A first cross-branch agreement on strengthening of plant breeding, the “PVC Wheat Research Agreement”, was signed within the Straw Cereal and Protein Crops Section of GNIS. Up to 2011, when a French legal framework was established, this agreement provided for the possibility of producing farm-saved seed from a new variety protected by Community law, subject to a financial contribution for the breeder of the variety used (until 2021 Semae was known by the acronym GNIS).
The Law of 8 December 2011 authorises, for the first time since 1970, new varieties to be used as farm-saved seed or plants. They are protected by a national plant variety certificate, subject to a financial compensation for the breeder of the variety used.
As at the European level, 21 species are concerned, including all straw cereals. The French government may also add other species by decree.
Following the law of 8 December 2011, after discussion between farmers' representatives and breeders, a new PVC agreement for all straw cereals was reached by the relevant organizations, all members of the Straw Cereal and Protein Crops Section of GNIS.
This agreement was signed on 14 June 2013 and covered the three crops of 2013, 2014 and 2015.
In the first year, it covered common wheat and from 2014, it was extended to all species of cereal: durum wheat, common wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, rice and spelt.
The cross-branch agreement on "Strengthening plant breeding resources and maintaining the health aspects of the territory in the field of farm-saved seed potatoes"was signed on 19 March 2014. This agreement was extended by the public authorities until 28 February 2017; it covered the plantings of 2014, 2015 and 2016. This agreement was based on sowing declarations of farm-saved plants that farmers had to submit to SICASOV.
On 1 July 2014, the new cross-branch agreement for durum wheat, barley, oats, rye, triticale, rice and spelt entered into force.
By decree of 1 August 2014, 13 species were added to the list of species covered by the farm-saved seed exemption.
On 29 April 2016: The cross-branch agreement on strengthening of plant variety resources in the field of straw cereal was extended for the crops of 2016, 2017 and 2018.
The cross-branch agreement on farm-saved seed potatoes was extended on 19 October 2016. It covers the crops of 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Implementation of a French Soya bean charter: a collective ambition to cultivate sustainable French soya beans, supported by Terres Univia, the cross-branch organisation for vegetable oils and proteins. Under this charter, farmers undertake to pay a fixed amount for each hectare planted with farm-saved seed of protected soya bean varieties