During a joint seminar, the French National Institute of Agronomic Research (INRA), Rhône-Poulenc, Biogemma*, along with other seed companies (Sigma/Serasem and Florimond Desprez), and CIRAD*, ORSTOM*, CNRS, defined the framework for a joint research programme in plant genomics to be carried out over the long term.

The project, entitled Génoplante, aims to build up new knowledge about the structure and
functioning of plant genomes. The programme will focus on the main crops grown in Europe.

Génoplante will be based on a technological platform at the heart of the Evry genopole drawing
together INRA and private sector laboratories as well as research teams from CIRAD, ORSTOM, CNRS and the French Universities. Génoplante will function as a network to coordinate the research platform, as well as programmes specific to each plant species to be carried out by both public and private laboratories throughout France.

To highlight the need for research collaboration between the public and private sectors, Paul
Vialle, Director General of INRA, Alain Godard, Chairman of RHÔNE-POULENC Plant and
Animal Health, and Pierre Pagesse, President of BIOGEMMA, have insisted on the high level of
investment required for such a programme, as well as on the pluridisciplinary nature of genomics.
They also stressed the need to act quickly in order to remain competitive on the international
scene, and the importance of developing a highly dynamic intellectual property policy within
Génoplante.

The scientific content and legal form of the programme are currently being validated, and
Génoplante be set up before the end of 1998.

Génoplante will be open to other French partners. There are plans to set up innovative
enterprises in the field of plant biology, with the programme soon taking on a European
dimension.

* BIOGEMMA : Plant biotechnology research subsidiary of the seed companies Limagrain and Pau Euralis, along with Unigrains and Sofiprotéol, financial bodies working for the agricultural sector.
* CIRAD : International Cooperation Centre for Development-based Agricultural Research
* ORSTOM : French Institute of Scientific Research for Cooperative Development

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