Paris — May 28, 2026 — The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €300 million loan to French seed producer Limagrain to accelerate research and development in plant genetics and reinforce Europe’s agricultural independence. The financing, one of the EIB’s largest operations in the agricultural sector, will help Limagrain develop more productive, resilient, and sustainable crops.
The investment supports Limagrain’s R&D program led by its subsidiary Vilmorin & Cie, focusing on improving crop yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and nutrient efficiency. It also aims to enhance the nutritional and environmental qualities of seeds, ensuring farmers have access to varieties adapted to changing climates and regional conditions.
Backed by the European Commission’s InvestEU guarantee, the loan is part of the EIB’s TechEU programme, designed to mobilize large‑scale public and private investments in strategic sectors. EIB Vice‑President Ambroise Fayolle emphasized that the financing strengthens Europe’s food sovereignty by supporting innovation in plant genetics and climate‑resilient agriculture.
Limagrain Chairman Sébastien Vidal and CEO Sébastien Chauffaut welcomed the support, calling it a strong signal of Europe’s commitment to sustainable agricultural innovation. The company, the world’s fourth‑largest seed producer, previously received a €170 million EIB loan in 2020 to adapt seeds to climate change.
This new operation underscores the EIB’s growing role in financing Europe’s bioeconomy and agricultural transition, ensuring that innovation in plant breeding continues to drive food security, sustainability, and regional resilience.
