b'PARTNER CONTENTFarmers Building the Future for FarmersBY MICHELLE CORNU, GLOBAL BRAND & COMMUNICATIONS LEAD, LIMAGRAIN FIELD SEEDSW hen ric Greliche, vice president of Limagrain, talks about his com-pany, he begins with a family story. "My father was a member, and my mother worked at Limagrain. I grew up with this company," he says humbly. The family farm has been passed down for generations. Since taking over, Greliche has continued to cultivate a vari-ety of crops. Today, he grows corn and sunflower for Limagrain Field Seeds (LFS) and onions for Hazera. His eldest son has now joined him on the farm. But his com-mitment goes beyond his own land. Since 2005, he has dedicated valuable time to managing this cooperative, worth over 2 billion euros, driven by a strong belief. "I want to understand and build a future for those who come after us," he says.The "Farmer Owned, Farmer Led" model is a core value at Limagrain. It means LFS is not only owned but also led by farmers, working closely with salaried executives. "Decisions are shared, never imposed.A group photo of Limagrain\'s France-based farmer-administrators with their colleagues in Brazil.Its a real human and strategic exchange. Thats what makes us strong and sets us apart in the industry," explains Greliche. This unique governance is at the heart of Limagrains success as the worldsus adapt and move forward together."For Greliche, farming is more than fourth-largest seed company. This deep knowledge of the land ena- a jobits about passing something on, This leadership brings real benefits tobles Limagrain to innovate and tailor itsrespecting the land, and being passionate. farmers. To illustrate this, Greliche sharesseeds to local conditions, always consider- "We dont work for ourselves, but for his experience from a trip to Brazil ining the diversity of soils, whether in Brazil,those who come after us," says Greliche, February 2025.Europe, Asia, or Africa. adding that this belief guides every "A farmer understands the land byBeing led by farmers is a true com- decision, every innovation. "We want to walking on it, feeling it. In Limagne inpetitive advantage against global seedmake sure future generations have even central France, we have some red soils.giants.stronger tools than the ones we received. These are hard and compact. They need"We, farmers,face the same chal- At Limagrain, we are proud to build a com-work before they can support crops, helenges," says Greliche.pany that stands for strong human values says. In Brazil, the soil is mainly red, butThis direct connection allows LFSand deep farmer commitment." its loose and close to being ready to wel- to respond precisely to farmers\' needs,Its a journey Greliche shares with come seeds without effort. Understandingwhether in climate-adapted seeds or agri- farmers around the world who understand these differences in soil, for example, helpscultural innovation. the true value of every seed they plant.MAY 2025|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 29'