📅 1–12 June 2026

From research laboratories to breeding fields, from seed production to food processing, the emPLANT+ Field Camp 2026 offered our students a unique opportunity to discover the entire plant breeding value chain across France.

Over two immersive weeks, students travelled across several French regions to meet the people and organisations driving innovation in plant breeding and sustainable agriculture. This hands-on experience bridged academic learning with real-world practice, allowing participants to better understand how research, breeding, seed production, crop management, processing, and market needs are interconnected.

Each visit highlighted a different aspect of the value chain, while providing valuable exchanges with researchers, breeders, engineers, and industry professionals who shared their expertise, challenges, and vision for the future of agriculture.

Throughout their journey, students visited leading research organisations, breeding companies, and agri-food actors, gaining first-hand insights into every stage of the plant value chain:

🌱 Castang – discovering seed production processes and quality management;
🔬 Invenio – exploring applied research and breeding programmes for fruit and vegetable crops;
🌽 Maisadour – understanding how a major agricultural cooperative combines innovation, seed development, and sustainability;
🍎 Musée du Fruit – discovering the history and evolution of fruit production and regional agricultural heritage;
🌾 LIDEA – gaining insights into breeding strategies and varietal development for field crops;
🌿 Bayer Crop Science – exploring cutting-edge research dedicated to crop improvement and agricultural innovation;
🍿 Nataïs – discovering the complete value chain behind the world’s leading microwave popcorn producer, from seed to consumer;
🌻 Syngenta – learning about breeding, seed production, and innovation for more resilient agriculture;
🌾 RAGT Semences – exploring varietal development, genetics, and innovation in crop breeding;
🌽 KWS – discovering advanced breeding programmes, genomics, and seed innovation;
🥬 Bonduelle – understanding how plant breeding, production, processing, and sustainability come together to deliver high-quality plant-based foods;
🌱 Station de l’Endive – gaining insights into research and innovation dedicated to endive production and crop improvement.

Beyond technical knowledge, the Field Camp fostered meaningful exchanges between students and professionals, encouraging discussions on current challenges facing agriculture, including climate change, biodiversity, food security, and the transition towards more sustainable and resilient food systems.

More than a study trip, the emPLANT+ Field Camp was a true professional immersion, helping students connect theory with practice while building an international network within the plant breeding and agri-food sectors. It perfectly reflects the programme’s commitment to training the next generation of plant breeders capable of addressing tomorrow’s global challenges.

👏 A heartfelt thank you to all our hosts and partners for their warm welcome, generosity, and willingness to share their expertise. Your commitment to education, innovation, and collaboration made this unforgettable learning experience possible for our students.