Everything starts with genetics and nature’s own code to make sustainable changes. This is what we are really good at and because of this you will already today find varieties that are more disease resistant, more nutrient efficient, and of higher quality. The great thing about genetic improvements is that they multiply down the value chain until the milk is in the glass or the turf is cut in your lawn. They do not require further input - in some cases even less, which is why breeding is such an important tool for improving sustainability.

Alongside our mission to reduce carbon footprints we also need to protect the environment and secure the genetic diversity of plants and fauna. These objectives go hand in hand with all our efforts to make tomorrow's varieties better than today. One result of our efforts is the new forage-type plantain called Ecotain®. When cows are grazing Ecotain® their urine is diluted and consequently nitrogen leakage from normal urine patches is significantly reduced. This particular benefit is not common to most plants and illustrates the advancements breeding can deliver.

To preserve biodiversity our grasses and legumes are innovated to perform well in multi-species mixtures where each variety contributes with certain benefits and at the same time do not outgrow the other species. You will find plenty successful mixtures both for farming, professional turf use and amenity

You can’t be green if you’re in the red. The wise words above encapsulate the truth and challenges of working with sustainability – not only for DLF but also for all the users of our products. As a sustainable seed company, we turn science into growth. Environmental and financial growth. This is only possible when we innovate new products.

What is going on below the ground? With RadiMax, we learn all about it.

RadiMax is the world’s most advanced root-screening facility. With cameras reaching three metres below the ground into the soil, we get unique pictures that identify the plants with the best root architecture and the longest roots.

The deep dive below the ground enables us to select and breed new grasses offering improved drought tolerance, a better uptake of nutrients and a greater storage capacity of carbon. There is nothing like this elsewhere in the world.

Animals – for example pigs and chickens – need protein in their fodder. The question is where the protein should come from? Today, most farmers use imported soy. We believe there is a more sustainable solution.

Back in August 2021, after many years of research and development, we opened BioRefine Denmark together with DLG and Danish Agro. 

Here, we can produce 7,000 tonnes of grass protein powder from 2,500 hectares of local clover grass and alfalfa pastures to offer local farmers an alternative to using imported soy. This is as sustainable as it gets. Because why import protein from the other side of the world, when you can extract it from the clover-grass just outside your window?

Right now, protein powder is used in fodder for animals. But why stop there? We see a future where protein powder extracted from grasses will be a part of people’s nutrition. It is all about eating your greens. Imagine how much CO2 we would save!