frøhus

Frøhus is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to refer to a building or facility involved in handling seeds. The word combines frø, meaning seed, and hus, meaning house. In practice, a frøhus can range from a small domestic seed storage space to a larger professional facility attached to seed production, plant breeding, or research institutions.

Functions commonly associated with a frøhus include drying, cleaning, sorting, and packaging seeds, as well as storing them under controlled conditions to preserve germination and viability. It may also house seed testing for viability and purity, provide labeling and traceability, and serve as a distribution point for farmers, nurseries, or seed retailers. Some frøhus are equipped for inventory management and quality control across seed lots.

Design and operation emphasize climate control and sanitation. Temperature and humidity are managed to suit the stored species, pest management practices are implemented, and equipment such as seed cleaners, dryers, shelving, and handling tools are used to minimize damage and contamination. Regular maintenance and safety protocols are typically part of the operation.

Context and significance vary by institution. Frøhus are common in agricultural settings, seed farms, botanical gardens, universities, and seed banks, where they support crop quality, research, and conservation by ensuring seeds remain viable and properly documented. The term is regional and may be used alongside other terms such as seed room, seed warehouse, or seed bank depending on scale and purpose.