A Private market under public control
“Advanced technology and rigor” is the motto of all those in France who contribute to seed quality. This is why France has a system where three complementary bodies intervene: the CTPS, the Geves and the Gnis with its SOC technical service.
The following key points about the roles of each of these bodies show how the French seed and plant sector is organized.
CPTS: Standing Selection Technical Committee
The CPTS, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Agriculture, is a consultative body bringing together the state and professional groups concerned, from breeder to final user. The CPTS gathers information and proposes guidelines backed by the ministry. It sets out the technical regulations for the registration of varieties in the official catalogue, and proposes the registration of varieties to the Ministry. The CPTS also takes part in fixing technical regulations for seed production.
The Geves: Study Group for Standards in Varieties and Seeds
The Geves brings together the Ministry of Agriculture, Inra ( French National Institute for Agricultural Research ) and the Gnis. On behalf of the CPTS, it sets up trials to test varieties proposed for registration in the official catalogue. It carries out the analyses necessary for certification and international trade in its official laboratories of the SNES ( National Seed Testing Station.)
The SOC: Official Service for Seed Control and Certification
A technical service of the Gnis, the SOC proposes to the CPTS technical rules for production, control and certification. It also applies the rules once they are approved by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The SOC thus guarantees the quality of seeds certified "Made in France" through the control of crops and seed analyses.