Key elements for collaborative breeding models for organic markets in Europe

The organization of commercial breeding for organic agriculture differs across Europe. The Louis Bolk Institute (LBI) has been developing various innovative approaches to funding and organizing crop breeding for organic farming over the past 15 years, initiating collaborative breeding programs that are based on a multi-actor approach. In this paper, we have explored options for establishing closer chain-based collaboration with breeding companies and setting up farmer-based breeding initiatives in the Netherlands. Based on these projects, we provide a synthesis of various options.