North German Plant Breeding

What North German Plant Breeding does

Norddeutsche Pflanzenzucht Hans-Georg Lembke KG (NPZ) is a private, family-owned German plant breeding company headquartered at Hohenlieth near Eckernförde in Schleswig-Holstein, with a second breeding site in Malchow on the island of Poel (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern). Founded by Hans Lembke in 1897 and reorganized under Hans-Georg Lembke in Schleswig-Holstein in 1946, NPZ has continuously bred winter and spring oilseed rape for over 125 years — the longest continuous rapeseed breeding history in Germany — and has expanded into field beans, grain and forage peas, soybeans, linseed, and fodder plants. The company is controlled by five family shareholders (Dr. Martin Frauen, Barbara Brauer, Dietmar Brauer as managing partner, Dr. Gunhild Leckband, and Hans Joachim Lembke) with no external institutional capital, operates from a Kommanditgesellschaft (KG) legal structure, and employs over 240 staff in breeding, seed multiplication supervision, consulting, seed processing, and sales.

NPZ's core technology combines classical breeding methods with modern biotechnology, including proprietary DH-technology (double-haploid production via microspore culture, operated in-house for 25+ years), marker-assisted selection for DNA-level trait selection, and the proprietary MSL (Male Sterility Lembke) hybrid system developed for winter oilseed rape hybrid production. The firm is recognized as a pioneer in clubroot resistance breeding (MENDEL was the world's first commercial clubroot-resistant rapeseed hybrid) and continues to launch varieties with stacked disease resistance — for example, the 2025 winter oilseed rape launches KARAT and CROWN combine RlmS/Rlm12 Phoma blockers, Cylindrosporium (LLS) resistance, clubroot resistance, and TuYV virus resistance. The breeding effort is supported by NPZ Innovation GmbH, a research subsidiary performing marker analyses and pathogen resistance testing at Hohenlieth and Groß Lüsewitz.

The business model is exclusively B2B and revenue is generated through (1) certified seed sales of proprietary varieties, (2) licensing and royalties from plant variety protections across international markets, and (3) contract seed multiplication services supervised directly by NPZ. NPZ currently markets over 85 varieties across nearly 40 countries, distributing oilseed rape via the jointly-controlled RAPOOL-RING GmbH (covering Germany and 13 Central/East European countries, including Russia), field beans/peas/soybeans/linseed via the co-founded SAATEN-UNION GmbH consortium, and Russian Federation distribution via German Seed Alliance GmbH. Direct wholly-owned subsidiaries in the UK (NPZ UK, formerly LS Plant Breeding), Ukraine (NPZ Ukraine GmbH), and Australia (NPZ Australia Pty Ltd., operating since 2013) plus equity stakes in breeding and distribution companies across Canada, Denmark, France, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and additional Eastern European markets provide proprietary international reach. Customers are commercial farmers (SMB segment) seeking high-yielding, disease-resistant, and quality-specific varieties for oil, protein, and industrial crop production.

Name

North German Plant Breeding

Legal name

Norddeutsche Pflanzenzucht Hans-Georg Lembke KG

Website

https://npz.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1897

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Norddeutsche Pflanzenzucht Hans-Georg Lembke KG (NPZ) is a German family-owned plant breeding company founded in 1897, developing and marketing 85+ proprietary varieties of winter and spring oilseed rape, field beans, peas, and fodder plants across 40+ countries through dedicated distribution partners and direct subsidiaries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Plant Breeding & Crop Seed Varieties

akta.pro primary industry

Seed Trait Licensing & IP Management (Licensing, freedom-to-operate) (AFABALAJ)

Keywords

• Plant breeding
• Oilseed rape varieties
• Field bean breeding
• Grain pea varieties
• Fodder plant breeding

Headquarters

HQ city

Holtsee

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Seed Sales - Proprietary Varieties: NPZ generates revenue through the sale of proprietary seed varieties developed through its breeding programmes. The company markets over 85 varieties across nearly 40 countries through distribution partners. Revenue is derived from certified seed sales of winter oilseed rape, spring oilseed rape, field beans, peas, soybeans, linseed, and fodder plants.
2. Licensing and Royalties: Plant variety protection and licensing of NPZ-developed varieties to international partners and subsidiaries generates ongoing royalties. Distribution agreements with RAPOOL-RING, SAATEN-UNION, and GSA cover multiple countries with NPZ receiving licensing fees and royalties on sold seed volumes.
3. Seed Production Services: Contract seed multiplication services where NPZ directly supervises seed production on contracted farms, providing quality control and processing through company-owned facilities (up to 15,000 tonnes warehouse capacity on 20,000 m2).

