The agriculture department numbers around 130 companies active in breeding, propagation and trade in agricultural seeds and seed potatoes. The companies are active internationally. Breeding and production takes place in various locations throughout the world.
 
For the companies that form this department, the obligatory Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) testing for agricultural crops is an important item. This test investigates the agricultural value of a new variety. Once the varieties have been approved, they can be considered for listing on the National List. Following additional testing and the relevant approval the variety can be considered for admission to the Recommended List (this last does not apply to potatoes). The Recommended List is published by CSAR (the Dutch commission which decides on admitting varieties to the recommended list).
 
Collecting the fees for farm saved seed and seed potatoes (Dutch) is another task of the agriculture department. This department is also responsible for agreeing the inspection regulations (NAK), and actively participates in various boards and committees (incl. Product Board for Arable Products, NAK). A currently hot item is the debate surrounding the possible setting of standard guidelines for endotoxins and the evaluation of the European trade directives.
 
Many of the members also play an active role in crop groups and technical committees. The agriculture department covers the following crop groups:

• Potatoes
• Grains, seeds and pulses
• Maize
• Sugar beet
• Fodder plants
• Trade and licensed growing of agricultural crops unit 

In order to represent interests at an international level, Plantum is affiliated to the European Seed Association (ESA) and International Seed Federation (ISF).