Organic farming needs organically bred varieties that are suitable for the conditions of organic farming. The requirements for organic varieties are good yields without chemical fertilizers or pesticides and good resistance against diseases and pests. Good flavor and an attractive appearance are also important criteria. Sativa develops such varieties in its breeding programs. The use of genetic engineering is not permitted in organic breeding. Instead, conventional methods such as targeted or random crossing and subsequent selection are used. The development of a new organic variety takes 10 to 13 years on average. Generation after generation, the best, strongest and tastiest plants are selected. All breeding stages and propagation take place exclusively on organically farmed land.