Apple breeding at Waedenswil has a long tradition dating back almost to the foundation of the research station in 1890. 38 years ago, in 1984, breeding was newly oriented towards including disease resistance as well as performing crosses annually. Accessions with desired traits were acquired by international cooperation and exchange, as well as through the analysis of indigenous genetic resources and the development of the institute’s own collection of advanced selections. In the last decades, new objectives and methods as well as advanced data management were implemented to render the breeding process more precise and efficient. Breeding is also oriented towards the requirements of organic apple growing.