994.