ECOBREED experts have prepared guidebooks to Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) for all four crops involved in the project: wheat, potato, soya and buckwheat. The guides are intended to serve as a basic source of information for farmers, agricultural enthusiasts and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture. They also provide valuable insight into PPB and how to effectively implement it when growing crops organically and in line with EU standards.

Unlike conventional breeding programmes, which are often carried out in research stations, PPB takes place in the field where the crops are to be grown. This approach ensures that the varieties developed are well adapted to the specific conditions and needs of local farming systems. In PPB, the knowledge and experience of farmers is valued and combined with scientific methods to develop robust, resilient and productive plant varieties.

The guidebooks are more than just manuals; they can provide farmers with an effective tool in their crucial role for the future of organic farming. They contribute to more sustainable, resilient and diverse agricultural systems.