Everything that we do has farmers at the heart of it. We are a company created and owned by farmers and Limagrain Field Seeds exists to supply farmers with the best genetics so they can be as successful and sustainably profitable as possible growing the crops the markets request.
The story of Limagrain is truly inspiring, how a group of relatively small farmers in Limagne Val d’Allier (centre of France) cooperated to create the world’s 4th largest seed company. The farmer shareholders of Limagrain have a daily proximity to all levels of our business and are genuine leaders with a long-term vision.
Limagrain Field Seeds is unique among global seed companies to have this model of farmer ownership and leadership and it is something, for which we are incredibly proud and that we want to highlight as a key factor of differentiation.
No farmer grows only one crop and no global seed business can be successful with a single crop. Limagrain Field Seeds focus is for a portfolio of multi-crops, which correspond to the needs of farmers in all continents.
We have 4 strategic crops: Corn, Wheat, Sunflower, and Oilseed Rape. Corn and Wheat are both global crops and we consider them to be part of our identity, because they serve as the base for the activities of our Cooperative farmer members. In addition, we have a portfolio of tactical crops adapted to each region: Barley, Soybean, Millet, Rice, and Pulses.
The ambition of Limagrain Field Seeds is to provide farmers with the best genetics wherever they are, whether they be large or small. Today, through Perseverance, Limagrain Field Seeds has a global presence, composed of 6 Business Units covering 6 continents with subsidiaries in over 40 countries and sales in 80 countries.
Cooperation is in our DNA. By working in partnerships based on respect and common values, Limagrain Field Seeds has been able to achieve our global ambitions through the creation multiple partnerships across all continents, via our 13 joint ventures in Europe, the USA and Canada, Africa, China and Australia. These partnerships cover both business and research activities.
In 2020, Limagrain created 2 new joint ventures in the continent of Africa with our strategic partner Seed Co.
The decision-making process in Limagrain is shared by three bodies
The Board of Directors (comprises 16 Elected Farmers + Salaried CEO). The Board of Directors meets twice a month, once on local questions concerning the cooperative and one on questions concerning the group. It appoints the chairmen of the group’s activities; Field Seeds; Vegetable Seeds; Garden Products; Ingredients and Bakery Products.
The Bureau (comprises 7 Elected Farmers and 3 Salaried Executives) meets twice a month.
The Executive Committee (comprises 8 salaried Top Executives) meets twice a month.