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

NPZ is a private plant breeding company that develops, breeds, and distributes proprietary crop varieties — including winter and summer oilseed rape, field beans, peas, soybeans, linseed, and fodder plants. The company combines classical breeding methods with modern biotechnology (DH-technology, marker-assisted selection, proprietary MSL hybrid system) and markets over 85 varieties in nearly 40 countries via three strategic distribution partners (RAPOOL-RING, SAATEN-UNION, GSA) and direct country subsidiaries.

Product overview

Norddeutsche Pflanzenzucht Hans-Georg Lembke KG (NPZ) is a private plant breeding company specializing in the development and distribution of crop varieties across five main product categories: Winter Oilseed Rape, Spring Oilseed Rape, Field Beans, Grain Peas, and Fodder Plants. The company breeds and markets over 85 varieties distributed in nearly 40 countries. Winter and Spring Oilseed Rape varieties are distributed through RAPOOL-RING GmbH, while Field Beans, Peas, and Linseed varieties are distributed through SAATEN-UNION GmbH. The product portfolio includes both conventional varieties and specialty varieties with enhanced traits such as clubroot resistance, low vicine/convicine content, disease resistance (Phoma, Cylindrosporium, TuYV), and various quality characteristics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NPZ Innovation GmbH: Research entity active at Hohenlieth headquarters and in Groß Lüsewitz near Rostock
• RAPOOL-RING GmbH
• Saaten-Union GmbH
• German Seed Alliance GmbH (GSA)

