Organic starts with the seed

Visit of the Bingenheimer Saatgut AG

Last week we were happy to be visited by the Bingenheimer Saatgut AG. In addition to an insight into our production, the focus of the visit was on a lively dialog. How have both companies been doing over the past three years, and what opportunities and challenges do they face this year? In our exchanges, we experience again and again that in most cases there is more in common than one might think at first glance – even between a seed trader and a cookie manufacturer. And it is often the same things that occupy organic companies from the most diverse sectors. Bingenheimer Saatgut AG and we are ultimately united by the conviction that organic and biodynamic agriculture is needed for a future fit for generations to come. And this is where everyone makes their contribution, from the seed to the food in the organic grocery store.

Organic starts with the seed

But organic doesn’t start on the shelf, organic starts with the smallest seed. To be more precise, with the breeding of the varieties and the multiplication of the seeds. Bingenheimer Saatgut AG is committed to seeds without hybrid breeding, patents and genetic engineering. The fact that today, thanks to the AG, there are almost 500 seed-proof varieties in biodynamic and organic quality is not a matter of course. Only about 40 years ago, there were hardly any organic seeds, let alone seed-resistant varieties for the cultivation of organic fruit and vegetables. At the latest with the foundation of the Bingenheimer Saatgut AG in 2001, this situation has changed for the better. In addition to the AG as a coordination, advisory and marketing body, seed propagators and the two associations Saat:gut e.V. and Kultursaat e.V. are involved in the initiative group to make seed-stable seeds for a colorful and healthy variety of tasty and adapted varieties for organic cultivation possible. We think this is a wonderful thing, because seeds are cultural goods.

Seeds are cultural goods

What is the difference between seed that is seed-proof and hybrid seed? In conventional agriculture, seeds are often bred for appearance and profit, in which case hybrid seeds are usually used. In addition to flawless fruit and vegetables, this high-performance seed primarily ensures dependence on a few large corporations, because farmers cannot reproduce their seed independently due to built-in copy protection and patent rights. The situation is different with seeds that are stable. Farmers can act independently, grow, multiply and even improve seed. A part of the harvest can be harvested and used for the following sowing – as it was common in agriculture for thousands of years. Seed-resistant seeds are not only adapted to the respective locations and environmental conditions, but also ensure fertile and diverse plants and ultimately food.

We have already collaborated with Bingenheimer Saatgut AG on two projects and are looking forward to a third SOMMER seed bag as well. Many thanks to the team of Bingenheimer Saatgut AG for the visit and the successful exchange!

If you would like to learn more about Bingenheimer Saatgut AG, or buy seed-proof seeds yourself, check out www.bingenheimersaatgut.de!

Sources: biogartenbedarf.de/seed-solid/, bingenheimersaatgut.de/en