Hybrid rye could play a strategic role in the future of EU agricultural policy, given that it meets many of the priorities of the Green Deal. It is essential that we explore how this underutilised resource could be better exploited, writes farmer and MEP Benoît Cassart (Belgium, Renew).
On the eve of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, with growing expectations in terms of sustainability, food sovereignty and climate resilience, it would be interesting to take a fresh and objective look at the role of hybrid rye, also known as winter rye.
This cereal, historically marginalised in the broad guidelines of the CAP, could play a strategic role in the future of European agricultural policy, given that it meets many of the priorities of the Green Deal, such as reducing inputs, enhancing the value of marginal land, resilience and adaptation to climate change.
Hybrid rye is not only capable of enhancing marginal land without the heavy use of nitrogen fertilisers or plant protection products, but it is also a cereal with a low environmental footprint, compatible with the requirements for reducing greenhouse gases and diffuse pollution.
Its soluble fibre content, satiating effect and beneficial role in animal intestinal health are well recognised. For livestock farmers, it offers an opportunity for local development and reduced dependence on imported raw materials.
Nevertheless, while hybrid rye can be considered a credible, efficient and high-performance local alternative to imported cereals for pig and poultry feed, its integration into cattle farming systems requires a more nuanced approach.
In Blanc-Bleu-Belge (BBB) beef cattle farms, renowned for their muscular capacity and contribution to the quality of European meat, this cereal can only be used as supplementary fodder, providing additional security, particularly during periods of transition or in years of low grass production. Due to its limited nutritional value, hybrid rye cannot replace high-quality fodder or concentrates.
Beyond that, this cereal can be improved: the risk of ergot – the fungus Claviceps purpurea, although partially controlled through varietal progress, requires constant vigilance. The same applies to fusarium, another fungal disease. Another obstacle for farmers is the exclusion of any possibility of reusing their own seeds, which creates a dependency on seed producers and breeders.
Indeed, seeds from second-generation hybrids (F2) produce less vigorous and less uniform plants, often with lower yields, which encourages farmers to buy new seeds every year. Finally, the third drawback is the much higher price of seeds, even though this additional cost could be offset by a 30% reduction in sowing density and increased yields.
In light of these considerations, a fundamental reflection on the use of scientific and technological advances is needed. If the systematic use of this cereal is to be promoted to ensure the European Union’s food sovereignty, the right questions must be asked: how can productivity, efficiency, organic farming, genetic manipulation, genetic engineering, food autonomy, and the long-term sustainability of our agriculture be reconciled? In my view, it is essential to put this debate on the political agenda of European agriculture and to strengthen research and innovation within European programs such as Horizon Europe.
One promising avenue to explore would be to make hybrid rye suitable for human consumption, especially breadmaking. This cereal is highly sensitive to pre-harvest sprouting (Hagberg Falling Number), which makes breadmaking impossible. Making it significantly more suitable for baking by further introgressing bread wheat genes into rye would be a major challenge for European public breeders.
Hybrid rye will not replace corn, barley or wheat. But it can complement them. It is an underutilised resource that deserves attention to see how it can be better exploited. In a Europe seeking a balance between agricultural performance, environmental sustainability, competitiveness and strategic food autonomy, hybrid rye represents both an economic and environmental opportunity.
Helping farmers do more with less
Hybrid rye can help farmers do more with less - cutting inputs and emissions, improving animal health and enabling resilient, local supply chains, write Dr. Andreas von Felde and Dr. Imke Hering from KWS
European farmers are under pressure to produce more with fewer resources, while also meeting higher environmental expectations. KWS, one of Europe’s leading plant breeding companies, supports them with solutions that are practical, sustainable and already available. One of these is hybrid rye, a crop that grows well across Europe and offers multiple benefits for climate and productivity in acreage. Hybrid rye needs less water than many other cereals, and it requires fewer fertilisers and crop protection products. At the same time, it delivers strong yields and helps maintain soil health. Because of these characteristics, it produces a much lower carbon footprint — around 20% less CO₂ per tonne than wheat or barley. For farmers, hybrid rye is a way to diversify their crop rotation while reducing input costs and environmental pressure. For policymakers, it is a tool to advance the European sustainability goals without creating new burdens for the farmers.
By increasing the amount of rye in feed, farmers can on average reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to pork production by 20 to 30%.
Feeding animals more sustainably
The benefits of hybrid rye are valuable for the whole livestock process chain. In partnership with universities and the meat industry, KWS has developed a new system called 6-R, which feeds pigs while reducing emissions and supporting animal health. By increasing the amount of rye in feed, farmers can on average reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to pork production by 20 to 30%. Scientific studies also show that pigs fed on rye are healthier: they show fewer signs of stress, have better gut health, and need less medication. These findings have now been formally recognised, with the concept having received the ISO 14064-2 certification for its environmental impact, the first in European livestock farming. KWS is now working to apply the same logic to other sectors such as poultry and cattle, as part of its broader Seed2FEED programme.
A joined-up approach to food systems
At KWS, sustainability means looking at the bigger picture. This means connecting plant breeding with local supply chains, livestock management, and responsible consumption. By sourcing hybrid rye locally and using it efficiently, Europe can reduce its reliance on imports and shorten transport routes, another way to lower emissions and support local economies. KWS sets measurable goals to reduce environmental impact, support biodiversity and improve animal welfare. With hybrid rye and similar innovations, the company is helping to build a more resilient, transparent and sustainable food system: one that benefits farmers, consumers and the planet alike.
Dr. Andreas von Felde is KWS Group Lead of the Seed2FEED Department, and Dr. Imke Hering is Lead of Value Offer Development.
Find out more about hybrid rye’s benefits
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