CSIC and Wild Seeds: what it means for the agricultural and seed sector

Key data

The Spanish agricultural sector has on the table a public-private collaboration that could change the map of available crops in the coming years. CSIC, through the Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA), and the Córdoba-based company Semillas Silvestres, SL have formalized an R&D&i agreement whose objective is to identify, study, and valorize edible wild plants with real agricultural potential. The resolution publishing it was signed on October 7, 2026, and the agreement entered into force on October 2, 2026.

This is not basic research without practical application: the project combines CSIC's scientific capacity with the field knowledge and Iberian native plant material provided by Semillas Silvestres. The expected result is to expand agricultural biodiversity with species previously outside the commercial circuit.

What does this agreement establish?

The agreement regulates collaboration between both parties in the project called "Rediscovering edible wild plants: a path towards more diverse agriculture". The key elements of the agreement are as follows:

Additionally, the agreement regulates three critical aspects for any collaboration of this type:

• Fund distribution: establishes how economic resources are divided between both parties.
• Ownership of results: defines who owns the results, patents, or developments arising from the project.
• Conflict resolution: sets mechanisms to resolve possible disagreements between the parties.

The scientific and commercial objective is to identify edible wild plants from the Iberian environment that can be integrated into conventional agricultural systems, thus expanding the biodiversity of crops available on the market.

Economic and operational impact

This agreement does not generate direct obligations for third-party companies, but it does have a clear economic and strategic impact for the sector:

• New marketable varieties: if the project identifies wild plants with agricultural potential, new lines of certified seeds and commercial crops could emerge, opening markets that previously did not exist.
• Reduced dependence on conventional crops: agrifood companies that diversify their raw material portfolio will be able to reduce their exposure to price volatility of traditional crops.
• Competitive advantage for early adopters: companies that closely follow the project results and establish early relationships with researchers or Semillas Silvestres, SL will be able to position themselves ahead of competitors in emerging segments.
• Public funding opportunities: this type of agreement usually opens the door to co-financed R&D&i calls, both at national and European levels, in which other companies in the sector can participate.

The fact that the private company signatory is a Córdoba-based SME specialized in Iberian native seeds is relevant: it demonstrates that this type of collaboration with CSIC is not reserved for large corporations, but is accessible to medium-sized companies with specialized knowledge.

Who does it affect?

• Seed and nursery companies: potential competitors or collaborators in the development of new varieties derived from the project.
• Agricultural producers interested in diversifying crops and reducing dependence on conventional varieties.
• Agrifood companies seeking differentiated ingredients, with history and native origin, for premium or niche products.
• Research centers in agrobiology that may collaborate, compete, or complement the results of this project.
• Investors and venture capital funds with interest in the agtech sector and agricultural biodiversity as a strategic asset.
• Distributors and exporters of Spanish agrifood products seeking differentiation in international markets.

Practical example

Imagine an Andalusian agrifood company that currently works with a limited range of conventional vegetables. The project between CSIC-IRNASA and Semillas Silvestres, SL could identify, for example, an edible wild plant from the Iberian environment with differential nutritional properties and natural drought resistance.

If that plant becomes available as certified seed through Semillas Silvestres, SL, that agrifood company could:

1. Incorporate it as a differentiated raw material in its product catalog.
2. Access functional food or gourmet markets with an ingredient of native and traceable origin.
3. Reduce its exposure to price volatility of conventional crops.

This scenario is not speculative: it is exactly the type of technology transfer that this agreement seeks to facilitate, combining IRNASA's scientific rigor with the practical and commercial knowledge of Semillas Silvestres, SL.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your company can benefit from the results: if you operate in seeds, agricultural production, functional food, or natural ingredients, this project is directly relevant to your product strategy.
2. Establish contact with Semillas Silvestres, SL: as the private company signatory to the agreement, it is the natural contact for exploring future commercial collaborations derived from the project.
3. Monitor IRNASA scientific publications: the project results will be published progressively. Following the publications of the Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca will give you information advantage.
4. Explore R&D&i calls related to this: this agreement can be the spearhead of broader projects with public funding. Review calls from the AEI (State Research Agency) and the European Horizon Europe program for agricultural biodiversity lines.
5. Consider your own collaboration with CSIC: if your company has specialized knowledge in agrobiology or seeds, this agreement demonstrates that CSIC is open to public-private collaborations with SMEs. You can explore this path through the CSIC Research Results Transfer Office.

Official source

View complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is purely informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-21439