2. « SUSTAINABLE LOW-INPUT CEREAL PRODUCTION: REQUIRED VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CROP DIVERSITY » NEW COST ACTION PROPOSAL Domain Agriculture and Biotechnology COST 860

3. BACKGROUND 860: SUSTAINABLE LOW-INPUT CEREAL PRODUCTION: REQUIRED VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CROP DIVERSITY AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY There is an increasing demand throughout Europe for sustainable crop production characterised by reduced inputs of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers and increased agricultural biodiversity. The most rigorous low-input system is the organic farming system as defined by EU- directive 2092/91 where pesticides and synthetic fertilisers are generally not allowed

4. OBJECTIVES AND BENEFITS 860: SUSTAINABLE LOW-INPUT CEREAL PRODUCTION: REQUIRED VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CROP DIVERSITY AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY establish methods for selecting varieties, lines and populations, develop ways to increase and make use of crop diversity and genotype- environment interactions, ensure stable and acceptable yields of good-quality crops for low-input

5. Exchange of knowledge Breeders VCU-testing authorities Farmers and extension servies Researchers  Indicators for low input farming systems for improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact BENEFITS 860: SUSTAINABLE LOW-INPUT CEREAL PRODUCTION: REQUIRED VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CROP DIVERSITY AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

6. SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME ORGANISATION Working Groups: WG1: Genetics and Plant breeding WG2: Biostatistics WG3: Plant-soil interactions WG4: Plant-plant interactions WG5: Plant-Disease complexes WG6: Variety testing and certification 860: SUSTAINABLE LOW-INPUT CEREAL PRODUCTION: REQUIRED VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CROP DIVERSITY AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

7. Interested Countries : 18 A, CH, CZ, D, E, F, FIN, H, I, LV, NL, N, PL, P, SK, S, UK Proposer : DK Economic Dimension: € 50 Million Duration: 4 years 860: SUSTAINABLE LOW-INPUT CEREAL PRODUCTION: REQUIRED VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CROP DIVERSITY AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

8. CONSULTATION COST- ESFLESC EUDG RTD, DG Agri, DG ENV EUREKA OTHERSEEA, ECOPB, EWRS, OFA European Consortium of Organic Plant Breeding, European Weed Research Society, Organic Farmers Association 860: SUSTAINABLE LOW-INPUT CEREAL PRODUCTION: REQUIRED VARIETAL CHARACTERISTICS AND CROP DIVERSITY AGRICULTURE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY