Seeds and Breeds
The core work of this Centre will be production and improvement of plant and animal genetic resources appropriate for organic systems.
Currently, many organic farms rely on crop and livestock varieties that have been developed for agrochemical intensive systems.
Organic growers and livestock producers require breeding programmes that produce crops and livestock that meet the conditions and challenges of organic farming systems. Breeding crops and livestock under conventional management for use in organic systems fail to meet these needs. Organic crop breeding programmes should focus on optimizing yields while considering such factors as insect and disease resistance, weed competition, and environmental conditions while under low-input conditions.
Organic livestock breeding should focus on selecting healthy, adaptable animals that perform well on pasture and that have disease and parasite resistance. Research in the future should be focused on developing crop varieties and livestock breeds that are compatible and complementary in mixed crop-livestock systems.
The proposed Key Topics are: Protected Areas & Agri-tourism.
Further information
Institutions
- FAO.org/OrganicAG: Institutions that undertake research relevant to organic agriculture and seeds and breeds
Links
- OrgPrints.org: Entries related to breeding, genetics and propagation in crop husbandry
- OrgPrints.org: Entries related to Breeding and genetics in animal breeding
