Crop improvement currently rests on a widening array of tools that foster the analysis and use of genetic resources. Genome analysis is currently making prodigious progress with the development of DNA sequencing methods. The body of knowledge now being accumulated on several model species and their optimum exploitation require the organisation of access to this technology as quickly as possible and its transfer to important agricultural zones, especially in developing countries. Such access and transfer are generally beyond the range of IARCs and institutions in southern countries for reasons of inadequate infrastructure, geographical remoteness from large scientific centres or implementation costs that are too high. The Languedoc-Roussillon Region is the home of various laboratories in Montpellier and Perpignan that work on the analysis of model genomes at international level and that already possess considerable expertise in the analysis of genomes of species of agricultural interest. They already participate in the transfer of knowledge and technology to southern countries and would like to step up these activities. There is a longstanding tradition of co-operation with IARCs and southern countries. The set of laboratories that form the platform constitute a critical mass of- expertise that is unique in France and in Europe. The establishment in Montpellier of the "PôIe Universitaire Européen de Montpellier et du Languedoc-RoussilIon" and Agropolis-International residences enable the best possible hosting of foreign students and researcher. (Texte intégral)