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Seed production is a sector of maize-growing which exists in its own right, and it is a strategic activity for both agriculture and the French economy.
Seed maize production is covered by contracts: seed is grown on 3 200 farms which work with 23 seed companies based in France. There are almost 1 800 varieties, with 40% of them developed in experimental breeding, covering annual acreage averaging 48 000 hectares; (2008 was a record year with 55 800 hectares).
The seed grown is sold on the domestic market in France (45%) and on the international market, mostly in the European Union.
France has 45% of all seed maize acreage in the 27-member European Union and is leader in the second largest maize-growing area in the world. The largest is in North America, mainly the USA which alone has some 350 000 hectares planted with seed maize; next comes China where seed maize acreage is estimated at 300 000 hectares.
>> See production figures
The French seed maize production sector started up in the 1950s with the first hybrid variety crops, and now has great experience under excellent farming and climate conditions, backed by appropriate production facilities, an efficient regulatory framework and top technical know-how.
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With this combination of optimal features, the French sector has been able to provide seed of fine quality recognised as such by the purchasers.
With this combination of ideal conditions, the French sector produces top quality seed, recognised as such by all its customers.
Achievements in French seed maize production, for both the quality and quantity of seed produced, have led to this ranking, building on work undertaken over the last fifty years by all the professional parties involved, working through their specialised organisations (AGPM Maïs Semence for seed-growers, and Seproma for seed companies), and their joint inter-branch organisation, the FNPSMS (French Federation of Seed Maize and Seed Sorghum Production).
>> Professional organisation of the sector
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