The start-up project will be used to finance various preliminary work in the field of R&D, which is a prerequisite for the launch of a joint project at national and international level. At a conference at the ZHAW in autumn 2019, the ZHAW was already mentioned as a "peat-free competence center". In order for the project idea to be launched successfully, various preliminary scientific studies and network activities are necessary with FiBL as research partner as well as with industry associations and the economy. One aspect that will be explored is the issue of additional costs of seedling production in vegetables with peat-reduced substrates.