Products and services

• KARAT (Winter Oilseed Rape) Winter oilseed rape variety featuring a new Phoma-blocker from RlmS and Rlm12, new Cylindrosporium (LLS-A) resistance, and optimization for maritime growing conditions with mild "green winters". Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• CROWN (Winter Oilseed Rape) Winter oilseed rape variety stacking 5 resistance genes including Phoma-blocker, Cylindrosporium resistance, clubroot stopper, and TuYV virus resistance. First clubroot variety with Cylindrosporium resistance. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• GOLDING (Winter Oilseed Rape) High-yield winter oilseed rape variety with the highest rating (Note 9) in both grain and oil yield, suitable for normal and early sowing in Southwest and Southeast regions. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• CHURCHILL (Winter Oilseed Rape) Specialist winter oilseed rape variety with Cylindrosporium (LLS) resistance, TuYV resistance, and double Phoma resistance (RLm7 + RlmS). Very high oil content (BSA-Note 9) and reduced fungicide requirement. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• CREDO (Winter Oilseed Rape) Clubroot-resistant winter oilseed rape variety with extended clubroot resistance (CRE1) against P1, P1+ and P3 pathogens; top performer with relative yield 111 in MV 2024. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• CROMAT (Winter Oilseed Rape) Clubroot-resistant winter oilseed rape variety with vigorous autumn growth, very early flowering, and compact growth habit. Features TuYV virus resistance and Rlm7 Phoma resistance. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• PiCARD (Winter Oilseed Rape) High-yield precision winter oilseed rape variety optimized for good and very good locations, featuring early flowering and a robust branching type suitable for wide rows and single-seed sowing. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• VESPA (Winter Oilseed Rape) Specialist winter oilseed rape variety ranked 2nd in LSV 2024 for grain yield, specializing in stem and pod health with mid-late maturity. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• FAMULUS (Winter Oilseed Rape) Reliable winter oilseed rape variety with Rlm7 Phoma resistance, double virus resistance, and high Cylindrosporium resistance. Vigorous growth in autumn and spring. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• MENTHAL (Spring Oilseed Rape) Clubroot-resistant spring oilseed rape hybrid — the only commercial clubroot-resistant spring oilseed rape variety in Europe. Combines excellent grain yield with medium-to-high oil content. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• LAKRITZ (Spring Oilseed Rape) New high-performance spring oilseed rape variety with very high grain and oil yield, robust root system, vigorous youth development, and adaptability to drier conditions. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• MIRAKEL (Spring Oilseed Rape) Early-maturing spring oilseed rape hybrid with very high oil content, robust plant growth, and excellent standability. Distributed through RAPOOL-RING.
• TIFFANY lvc (Field Bean) Low vicine/convicine summer field bean variety — most important variety in the German lvc segment with high protein yield and the largest multiplication area (organic and conventional) in Germany in 2023. Suitable for livestock feeding and food processing. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.
• AUGUSTA (Winter Field Bean) Highest-yielding winter field bean variety with short, stable plants. Grain yield rating 7, protein yield rating 8. Particularly suitable for dry summer locations. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.
• FUTURA lvc (Field Bean) Summer field bean with high to very high protein yield and significantly reduced vicine/convicine content. Enables higher inclusion in poultry and pig feed rations and is attractive for human nutrition. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.
• TRUMPET (Field Bean) Established summer field bean variety with long-term yield stability in official trials, small TKG with medium-high protein content, and very good standability. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.
• ASTRONAUTE (Grain Pea) Practice-proven summer grain pea with long-term yield leadership in German official trials; developed in the mutual RAGT/R2n × NPZ programme. Very good standability for combine harvesting and recommended for organic farming. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.
• ORCHESTRA (Grain Pea) Leading summer grain pea variety combining highest grain yields with a new level of protein content (confirmed by BSA and breeder trials). Early-maturing with excellent threshability and broad adaptation. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.
• ICONIC (Grain Pea) Summer grain pea variety with highest BSA ratings (9/9) for both grain and protein yield. Stable architecture for maximum efficiency with high standability. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.
• FEROE (Winter Grain Pea) Winter grain pea with above-average grain and protein yields combined with very good frost hardiness. Features good standability (BSA-Note 4) and resistance to Pseudomonas bacterial infection. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.
• LACROSS (Forage Pea) Tannin-free green forage pea approved in 2018 German value testing; semi-leafless with high biomass formation, excellent for mixed cultivation. White blossom indicates tannin-free quality. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.
• BINGO (Linseed) Short plant-type linseed variety with strong standability and favorable agronomic properties for low-input cultivation. Brown seeds suitable for various uses. Distributed via NPZ's own variety portfolio.
• BALANCE (Linseed) New high-yielding linseed variety leading in grain and oil yield. Features short plant type with good lodging resistance, minimal grain-and-straw ripening delay for good harvestability, and improved powdery mildew resistance.
• Perennial Ryegrass (tetraploid) and Red Clover — DNF Fodder Plant Breeding Programme Cooperative DNF fodder plant breeding programme with DSV (started 1 August 2015 at NPZ's Malchow site) focused on perennial ryegrass (tetraploid) and red clover varieties for forage use. Distributed through SAATEN-UNION.

