The importance of foundation or basic seed in the process of technology transfering to the farmer, is considered. As examples, are mentioned wheat in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and cotton in the State of São Paulo. The research components which culminate with the availability of a new cultivar to farmers are also mentioned, such as plant breeding, cultivar testing and genetic seed, among others. Finally, in form of a roster for each product or under the title "other", are listed the research needs as result of a survey made among 23 technicians working for the Basic Seed Production Service of the Brazilian Enterprize for Agricultural Research - EMBRAPA.