Limagrain Field Seeds - Technology Driven - Breeding and Technolgies

Farmer Owned & Farmer Led

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.

Multi Crop

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.

Identity Crops

Corn
Wheat

Strategic Crops

Regional Crops

Our Business Units present on 6 continents

International Presence

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.

Progress is a core value for Limagrain. The roots of the Group were founded in solid scientific technology, which allowed us to innovate and grow our business.

Resources

Resources that meet the level of our ambitions

Breeding & Technology

Traits

Digital Agriculture

Digital Agriculture

Multiple Partnerships

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.

Limagrain Zaad South Africa
Seed Co West and Central Africa

A Map of our JV's

Joint Ventures

Our Joint Ventures

News

Rapid Cycling and Doubled Haploids

The crossing of parent plants is the first step in the breeding process and aims to create new variability by combining genes of interest. Before having enough seeds per genotype to permit phenotyping, several generations are needed to fix the genetic background and develop homogeneous genotypes and to increase seed volume. In order to speed up this process, greenhouses and growth rooms with controlled growing conditions are used to continuously produce plants throughout the year.

This technology is used for some specific breeding programs, especially to add one or more genes required for certain market segments. Production of new homogeneous and stable genotypes can also be produced thanks to a technology called haplodiploidization. This is the development of genotypes from haploid cells that are related to the pollen or ovule, but without fertilization. This technology is applied for the majority of our crops and allows for the production of new genotypes for phenotyping in a shorter time.