Background
In 2007 Thai oil palm company UPOIC entered into a joint venture with CIRAD (Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Developpement), to form Siam Elite Palm Co., Ltd. (SEP)

CIRAD, a public establishment of the French government as Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, has over 50 years experience, technology, knowledge and expertise in research and development for oil palm, following on in the steps of IRHO. CIRAD created a subsidiary dedicated to oil palm breeding and seed distribution, PALMELIT SAS who received the shares of CIRAD in Siam Elite Palm.
CIRAD trademark and guarantee
Siam Elite Palm holds a license from PalmElit to produce oil palm seeds under CIRAD® trademark. SEP is entitled to distribute CIRAD® seeds in the local region, except Indonesia where another licensee operates (PT SOCFINDO).

PalmElit ensures the latest selected genitors are used in each seed garden and provides crossing maps and constant support and monitoring.

CIRAD® oil palm seeds are widely recognized one of the best in the world in terms of high yields and rich oil content. Each year around 70 million CIRAD® seeds are sold in over 25 countries, produced in Asia, Latin America and Africa.