Portugal – June 8, 2025 – Sementes Vivas has officially notified by DGAV (Ministry of Agriculture) the country’s first Organic Heterogeneous Material (OHM) under the EU Organic Regulation. The two newly recognized fava bean (Vicia faba) populations – Marro, selected for exceptional culinary quality, and Aurora Violeta, intended for green manure and soil fertility – mark a significant step forward for seed innovation in the organic sector.
Both varieties were developed in the scope of LIVESEEDING, a European Union funded project dedicated to fostering the growth of the organic sector and supporting the transition to more sustainable, local food systems by boosting organic seed and plant breeding. Through a combination of cultivar development, testing and knowledge-sharing across the value chain, the project is building the foundation for a more competitive, diverse, and sustainable organic seed system in Europe.
What Organic Heterogeneous Material (OHM) means for the future of farming
The notification of these OHMs places Portugal at the forefront of the European movement for genetically diverse, resilient crops. Unlike uniform varieties traditionally used in agriculture, OHMs are genetically variable populations developed through evolutionary breeding techniques. This diversity allows crops to adapt more effectively to local environmental conditions, resulting in greater yield stability and improved performance—particularly in organic and low-input farming systems. Importantly, their genetic variability also enhances resistance to pests and diseases, reducing reliance on chemical inputs and supporting more sustainable cultivation practices. In the face of climate change and mounting agricultural challenges, Portugal’s adoption of OHMs signals a forward-thinking approach to building resilient, ecologically sound food systems and promoting agrobiodiversity across Europe.
“Organic farmers need seed that can thrive without chemical inputs and adapt to their specific environment. OHM is a game-changer,” said Micha Groenewegen, member of the board of the European Consortium for Organic Plant Breeding (ECO-PB) and Director of Sementes Vivas. “It signals the growing recognition that diverse, locally adapted seeds are essential to building a resilient and ecologically sound food future.”
The EU introduced the OHM category as part of the Organic Regulation (EU 2018/848), aiming to boost innovation in organic breeding and improve access to suitable seed for organic producers in 2022. Sementes Vivas’ successful notification is not only a milestone for the company but a clear sign of support for the EU’s vision for a more sustainable and climate-resilient food system.
For media inquiries or to learn more about Sementes Vivas and its OHM varieties, please contact:
info@sementesvivas.bio | www.sementesvivas.bio
About Sementes Vivas
Sementes Vivas is a pioneering company in the regenerative organic seed sector, Demeter certified, dedicated to producing and distributing high-quality, open-pollinated seeds adapted to regenerative organic and agroecological farming systems. Based in Portugal, Idanha a Nova, the company promotes biodiversity, food sovereignty, and farmer resilience.
