The marketing of varieties, seeds and plants in the European Union is governed by a set of regulations aimed at meeting the challenges of public policies applicable to agricultural and food production and guaranteeing quality, food and health safety, environmental preservation, biodiversity, as well as healthy competition between stakeholders.
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Producer of seeds in Europe, France is ahead of the USA and Germany
A regulatory framework based on two pillars
The regulatory framework for the marketing of seeds and plants is based on two pillars: the registration of varieties on one of the lists of the official French or European catalogue, and the control and certification of seeds and plants placed on the market.
This regulatory framework was established by the legislator in the 1960s to meet the needs of farmers to benefit from reproductive material that met their expectations, was identified, traceable, healthy and capable of germinating.
Who carries out quality control and certification in France?
Since 1962, the French Ministry of Agriculture has delegated the official quality controls carried out for certification purposes to SEMAE, the interprofessional organization for seeds and plants. Within SEMAE, these controls are conducted by the Directorate of Quality and Official Control, the technical department of the inter-trade organization. These official controls are carried out by sampling at various stages of the seed multiplication and manufacturing process. Professional operators are also monitored annually by the competent authority to ensure that they are making every effort to ensure seed quality. Seeds are stored in sealed packages to comply with certification requirements until they are used by farmers.
Who are the key players in seed sales in France?
For farmers and professional landscapers, seeds and plants are sold by distributors such as cooperatives or agricultural retailers. For individuals, seed sales are handled by garden centres, general retailers, the internet, etc.
The distributor must be responsive, as the time between harvesting seed multiplication contracts and making them available to the producer remains short. For autumn products, which represent the majority of sown areas, the harvest takes place between June and August. It must then be sorted, certified, bagged, and made available on farms for sowing, which will begin in August. This requires, for all links in the chain, flawless anticipation, organization, and logistics. The distributor also provides after-sales service. He or she guarantees the quality and conformity of the goods delivered to producers and will be the first point of contact in the event of difficulties.
There are more than 23,000 seed marketing points (cooperatives, wholesalers, garden centres, large-scale distribution) to meet the needs of all seed users.
An export-oriented sector
Historically, the French seed and plant industry also owes part of its success to international cooperation and trade. These have brought innovations that have profoundly reconfigured French agricultural activity and that of seeds and plants.
These international exchanges have enabled operators to spread French genetics throughout the world. In France, the revenues generated have been reinvested in research and production facilities for seeds and plants. The French seed industry is a sector of excellence that places France as the leading European seed-producing country and the leading global exporter of agricultural seeds.
52%
Of seeds produced are intended for export, 70% of which are destined for the member states of the European Union.
Seeds for multiple markets
Seed companies develop a wide range of species and varieties that meet the needs of different sectors. Their production extends beyond traditional agriculture to public gardens, landscapes, and amateur gardeners. In urban areas, turf grass developed by the seed industry offers many benefits for communities, contributing to the greening of cities, the development of sports areas, the decoration of public spaces, and the creation of recreation areas accessible to all.
