How French Cooperatives Make Corn a Successful Export Product
Source: DairyNews.today
During a press tour to France for the Sommet de l'Elevage exhibition, participants met with representatives of the Limagrain cooperative and learned about their activities.
In France, cooperatives play a vital role in agriculture, especially in corn production. As Europe’s largest corn producer, France relies on cooperatives to ensure the sector’s efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.
How Do Corn Cooperatives Work in France?
French cooperatives bring together farmers who collectively grow, process, and sell corn. Their goal is to create optimal conditions for farmers, helping them to sell products more profitably, improve cultivation methods, and enhance quality. Cooperatives also help reduce costs by purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and equipment in bulk, as well as providing access to new technologies.
Key Objectives of Cooperatives:
Processing and Distribution: Cooperatives collect and process corn from their members, enabling them to secure profitable contracts and export large product quantities.
Agricultural Innovation: Cooperatives implement new methods, such as drought-resistant varieties and eco-friendly pest control, which improve yields and reduce environmental impact.
Sustainable Development: Cooperatives support eco-friendly practices, like organic fertilization and reduced pesticide use, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Marketing and Sales: Cooperatives also promote corn in both domestic and international markets, ensuring favorable selling conditions for farmers.
Corn Production and Export
Corn production is a significant part of France’s exports. In 2022, France exported approximately $2.35 million worth of corn, making it the fifth-largest corn exporter globally. Key export markets include Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Italy. For instance, exports to Spain totaled $497 million, and those to the Netherlands $332 million.
Limagrain Cooperative
Limagrain is one of the largest agricultural cooperatives in France and worldwide, specializing in seed production and breeding. Established in 1942, the cooperative has grown to an international level, playing a key role in the agricultural sector. Here are some figures reflecting Limagrain's scale:
The tour was organized by the France Group Consulting Bureau and the French National Federation of Corn and Sorghum Seed Producers (FNPSMS).
How Do Corn Cooperatives Work in France?
French cooperatives bring together farmers who collectively grow, process, and sell corn. Their goal is to create optimal conditions for farmers, helping them to sell products more profitably, improve cultivation methods, and enhance quality. Cooperatives also help reduce costs by purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and equipment in bulk, as well as providing access to new technologies.
Key Objectives of Cooperatives:
Processing and Distribution: Cooperatives collect and process corn from their members, enabling them to secure profitable contracts and export large product quantities.
Agricultural Innovation: Cooperatives implement new methods, such as drought-resistant varieties and eco-friendly pest control, which improve yields and reduce environmental impact.
Sustainable Development: Cooperatives support eco-friendly practices, like organic fertilization and reduced pesticide use, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Marketing and Sales: Cooperatives also promote corn in both domestic and international markets, ensuring favorable selling conditions for farmers.
Corn Production and Export
Corn production is a significant part of France’s exports. In 2022, France exported approximately $2.35 million worth of corn, making it the fifth-largest corn exporter globally. Key export markets include Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Italy. For instance, exports to Spain totaled $497 million, and those to the Netherlands $332 million.
Limagrain Cooperative
Limagrain is one of the largest agricultural cooperatives in France and worldwide, specializing in seed production and breeding. Established in 1942, the cooperative has grown to an international level, playing a key role in the agricultural sector. Here are some figures reflecting Limagrain's scale:
- Year Established: 1942
- Number of Farmer Members: Over 1,500, with 14 involved in the cooperative's administrative operations
- Average Land Area per Member: 150–300 hectares
- Employees: Approximately 10,000 worldwide
- Global Presence: Over 50 countries
- Annual Revenue: Around €1.9 billion
- R&D Investment: Over €250 million annually
- European Market Share in Corn Seeds: Limagrain is a leader in the European corn seed market, holding about 15% market share
- Breeding Stations and Research Centers: More than 80 centers worldwide
- Main Activities: Production and sale of field crop seeds (corn, wheat, rapeseed, etc.) and vegetable seeds (tomato, carrot, spinach, etc.)
- Product Export: Limagrain exports to more than 140 countries
- Percentage of Revenue Allocated to Innovation: Approximately 14% of total revenue
The tour was organized by the France Group Consulting Bureau and the French National Federation of Corn and Sorghum Seed Producers (FNPSMS).