France has great diversity of both soil and climate and can therefore produce a wide range of varieties.
* Analysis of soil typology shows that the French network has 60% loam/clay, 25% clay/loam, and 15% light sandy soil.
* Three climates are found:  continental, oceanic and Mediterranean.
With farms spread around the country and with all seed maize acreage irrigated, any weather-related risks are reduced to a minimum.

The recognised expertise of French maize seed growers is an asset enhancing the competitiveness of the French sector.  The large number of varieties grown more than 1 400, including 36% for experimental purposes) offers an eloquent example of this plus proof of the capacity of French seed producers to continually upgrade their technical skills and know-how.

All maize seed produced in France is monitored with strict inspections and checks throughout the entire production process;  these inspections are conducted as part of the official certification process.
Every year more than 350 technical inspectors check fields where seed maize is grown.  The qualifications, skills and working methods of the specialists concerned guarantee the quality of these inspections.  Before each new season, all the inspectors complete training courses as required for the official endorsement they need to carry out their duties.  The endorsement is granted by SOC, the official inspection and certification department with the Ministry of Agriculture which is in charge of the official certification of seed and seedlings produced in France.
Post-controls conducted on seed produced show just how efficient the system is;  Post-controls check the varietal purity of all the seed produced in France and are conducted every year.
 
Regardless of the market (France, European Union or third countries outside the EU), the seed is always produced under a single regulatory system, providing a guarantee of top quality.  This requires three-part certification:  variety, technology and plant health.  French regulatory requirements are stricter than EU requirements which are already amongst the highest international certification systems.

The competitiveness of seed produced can only be assessed over a period of time.  An analytical review of the last ten years shows that France achieves regular yield at excellent levels, plus a good balance between production forecasts and actual yield, guaranteeing customers an extremely reliable seed supply.
This regularity of supply is achieved through a number of important and quite diverse factors:
- a dynamic network of experienced producers
- good distribution of farms around France, offsetting risks to production
- irrigation:  all seed maize acreage is irrigated, thereby reducing the impact of climate contingencies.