- Are you worried about the future of our food systems in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change?
- Do you think farmers should have the right to multiply, exchange, and develop their seeds themselves?
- Is it important to you that people and communities can decide for themselves how they produce their food?
Welcome to our association Living Seeds e.V.!
We support organic and biodynamic plant breeding in the Mediterranean region
✓ without patents
✓ GMO free
✓ independent
✓ across countries
✓ with a participatory approach
🌿 About us
Living Seeds – Breeding plants for a better future
Living Seeds is a non-profit association that initiates organic and biodynamic plant breeding projects, supporting the development of healthy, nutritious, resilient plants which are adapted to climate change.
For us, sustainable plant breeding means creating natural cycles that sustain life and help our planet thrive. Our aim is not only to prevent further harm to our planet, but to actively contribute to its regeneration. To achieve this, we rely on diverse, transparent and transferable approaches and methods that people can develop and apply together.
We fund our breeding programmes, research projects, training activities, networking initiatives and studies through donations from individuals, foundations, national governments and the European Union.
A healthy perspective: 100% organic food from 100% organic seeds!
How do we ensure that 100% of organic food is made from 100% organic seeds?
- We develop and improve organic seeds through research and plant breeding.
- We support farmers in transitioning towards greater biodiversity, diverse farming systems, agroforestry and biodynamic agriculture.
- We encourage consumers to ask retailers for products grown from organic seeds.
Organic farming needs strong, resilient, open pollinated plants and seed varieties
Organic farming needs high-quality organic seeds to thrive. They give rise to healthy, resilient plants that nourish us while respecting nature. By producing regenerative seeds for future generations, these plants help preserve biodiversity and lay the foundation for a diverse and thriving agriculture.
Organic Plant Breeding in the Mediterranean Region and beyond
The Mediterranean region has so far been the geographical focus of our work. Here, we initiate and support organic and biodynamic plant breeding projects and foster exchange between breeding initiatives, research and agricultural practice.
However, as climate change progresses, the experience gained in this region is becoming increasingly relevant beyond the Mediterranean. We are therefore opening our work to more projects and partnerships in other regions. We see the Mediterranean as the starting point of our work - not as its limit.
Living Seeds: We work towards 100% organic!
Our non-profit association “Lebende Samen - Living Seeds e.V.” was founded in 2015 by committed visionaries who believe that 100% organic food from 100% organic seeds is possible - if the needed efforts are being made. Ever since, we have gathered funds for organic plant breeding projects in the Mediterranean and created a network of like-minded supporters who are willing to make "100% organic" come true.
We need your support: make a donation and become a member
Organic and biodynamic plant breeding takes time, knowledge and long-term commitment. With your support, we can advance research and breeding projects, share knowledge, provide training and raise awareness of the importance of organic plant breeding. Whether through a donation, membership or by sharing our work with others, your contribution helps us turn our vision of diverse and resilient agriculture into reality.
Do you want to stay up to date about regenerative, organic and biodynamic plant breeding, food sovereignty, and the future of our seeds? Our quaterly newsletter brings you thoughtful insights, news from our projects and activities and key updates on seed and food policies. Subscribe and stay connected to what really grows!
Video: "Why organic plant breeding needs your support"
A video by FiBL, engagement.biobreeding and bioverita that explains, why organic plant breeding needs our support.
Concept – Mariateresa Lazzaro (FiBL), Monika Messmer (FiBL) and Georg Kußmann Animation/Produktion /// Speaker - Joanna Lemonnier /// Illustration - le chmuule /// Sounddesign/Music - Elisabeth Sommer /// Consultancy - Hauke Brekenfeld (Kombüse GmbH)