KWS Corn Breeding in Europe

At KWS, we’ve been breeding corn for Europe for over 70 years, today, having a portfolio of more than 268 varieties that deliver reliable results across the continent. Beyond the traditional breeding goals of improved yield and disease tolerance, our breeders are constantly pushing the limits for both grain and silage corn. We innovate by also breeding for drought tolerance, lower input requirements, and improved feed values. This ensures that corn remains a sustainable option for European farmers in the face of changing climatic conditions and an evolving regulatory landscape.

Breeding Corn in Europe for Europe means we are applying the most modern breeding technologies allowed under the European legislation as well as having a vast network for trials across the diverse climatic conditions in 17 European countries. This is what makes our breeding unique: Our focus on regional adaption of very different climatic conditions across a small continent. E.g., particularly for areas frequently affected by drought, such as Southeastern Europe, KWS has developed innovative, drought-tolerant corn varieties under the ClimaCONTROL3 label. KWS works closely with farmers (e.g., through field trials, training programs, and sustainability initiatives) and partners with research institutions and universities to optimize corn varieties for local needs and to remain at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

Did you know it takes 8 years to develop just one variety ready for commercialization? Our trial network spans multiple European countries, running hundreds of trials annually to test corn varieties under diverse conditions. These trials encompass various stages of the breeding process, from early-generation selections to advanced yield trials. The extensive scope and scale of these trials enable us to gather comprehensive data on the performance, resilience, and productivity of KWS corn varieties.