Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:

Vincent Johannes Nikolaus Pippich (2022): Analysis of the business models of selected biodiversity seed companies in Austria, Germany, Greece, and Slovenia.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Agrar- und Forstökonomie (AFO), BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur, pp 83. UB BOKU obvsg FullText

Data Source: ZID Abstracts

Abstract:

Plant genetic resources are an intrinsic value, yet their diversity is diminishing. This is partly a result of changes in agricultural production, where crop and vegetable farmers mostly use hybrid varieties, partly due to the legal framework, and partly due to the consolidation of the seed sector. Yet, there is rising interest in alternative varieties, in heirloom varieties, and in land races. Small- and medium-sized companies that breed, propagate and market these contribute to the conservation and use of plant genetic resources. Unfortunately, these biodiversity seed companies face constraints, both externally and internally. Externally, besides the consolidated and international market, the regulatory framework, they also face the challenge that breeding, and seed multiplication is skill, knowledge, and labor intensive. Internally, their often have a dual purpose – being economically profitable and pursing social goals – which can create difficulties. The purpose of this thesis is to give insights into how biodiversity seed companies face these challenges. The research questions are: What strategies do biodiversity seed companies follow? What are their possible business models? And how do their managers perceive and overcome the obstacles present in the seed sector? To address these questions, the Business Model Canvas by Osterwalder and Pigneur is extended to include aspects that are specific to biodiversity seed companies. This tool was used to structure interviews with managers from ten biodiversity seed companies located in Austria, Germany, Greece, and Slovenia. Additional information, especially on the national context in which these companies operate, was gathered from the literature. The results show that the biodiversity seed companies follow quite diverse business models. There is no best practice example. Most focus on their value proposition and not primarily on customers. Many biodiversity seed companies form partnerships with each other. The interviewed managers found that the external obstacles, e.g., the demanding legal framework, were manageable. Biodiversity seed companies develop a niche on the seed market. They have a unique position, which is unchallenged by multinational seed companies.

Beurteilende*r: Darnhofer Ika

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