Sowing stronger trans-Tasman ties

Seed and Grain New Zealand (SGNZ) and the Australian Seed Federation (ASF) have successfully co-hosted the inaugural trans-Tasman Seed Business 2025 conference in Christchurch, bringing together the seed industries of both countries for four days of events.

The conference attracted more than 250 delegates from seed companies, regulators, seed services and exhibitors, making it the first forum of its kind dedicated to strengthening trans-Tasman collaboration.

With a strong focus on networking, information exchange, trade, and policy discussions, participants highlighted the shared opportunities for growth and innovation across the sector.

ASF president Tim March says the conference demonstrated the strength of collaboration.

“Seed Business 2025 showed just how much we can achieve by coming together as two industries. The energy, the openness, and the willingness to share ideas made it clear that Australia and NZ’s seed sectors have a strong future working side by side.”

SGNZ president Charlotte Connolley agreed.

“This event was a chance to build deeper connections across the Tasman. It reinforced the value of working collectively – learning from each other and identifying where we can grow together.”

The conference was made possible by over 40 sponsors, supporters, and exhibitors.

Day one started with a networking breakfast hosted by SGNZ’s Young Radicles committee with guest speaker Crusaders coach Rob Penney.

Associate Minister of Agriculture Nicola Grigg opened day two, highlighting the critical role of the seed industry in underpinning primary industries.

She emphasised the government’s focus on improving regulatory settings to support the primary industry’s contribution to the goal of doubling export values by 2034, noting that the reform of the Resource Management Act “is a big ticket regulatory item.”

At the gala dinner, John McKenzie, former CEO of PGG Wrightson Seeds Oceania, was recognised as a life member of SGNZ for his decades of contribution to the industry.

The overwhelming response from participants has ensured that the joint Seed Business model will return in the future, continuing to provide a platform for the Australian and NZ seed industries to connect and collaborate.