Quality & Certifications
Excellence in seed genetics and production
At Laboulet Semences, quality is not a department — it is a culture. From the first cross in our breeding nursery to the seed bag delivered to the grower, every step is monitored, tested, and documented. Our 140-year reputation depends on delivering seed that performs exactly as expected, in every field, every season.
Our quality process
Genetic selection
Each breeding cycle begins with the selection of elite parental lines. We evaluate thousands of crosses annually, retaining only those that demonstrate superior agronomic traits, disease resistance, and yield stability.
Multi-environment trials
Promising lines enter a network of field trials spanning 30+ countries and 200+ locations. This ensures our varieties perform reliably across diverse climates, soils, and growing conditions.
Seed production
Commercial seed is produced under strict isolation protocols and quality controls. Every production field is inspected multiple times during the growing season to maintain genetic purity.
Laboratory testing
Every seed lot undergoes rigorous laboratory analysis: germination rate, vigor, moisture content, purity, and health testing. Only lots meeting our standards are released for sale.
Certification & traceability
All seed lots are certified according to national and international standards (SOC, OECD, ISTA). Full traceability from the breeding station to the grower is maintained.
Certifications
SOC / GNIS
Official French seed certification body. All Laboulet varieties are registered and certified under SOC standards.
OECD Seed Schemes
International certification for varietal identity and purity, enabling seed trade across OECD member countries.
ISTA
International Seed Testing Association standards for seed quality analysis (germination, vigor, purity).
EU Plant Passport
Phytosanitary certification for intra-EU seed trade, ensuring seed health and traceability.
Research & Development
Innovation is the foundation of our competitiveness. Our R&D team works at the intersection of traditional plant breeding and modern genetics to develop varieties that meet the evolving needs of professional growers.
High oleic profiles
Developing sunflower hybrids with 85-92% oleic acid content for premium healthy oil markets and extended shelf-life frying applications.
Disease resistance
Breeding for durable resistance to major diseases: Sclerotinia, downy mildew, Phomopsis, broomrape (Orobanche), and Verticillium wilt.
Drought tolerance
Selecting varieties with improved water-use efficiency and performance stability under water stress, critical for semi-arid growing regions.
Hybrid castor innovation
Pioneering hybrid castor bean genetics for industrial oil production, achieving 35-57% oil content with improved harvestability.