New recognised managers and collections strengthened at national level
The official recognition of managers of plant genetic resource collections is continuing in France. The decree published in April 2026 formalises the recognition of INVENIO for strawberry collections and extends that of INRAE to include new agricultural collections. This scheme, managed as part of the national system coordinated by GEVES, aims to organise the conservation, characterisation and provision of genetic resources for the benefit of agriculture and research.
The official accreditation scheme for collection managers is a cornerstone of the French system for plant genetic resources for agriculture and food. It enables the identification and promotion of those involved in the conservation, management and provision of genetic resources, while ensuring a harmonised framework recognised by the State.
Further recognition for INVENIO
The notice published in the Official Journal on 10 April 2026 marks the recognition of INVENIO, a joint technology unit dedicated to the fruit and vegetable sectors in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, as a manager of plant genetic resource collections.
This recognition relates to collections of strawberry (Fragaria sp.), which are essential resources for plant breeding programmes and for addressing the agronomic and economic challenges facing the sector.
Greater recognition for INRAE
Le même avis entérine également l’extension de la reconnaissance d‘INRAE, acteur majeur du dispositif national, avec l’intégration de nouvelles collections agricoles :
- tournesol et topinambour (Helianthus sp.)
- soja (Glycine max)
The same opinion also confirms the extension of the recognition of INRAE, a key player in the national scheme, with the inclusion of new agricultural collections:
- sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus sp.)
soya (Glycine max)
A scheme dedicated to cultivated biodiversity
Granted following an assessment by the CTPS’s ‘plant genetic resources’ section, official recognition attests to the managers’ ability to carry out essential tasks:
- long-term conservation of resources,
traceability and documentation of accessions,
and making them available in accordance with national and international regulations.
Recognised managers are listed in a national register maintained by GEVES, contributing to the visibility and coordination of conservation efforts at national level.
