InnOBreed CASE STUDY - Apfel:Gut, Germany

The Öko-Obstbau Norddeutschland e.V. (ÖON) is a farmers' organization dedicated to providing advisory services and conducting applied research in professional
organic farming. It serves the four northern states of Germany and is situated at the ESTEBURG Fruit Growing Center in Jork, alongside other institutions focusing on
integrated production and public plant protection services. The research division addresses key challenges in organic pome fruit production, including disease and
pest regulation, biodiversity enhancement, as well as plant breeding and variety testing.
The primary objective of the organization is to develop best practices and practical solutions for organic farmers, facilitating their implementation through the advisory
section. ÖON maintains strong connections with partner institutions in organic fruit cultivation and is an integral part of the FÖKO-Network, which is the umbrella
organization for organic fruit cultivation in Germany.
In the realm of breeding, ÖON collaborates closely and engages in joint projects with apfel:gut e.V. – Association for the Development and Implementation of Organic
Fruit Breeding. In this capacity, Niklas Oeser as scientific assistant and project employee, is in charge of breeding responsibilities, managing multiple breeding gardens in Northern Germany.