Biodiversity-driven Organic Breeding & Resilient Seed Systems

Key expertise for Horizon Europe projects:

• Organic and biodynamic breeding of open-pollinated varieties

• Development of climate-resilient and seed-stable crops

• Conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources

• Applied research combining field trials, laboratory analysis and practice

• Living-lab and multi-actor approaches

• Knowledge transfer, training and capacity building

• EU-wide collaboration and stakeholder integration

• Commitment to climate action, biodiversity and sustainable food systems

ReinSaat is a leading European actor in organic and biodynamic breeding of open-pollinated vegetable, herb and flower varieties, with a strong focus on biodiversity, sustainability and climate resilience. With a portfolio of over 800 varieties and decades of hands-on breeding experience, ReinSaat covers the full value chain from breeding and cultivation to seed production, quality testing and distribution. 

A core strength lies in the development of climate-adapted, seed-stable varieties as resilient alternatives to hybrid systems. ReinSaat combines traditional breeding knowledge with applied research approaches, including resistance breeding, quality analysis and adaptation to extreme climatic conditions such as drought, heat and disease pressure. 

Through the establishment of ReinSaat ReSearch, a dedicated research and innovation centre, the company is advancing scientifically grounded breeding systems, integrating laboratory research, field trials and international collaboration. Key areas include genetic resource conservation, development of resilient varieties, and the creation of a gene database linking phenotypic, genetic and environmental data. 

In parallel, the ReinSaat Academy serves as a knowledge and training hub, fostering capacity building and knowledge transfer between science, farmers and next-generation breeders. This living-lab approach enables the integration of research and practice and supports multi-actor innovation models aligned with Horizon Europe principles. 

ReinSaat operates within a strong European network of propagation partners and research collaborations, enabling scalable implementation and cross-regional knowledge exchange. Its work contributes directly to EU priorities in agrobiodiversity, climate adaptation, sustainable food systems and the preservation of genetic resources.