A case study on variety development and institutional conditions in white lupin breeding in Germany

Abstract

Abstract Compared to cereals, domestic grain legumes such as white lupins have significantly lower productivity in European agriculture, making them less attractive. This is because grain legumes were partly neglected in plant breeding for decades. To create incentives for breeding grain legumes, innovative governance structures are needed in plant breeding. This research presents a case study to investigate a private–public research and development cooperation between Deutsche Saatveredelung AG and Landwirtschaftliche Lehranstalten Triesdorf. The partnership aimed to develop new varieties of white lupins by making use of their complementary expertise. In addition, using a PESTEL analysis as a conceptual framework, the study identifies the external conditions that affect the success of new varieties of white lupins. Within the case study methodology, desk research and qualitative expert interviews are employed. Results show that white lupins are a diverse and healthy raw material for feed and food production, if a successful quality control program for the management of the risks from high alkaloid contents is followed. The analysis of the strategic alliance under investigation shed light on how aspects such as openness and trust were handled. Synergistic risk and resource sharing enabled participants to become pioneers in the rediscovery of white lupins in German agriculture. The study concludes by recommending stronger public sector involvement in grain legume breeding to support new breeding projects.