Our History: Rooted in Innovation, Growing for the Future

The South African Barley Breeding Institute (SABBI) was established in response to a clear challenge: international barley varieties were not performing under South African conditions. What began in 1978 as a small evaluation effort in the Southern Cape quickly evolved into something much more ambitious.

By 1983, it was clear that a local breeding program was essential. A focused, region-specific breeding effort was launched—starting on a limited scale and growing steadily in scope and impact. Over the decades, this program has matured into a dynamic, full-scale research and development initiative, tailored to meet the unique needs of South African barley producers.

Expanding Our Reach

In 1994, after years of agronomic evaluation, a second breeding and production focus was introduced in the irrigated regions of the Northern Cape. Although still smaller in scale than the Southern Cape program, it has become a vital part of SABBI’s ongoing commitment to regionally adapted barley varieties.

A Mission-Driven Institute

Today, SABBI operates as a non-profit institute dedicated to sustainable barley production. Our goal is to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties for both dryland and irrigated production areas in South Africa and some other specific African countries (Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania).

Every variety released by SABBI is the result of years of focused research, rigorous field testing, and continuous improvement.

We remain committed to advancing locally adapted barley genetics, supporting the entire value chain—from producers to maltsters and brewers—with superior varieties designed for African conditions.