The concept of robust animal breeds and crop varieties
Robust animal breeds and crop varieties for organic agriculture
Organic farmers need robust animal breeds and crop varieties that ensure a good, stable and efficient production even under variable and limiting conditions. The Louis Bolk Institute therefore supports livestock farmers and growers in the selection of the most robust breeds and varieties. For instance, we help farmers build their own selection and breeding programmes, together with external experts where necessary. Ultimately, this enables a more efficient and economically viable organic production.
Working out the concept of 'Robustness'
The Louis Bolk Institute has developed the concept of 'Robust animal breeds and crop varieties', and is now putting it into practice. The key is to promote specific characteristics of 'robustness' in plants and animals. For instance, plant varieties are more robust when they have deep root systems: this makes them less dependent on irrigation and fertilization. High nutrient use efficiency is therefore a key requirement in our plant breeding programmes.
Robust animal breeds
Robustness to adverse weather conditions and low nutrient input is not only a desired characteristic of crops, but also for livestock. Ideally, animals should be able to keep up production even when the energy and protein content of their feed is low. Furthermore, both plants and animals should preferably have a high resistance to pests and diseases. Through the on-farm implementation of the concept of 'robustness', organic growers and breeders make a tangible contribution to sustainability.
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Organic plant breeding and seed production
