This information portal provides an overview of rare agricultural crops (SLK) under the special guideline ÖPUL 2023 for the promotion of environmentally sound, extensive agriculture that protects the natural habitat. The cultivation of rare agricultural crops is promoted within the framework of "Environmentally sound and biodiversity-promoting management" (1A) and "Organic farming" (1B) in ÖPUL 2023 in the form of a premium supplement.

Here you will find important information on the eligible species and varieties, on how to obtain seeds and variety samples, as well as cultivation and use characteristics of the plants and the propagation and provision of seeds.

The objective of the funding measure Cultivation of Rare Agricultural Crops (SLK) in the Agri-environmental Program ÖPUL 2023 is the conservation and development of biodiversity in agricultural production through the cultivation and use of rare, regionally valuable agricultural crops (varieties and species) as well as the preservation and enhancement of genetic diversity as an important tool for adaptation to changing climatic conditions. Furthermore, the knowledge about the cultivation, conservation and use of rare varieties and species shall be preserved and promoted.

The cultivation of rare agricultural crops is promoted in the measure Environmentally sound and biodiversity-promoting management [UBB] (1A), as well as measure Organic farming (1B).

Special guideline ÖPUL 2023 (including organic regulations) (bml.gv.at)

AMA - AgrarMarkt Austria

Below you will find more detailed descriptions and information on the individual varieties.

The variety description and the address for seed or material purchase can be called up by mouse click. Where this is not possible, no relevant information is currently available. However, work is in progress to update the data on an ongoing basis.

The variety descriptions available here are generally transcripts of historical descriptions. The property classifications made therein may therefore differ from a more recent examination.

Cereals, millet and corn Buckwheat, legumes / pulses, potatoes, and stubble beet. Oil and fiber crops Vegetables

Winter rye (Secale cereale)

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Winter spelt(Triticum spelta)

Spring barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Summer rye (Secale cereale)

Spring wheat(Triticum aestivum)

Oats(Avena sativa) and naked oats(Avena nuda)

Einkorn (Triticum monococcum) and Emmer (Triticum dicoccum)

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), foxtail millet(Setaria italica) and panicle millet (Panicum miliaceum)

Maize (Zea mays)

Buckwheat(Fagopyum esculentum)

Red clover(Trifolium pratense)

Sasquatch c lover(Trigonella caerulea)

Sunflower(Helianthus annuus)

Bush bean(Phaseolus vulgaris)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Stubble beet(Brassica rapa subsp. rapa)

Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Gold of pleasure (Camelina sativa)

Poppy (Papaver somniferum)

Onion(Allium cepa) and shallot (Allium ascalonicum)

Swede(Brassica napus)

According to the Seed Act 1997, seed and potato planting material may only be marketed with appropriate approval or certification.

I.e.: purchased seed must be approved and the container must have a label. These may be cultivars or conservation varieties.

Varieties

The varieties, which are registered in the Austrian Variety List, but also in the European Variety Catalogue, must undergo a register test, as well as a value test (not for vegetables), in which their value-determining characteristics are determined.

Non-approved varieties or origins

Seeds of non-approved varieties (e.g. old landraces or other origins) of agricultural crops cannot be marketed, but only propagated for own use. However, there is a possibility of approval as a conservation variety.

Conservation varieties

If landraces or old varieties (already eliminated from the Austrian Variety List) are re-approved, they are called conservation varieties. However, the scope of marketing is limited in terms of quantity.

Passing on of seed

The exchange or transfer of small quantities for the protection of plant genetic resources is possible according to § 4(3) Seed Ordinance.

If no seed is available of a variety, one can only obtain a variety sample and propagate it oneself. The distribution of variety samples from the gene bank of AGES can only be done in small quantities. However, it may happen that the gene bank first has to propagate the material.

If a variety is protected, (national or European plant variety protection), propagation in commercial traffic requires the consent of the holder of the plant variety protection.

More information can be found on the website of the Federal Office for Food Safety

According to Regulation (EU) 2018/848, the use of plant propagating material including seeds produced according to the conditions of organic farming is mandatory.

The AGES database can be used to check whether appropriate organic propagation material is available.

Organic seed database

Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management

Federal Office for Food Safety

AMA - AgrarMarkt Austria

Austrian Chamber of Agriculture

National Register of Plant Genetic Resources

SAATGUT AUSTRIA - Association of Plant Breeders and Seed Merchants of Austria

BIO AUSTRIA - Organic Farmers & Growers

For questions about the grant, contact the grant processing office.