Staphyt expands seed services with acquisition of Héliantis thanks to a successful fundraising campaign

In a significant step to enhance its seed services, Staphyt has acquired Héliantis, a renowned French company that focuses on agricultural seed production and testing. This strategic partnership, which marks the beginning of a new age for Staphyt as it broadens its portfolio to include seed manufacturing services, was made possible by a successful fundraising campaign. The integration of four new partners to its capital : Unigrains, BPIFrance, NORD EST EXPANSIAN and IRD INVEST allow Staphyt to increase the potential for development. By using the combined expertise, how Staphyt aims to offer its clients innovative solutions and the highest quality service possible ?

Seed Services Overview

Staphyt has over 30 years of experience in varietal experimentation, helping breeders and seed companies evaluate and select varieties. Their extensive trial network, advanced equipment, and skilled agronomists make Staphyt a leader in varietal experimentation in Europe.

Services Offered

• Variety and Line Screening Trials: Evaluate the performance and suitability of different varieties and lines.

• Registration and Post-Registration Variety Trials: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Disease Trials: Test the resistance of varieties to various diseases.

• Abiotic Stress Trials: Assess the impact of environmental stressors like frost, drought, nitrogen, and water on crop performance.

• Density Trials: Optimize planting density for maximum yield.

• Seed Treatment Trials: Evaluate the effectiveness of different seed treatments in enhancing crop performance.

• Seed Production: Produce sunflower, cereal, oilseed, sorghum, maize, and vegetable seeds (under tunnels or open field).

European Network and Experimental Units

Héliantis' experimental units will continue under their current management to maintain service quality. These three new areas in France, are increasing Staphyt's capabilities reaching 25 stations in Europe and over 300,000 microplots.

Production Capacity and Facilities

Staphyt now offers comprehensive production and selection support services. The new French stations, located in key production regions, benefit from optimal climatic conditions and integrated farms and factories.

• Rhône-Alpes Station: Focuses on field crops production, covering 106ha of irrigable land. Managed by Joris Roux.

• Occitanie Station: Facilitates extensive experimental campaigns across various environments. Managed by Guillaume Caussinus.

• Atlantique Vendée Station: Specializes in field crop production, covering 110ha of irrigable land. Managed by Raphaël Véquaud.

SEMAE Approval for Seed Production

Héliantis uses SEMAE-approved production methods, including base, pre-base, and breeder seeds, as well as nurseries for lines, large quantities, self-fertilization, and conservatories.

Their facilities include 80 removable tunnels, 6 fixed tunnels, and open fields with support farms, ensuring smooth experimental and commercial production.

Conclusion

Staphyt strengthens its leadership in France and Europe by expanding into three new regions, integrating new seed production services, and enhancing their capacity for varietal experimentation. This solidifies their status as a pioneer and leader in European seed production and experimentation, particularly in France.

For more details, visit staphyt.com or contact them at contact@staphyt.com

This article was published in AgroPages magazine 2025 CROs & CRAOs Manual.