Austria: New varieties are climate-friendly

Austrian plant breeders contribute to climate-friendly agriculture by supplying local farmers with site-adapted and healthy varieties in the form of high-quality original seeds. According to the Austrian List of Varieties, 34 of the 96 new entries in 2021 come from Austrian breeding. There are 27 Austrian varieties of agricultural species and 7 vegetables, with a large proportion of them being conservation varieties. 1,238 varieties are currently registered, with the proportion of Austrian varieties continuing to rise. “Climate-friendly agriculture is based to a large extent on the improved genetics of new varieties. They enable healthier plants, better varietal characteristics and higher nutrient levels. Against the background of climate change, a high tolerance to heat and drought is essential. With the breeding progress, the breeders make an important contribution to a high level of self-sufficiency," says Michael Gohn, Chairman of Saatgut Austria. Saatgut Austria is therefore ...