Research

The seed and plant industry is a sector that invests heavily in R&D and therefore acts proactively. Every variety created responds to a need identified by the plant breeder to provide a suitable genetic solution.

Plants face fluctuating and sometimes hostile environments: drought, floods, soil salinity, temperature variations, attacks by insect pests, infection by viruses, fungi, etc. They are also directly affected by the consequences of climate change, which affects their development, health, and production. Unlike animals, plants do not move, so they must find the nutrients they need to survive locally and develop strategies that allow them to avoid or tolerate environmental constraints.

Plant domestication has enabled the development of agriculture. In turn, the selection of varieties has made it possible to adapt plants to the evolving needs of farmers and to the demands of society. The ability to promote yield levels is one of the main objectives of breeding programs, but agricultural expectations are increasing and diversifying: the need to adapt to new agronomic practices, climate change, disease resistance, greater respect for the environment, improved nutritional quality, increased plant protein, meeting the needs of the agri-food sector, etc.

The evolution of pathogens or the development of scientific knowledge mean that seed companies are constantly investing in research projects to stay at the forefront of innovation. Plant breeders may need to develop knowledge to better comprehend the molecular mechanisms responsible for certain interesting traits or to know more about the pathogens for which they wish to find a solution. This research is often carried out in collaboration with other seed companies but also within the framework of public-private partnerships to contribute to enriching scientific knowledge.

Plant breeding programs remain time-consuming despite rapid scientific progress. Depending on the species, it takes 7 to 12 years to get from the first crosses to the development of interesting new varieties, whether by professionals or amateurs. Investments in this field are considerable, reaching up to 24% of turnover for some crops, with an average of 11%.

This rate far exceeds the French average for R&D spending, which stands at 2.28% of GDP according to INSEE. In the face of technical and technological challenges, support measures such as the Research Tax Credit (CIR) or funding for research projects are essential. They aim to stimulate innovation to continue developing varieties that are ever more suited to needs.