H2020 projects
ECOBREED
The project ECOBREED (Increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of organic crop breeding) was funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 funding scheme (Grant agreement ID: 771367, start date 1.5.2018, end date 29.2.2024). ECOBREED contributed to the increased competitiveness of breeding and production for organic and low-input farming. The new organic varieties will improve agronomic performance, increase resistance/tolerance to biotic/abiotic stress and quality of food. Training, demonstration, and dissemination activities within the project contributed to better use and innovation in organic farming and the spread of the knowledge among the scientific community and the general public. ECOBREED partners (18 partners in 9 countries) worked together towards the following objectives:
- Identifying genetic and phenotypic variation in morphological, abiotic/biotic tolerance/resistance and nutritional quality traits that can be used in organic breeding.
- Evaluating the potential for genetic variation in enhanced nutrient acquisition.
- Evaluating the potential for increased weed competitiveness and control.
- Optimising seed production via improved agronomic and seed treatment protocols.
- Providing farmers with the opportunity to choose and develop varieties in their own environment.
- Producing elite varieties for improved agronomic performance, biotic/abiotic stress resistance/tolerance, and nutritional quality.
- Developing training programs to facilitate rapid technology transfer from the project into commercial practice.
- Ensuring optimum and rapid utilisation and exploitation of project results via extensive farm-based demonstration and dissemination activities.
Horizon Europe Projects
LIVESEEDING
The EU-funded LIVESEEDING project (Grant agreement ID: 101059872, start date 1.10.2022, end date 30.9.2026) 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. LIVESEEDING partners (37 partners covering 16 European countries) are working together towards the following objectives:
- 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.
- 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 cultivars suited for organic and low external input production.
- Novel governance models linking breeders with value chain actors and citizens with local food production.
- Awareness around the importance of biodiversity for our food and health.
INTERREG projects
Project Acronym: CHI-PLAN
Project Title:
Chickpea as a “smart”, climate-resilient legume for preserving ecosystem services and improving the management of climate change impacts in the cross-border region
Project Duration:
1 January 2026 – 31 December 2028
Project Budget:
€1,248,739.42 (€998,991.53 ERDF)
Project Summary
The CHI-PLAN project addresses the use of alternative grain legumes as a response to the challenges posed by climate change. In today’s context, where the transition to a low-carbon society and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are key priorities, alternative legumes can significantly contribute to replacing animal-derived proteins. Moreover, their inclusion in crop rotations has positive effects on biodiversity, while their processing enables the development of products with higher added value.
The project’s objective is to establish a sustainable cross-border model for the cultivation and processing of alternative legumes, particularly chickpeas. This model will enhance the resilience of the natural environment to climate change, improve soil health and agrobiodiversity, facilitate the substitution of animal proteins with plant-based proteins, strengthen food security, and contribute to the sustainable green development of the region.
The project develops and promotes varieties that are adapted to local conditions while remaining resilient to extreme weather events, thereby preserving genetic diversity and preventing uniformity in agricultural production. It also supports the exchange of seed material between regions while respecting local ecosystem characteristics.
The pilot implementation includes the cultivation and processing of chickpeas and other legumes under real farming conditions, the development of joint cross-border pilot food products that are environmentally friendly and support the transition to a green, climate-neutral society, as well as the creation of shared databases. Two key strategic documents, the Action Plan and the Strategy, will facilitate the adoption of tested and validated approaches for the cultivation and processing of alternative legumes.
The project promotes knowledge transfer across the Slovenia-Austria border region and establishes long-term structures such as a joint seed bank, pilot sustainable sowing of indigenous legumes, environmentally friendly chickpea-based products, and educational materials. It is based on the active involvement of end users from the earliest stages of solution development.
Lead Partner
RGA, Research Genetics and Agrochemistry
Project Partners
- INTERKORN, Seed Production and Renewable Resources
- Agricultural and Forestry Institute Maribor
- Forschung Burgenland
- BAG Ölmühle
- Biofarm Martina Schmit
- External Expert Support
- BP Akademija
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