Vilmorin & Cie - Annual report 2017-2018

PRESENTATION of Vilmorin & Cie 1 ANNUAL REPORT Vilmorin & Cie 34 2017-2018 The process of developing a seed involves the following stages: 1.5. Development model After these phases of needs analysis and access to genetic resources*, breeding* can begin, which is the art of crossing two varieties of the same plant species, with distinct properties, in order to create a new plant whose agronomic profile will be superior to that of its parents. This breeding* work – or variety improvement – is the key to creating value and the competitiveness of the seed company can be facilitated by using plant biotechnology*. These tools such as molecular marking*, genotyping, transgenesis*, etc., can be used to develop new plants faster and more efficiently thanks to more extensive knowledge of their genome*. Vilmorin & Cie develops varieties with a better yield, specific resistances (to diseases, insects, herbicides, etc.) and improved nutritional qualities. In a context where research is becoming more and more industrialized, Vilmorin & Cie can benefit from an international network of internal and external skills, including more than 1,900 staff contributing to the research process spread out over more than 100 research centers all over the world, and from numerous partnerships. This organization is explained in more detail on page 38. In compliance with regulations in force in targeted countries, before distributing the created variety, it has to be certified and registered, in particular in order to demonstrate its qualities (innovative trait, homogeneity, stability, etc.) and to ensure its availability. In Europe, for example, any new variety can only be marketed if it is listed in the official French or European catalogue. Creating and certifying new seed varieties 3 The development of new seed varieties is only possible if beforehand there is a collection of plants, called genetic resources* or heritage, as wide and varied as possible. They have to be collected, enriched, and characterized, and then maintained regularly so as to preserve their quality, and ensure they are available for the research teams. Indeed, breeders use this plant base to draw their “raw material”, which is indispensable for the creation of a new seed variety. Vilmorin & Cie has a very large and diversified collection of varieties produced from its genetic heritage. Built up over the past 275 years of its history, it has been enriched through the acquisitions of seed companies, breeding* programs and research partnerships. Managing and enriching genetic resources* 2 The phase of analyzing and anticipating the needs of direct customers – farmers and growers – and indirect targets – distributors and consumers – is fundamental in the creation of seeds. This stage is all the more complex that it has to account for geographical specificities and expectations that can vary considerably for the same crop. Vilmorin & Cie relies on operational organization that is close to its markets in order to assess the requirements of its customers and ensure relevant information is passed on to its marketing and research teams. Analyzing needs 1