Quantifiable outcome

• Annual yield increases of about 0.9 quintals per hectare achieved in German agricultural practice since introduction of hybrid varieties in 1996
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• DNF (DSV-NFZ Zuchtpogramm Futterpflanzen)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2015Breeding programme cooperation for fodder plants DNF started 1 August 2015 at Malchow site with DSV as cooperation partner. NPZ focuses on breeding perennial ryegrass (tetraploid) and red clover.
• German Seed Alliance GmbH (GSA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2010Founded in 2010 by NPZ together with DSV, Nordsaat and SaKa specifically for the Russian Federation. Seed distribution of oilseed rape, grains, potatoes, corn, and sunflowers is bundled under this umbrella brand. Operates GSA RUSS office in Moscow.
• RAPOOL-RING GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1974Joint venture distribution company specifically founded in 1974 for distribution of quality oilseed rape. Co-partners are NPZ, Deutsche Saatveredelung AG (DSV), and W. von Borries-Eckendorf GmbH & Co. KG (WvB). Active in Germany and 13 Central and East European countries including Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Hungary.
• SAATEN-UNION GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1965Consortium of seven medium-sized plant breeders founded by NPZ in 1965. Successfully distributes varieties of all shareholders across Europe. NPZ distributes its field beans, peas, soybeans, and linseed varieties via SAATEN-UNION.
• Deutsche Saatveredelung AG (DSV)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose breeding cooperation with DSV which is also NPZ's distribution partner in the RAPOOL-Ring. DSV cooperates in European breeding programme (DLE) for spring oilseed rape with NPZ and WvB Eckendorf. Also cooperation partner in DNF programme for fodder plants breeding.
• RAGT/R2ncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench breeding company with active cooperation in European breeding programmes for winter oilseed rape, grain peas, field peas, winter peas, and field beans. NPZ operates its own European breeding programme for field beans at Hohenlieth together with RAGT/R2n.
• Saaten-Union Biotec GmbHsupportingTechnology or IntegrationCooperation partner for DH-technology. NPZ operates its own DH-laboratory and additionally closely cooperates with Saaten-Union Biotec GmbH for double-haploid production services.
• NPZ Innovation GmbHsupportingTechnology or IntegrationResearch company primarily active at NPZ Hohenlieth headquarters and in Groß Lüsewitz near Rostock. Performs marker analyses and pathogen resistance testing using latest examination techniques for NPZ breeding programmes.
• RAGT/R2n (Grain Pea Breeding)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean programme for breeding grain peas operates in cooperation with French breeding company RAGT/R2n. ASTRONAUTE from the mutual breeding programme is the leading variety in Germany.
• DL Seeds Inc.supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNPZ is shareholder in spring oilseed rape breeding and distribution company located in Morden, Manitoba, Canada. Provides Roundup Ready and Clearfield hybrids plus HEAR varieties for North American market.
• Bundesverband Deutscher Pflanzenzüchter (BDP)supportingOthersGerman plant breeders' association. NPZ participates in industry activities and dialogue with policymakers through BDP.
• Gemeinschaft zur Förderung von Pflanzeninnovation e.V. (GFPi)supportingOthersAssociation for the Promotion of Plant Innovation. NPZ participates in industry initiatives and advocacy for plant breeding innovation.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• DLF Seeds: Danish-headquartered global leader in forage and turf seed breeding (perennial ryegrass, red clover, fescues). Comparable to NPZ's DNF fodder-plant programme and a relevant peer in the European grass/legume seed market.
• Deutsche Saatveredelung AG (DSV): German plant breeding company active in oilseed rape, cereals, grasses and legumes, and NPZ's co-shareholder in RAPOOL-RING and the DNF fodder-plant programme. Closest direct peer in product mix, geography, and distribution model.
• RAGT Semences: French plant breeding cooperative active in cereals, oilseed crops, pulses and forage, with explicit breeding cooperation with NPZ on field beans and peas. Closest Western European peer in legume and oilseed rape programmes.
• W. von Borries-Eckendorf GmbH & Co. KG (WvB): German plant breeder (winter oilseed rape, cereals, legumes) and third co-shareholder in RAPOOL-RING with NPZ and DSV. Directly comparable in rapeseed focus and cooperative distribution model.
• Nordsaat Saatzucht GmbH: German cereal and oilseed rape breeder and co-founder of German Seed Alliance GmbH alongside NPZ. Closely comparable mid-sized European breeder sharing distribution and trial infrastructure.
• SaKa Pflanzenzucht GmbH: German plant breeding company (sugar beet, cereals, oilseed crops) and co-shareholder in German Seed Alliance GmbH with NPZ. Comparable mid-sized European breeder operating through shared distribution vehicles.

Broad incumbents

• Bayer Crop Science: Global seeds-and-trait incumbent (including former Monsanto) with deep oilseed rape and canola portfolios in Europe and Canada. Not a niche competitor, but a benchmark for what NPZ must outmanoeuvre in core European oilseed rape markets.
• Corteva Agriscience: Global seed and crop protection major (Pioneer, Brevant) with canola breeding in Canada and Europe. Important comparator for NPZ's spring oilseed rape / canola programme, especially via the DL Seeds relationship in Manitoba.
• KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA: German-headquartered plant breeding company (sugar beet, corn, cereals, oilseed rape) and one of Europe's largest seed firms. Directly comparable as a mid-sized European multi-crop breeder with deep R&D infrastructure and global footprint, though considerably larger than NPZ.
• Limagrain: French farmer-cooperative seed group (LG, Vilmorin) with major European field crops, vegetable and oilseed rape breeding. Overlapping programmes in oilseed rape hybrids and field crops make it a broad incumbent peer.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about North German Plant Breeding