Arabidopsis has been selected as a model for the analysis of the structure and organization of plant genomes. The short reproductive cycle autogamy and diploidy of this species led to the choice of Arabidopsis for genetic analysis. The size of the Arabidopsis genome (130 Mb) and the relatively low proportion of repeated sequences were also favorable to the molecular analysis of this genome. Three main programs were developed in France on the analysis of the Arabidopsis genome: an EST program started in 1990. The CIC-YAC project leading to the coverage of the genome with overlapping genomic fragments. In a third program, insertional mutagenesis with T-DNA and reverse genetic approaches were used as a route to develop the functional analysis of this genome. Genoscope, the central facility for genome sequencing is also contributing to the sequencing of Arabidopsis Chr3. To fill the gap between model genomes and crops, we are now developing a genome program involving the participation of public and private partners. This five-year program, named GENOPLANTE, will be described. It involves two major research areas: generic research (development of new tools for genome analysis, Arabidopsis and rice genomics, and bioinformatics) as well as genomic research on major crops (wheat, corn, and oilseed crops).