Development of vegetable varieties

Genetic variation in useful plants is the basis for plant breeding and varietal diversity and the foundation of our agricultural-based civilization.

The head cabbage Mikeli. Photo: solhatt.no.

Norwegian heritage varieties

For centuries, vegetable seeds have been bred in Norway. But today there is no variety development and almost no seed breeding in Norway. The closure of the Seed Center in Hellerud in the early 2000s practically meant the end of variety development in vegetables. Apart from turnip and swede seeds, there is almost no Norwegian-produced vegetable seed on the market today. Most vegetable seeds, including those packaged for the hobby market, come from abroad.

Seed production of vegetables

The Nordic gene bank NordGen preserves approximately 250 varieties of vegetables and herbs originating from Norway. However, these varieties are only available in limited quantities. Solhatt organic horticulture started seed breeding of vegetables in 2012, and focuses on older Norwegian varieties of vegetables that have not been available for many years.

Sources

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