Tomatoohhh!
Participative Organic Breeding
organic breeding
Organic farming starts with breeding. Organic plant breeding bears a high potential to provide farms with varieties perfectly adapted to organic farming. Organic plant breeding contributes to the organic farming goals such as the work in accordance with biological systems and to have a positive impact on biodiversity – as organic breeders work with a broader genetic base than conventional breeders.
seed sovereignty
‘Seed Sovereignty reclaims seeds and Biodiversity as commons and public good. The farmers rights to breed and exchange diverse Open Source Seeds which can be saved and which are not patented, genetically modified, owned or controlled by emerging seed giants’. - Lexicon of Food
what we do
We are working on seed sovereignty in a practical way by breeding new tomato varieties, together with local farmers, that matches their location and needs. Taste and plant health are at the top of the list. We are thus creating an alternative to the range offered by large seed companies, which primarily focus on criteria such as yield, uniformity and shelf life of the fruit. Our aim is to bring improved varieties back to society and to pass on knowledge about practical plant breeding to interested commercial and home gardeners. Around 30 decentralised breeding programs are currently being carried out on around 15 farms.
old-fashioned tomato flavour
One of our main breeding focuses is taste. Working on new variety, to us, always means searching for the "old-fashioned tomato flavour". We meet for tastings and examine and compare the different flavours, also keeping differences in terroir in mind. Only the best-flavoured breeding lines will pass.
