Saatbau Emphasizes Importance of Environmentally Adapted Seeds for Bountiful Harvests

Quality seed material tailored to specific environmental conditions is crucial for securing abundant and healthy harvests, according to Tanya Hübner, head of business development at Saatbau. The Austrian seed producer focuses on integrating both climatic and soil conditions into their production process, creating a diverse portfolio of products suited for various global environments.

"Saatbau breeders work tirelessly, testing hundreds of thousands of seed variations annually across Europe and South America to identify optimal combinations," Hübner explained. The development process for a new hybrid can take 7-10 years, beginning with computer simulations and followed by field testing under various environmental conditions. Saatbau is committed to continuous improvement and development of their seed materials.

Founded in 1950 by five Austrian farmers during a time of severe seed shortages, Saatbau set out to address this gap in the market. The company has since grown beyond its initial goals, now supplying seeds to over 35 countries globally.

"Saatbau is keen on adapting swiftly to the changing demands and needs of the market. Our success hinges on regularly updating our products to ensure they remain high-quality and relevant," Hübner stated.

To tailor seed materials to the specific needs of different countries, Saatbau often collaborates with local producers. One such partnership is with Agrosphere in Georgia, where Saatbau has been developing wheat and barley varieties for over a decade.

"We initiated our first tests of cereal seed materials in Georgia with Agrosphere 11 years ago. Initially, many local farmers did not recognize the importance of selecting the right seed variants. Now, users of 'Agrosphere' are well-informed about the differences between varieties and the significance of selecting seeds that meet their specific agricultural goals and conditions," Hübner noted.

The wheat seed material produced by Saatbau and "Agrosphere" in Georgia meets Georgian and European standards, offering resistance to frost, drought, and lodging, as well as robust protection against major diseases and pests.