The whole of CIRAD's "Plant Health Intstitute Montpellier" joint research unit is governed by a quality system based on ISO 9001 for its basic and applied research activities and plant quarantine operations, in the field of plant-pathogen interactions. CIRAD's sugarcane quarantine service Visacane,
which is part of the research unit, benefits from the same quality management.
Authorization of the Regional Food Authority
Imports of vegetatively propagated grasses are not allowed in Europe. Visacane
benefits from special authorization to import sugarcane varieties (cuttings) and to re-export them under excellent phytosanitary conditions, under the control of the Regional Food Authority (Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, France). The authorization is renewed every 5 years.
Satisfaction survey
Each year, Visacane
carries out a customer satisfaction survey: health and viability of the cuttings received, packaging quality, lead times, information provided, etc. are analysed to improve the service.