For more than seven decades, the name Roger Maes stood for excellence in vegetable breeding and seed propagation in Belgium. Founded in 1946 in Kortrijk, the company became a cornerstone of open-ground vegetable innovation—especially in leeks, one of Flanders’ most iconic and economically important crops.
Through dedication and scientific precision, NV Roger Maes introduced generations of farmers to improved, hardy varieties that thrived under Europe’s demanding conditions. Their research collaborations with Ghent University helped pioneer disease-resistant and frost-tolerant hybrids—strengthening both the crop and the farming communities that depended on it.
Today, under new leadership, that proud legacy continues with renewed purpose and energy. The company has entered a transformative new chapter—renamed NOVAGEN SEED—signifying a bold evolution: Novo for “new,” and Gen for “genetics.”
NOVAGEN represents the bridge between generations of traditional seed craftsmanship and the cutting-edge science shaping agriculture’s future.
At NOVAGEN, we believe that the future of sustainable agriculture lies in the intelligent fusion of heritage breeding expertise and modern genetic innovation.
Our mission is to empower farmers across Europe and beyond with high-performance seeds that adapt, endure, and excel in a changing world.
Through ongoing research partnerships and an unwavering human touch, we aim to deliver not just crops—but confidence, security, and a shared future of abundance.
Rooted in the Past. Growing the Future.
As NOVAGEN SEED steps into this new era, we remain guided by the same principles that defined the past:
integrity, innovation, and respect for the land and the people who work it.
The fields of Belgium gave us our roots. The future gives us our wings.
Together—with growers, researchers, and partners—we are cultivating the next generation of growth.
Fragrant, flavour-rich, and field-ready.
Our herb seeds are bred for strength, purity,
and consistent growth in all conditions—
bringing growers dependable quality, season after season.
Built on decades of breeding expertise,
our vegetable seeds deliver strong emergence,
high resilience, and dependable yields—
helping growers meet today’s demands with confidence.
