Poland is a major agricultural country with maize planted over approximately 700 000 hectares;  it is one of the main seed importing countries in Eastern Europe.
 
Since 2003, the FNPSMS has been carrying out a range of initiatives to promote maize production and provide technical support to develop maize-growing;  these initiatives are also designed to generate value for French seed.
The FNPSMS also conducts technical, regulatory and business intelligence, helping contribute to trade between France and Poland.
 
Developing concerted ventures at a local level

The FNPSMS has been building up special links with a network of agricultural and dairy consultants and advisors in various regions across Poland;  these are all stakeholders carrying out actions to promote maize farming. 
The maize promotion department of the Polish association of maize producers (PZPK) was set up in 2004, as was the special “Maize Seed” section of the Polish seed trade association (PIN).

Informing farmers, industry and the general public

Many initiatives providing technical information have been held, for example, training courses, articles published in the specialised farming press, technical documents, conferences, study tours and a Website.
In addition, various public relations operations targeting the general public, with a “maize maze” and special maize days.
These awareness raising events also go hand in hand with ongoing technical, regulatory and business intelligence.