Importance of variety choice: Adapting to climate change in organic and conventional farming systems in Germany

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the importance of farmers’ variety choice in organic and conventional cereal production and to understand which particular crop varieties are required by farmers for climate change adaptation. A broad-based survey was conducted which included data from 119 organic and 305 conventional farmers in Germany. Most of the farmers surveyed recognized the existence of climatic changes and their negative impacts on cereal production. Given this context, the choice of climate-adapted varieties was very important to the majority of respondents. The farmers ranked eco-stability, grain yield performance and steadiness as the most crucial varietal requirements. For cereals, farmers perceived that a higher eco-stability was most important compared to other variety types. The selection of varieties with high and eco-stable yields levels should be given increased consideration, with their use likely to improve overall cereal yields and reduced plant production risks due to climate change.