Canterbury's seed production: a global agricultural powerhouse

Renowned for its fertile soils and ideal growing conditions, the Canterbury region has firmly established itself as a key player in New Zealand's booming seed export industry.

Canterbury's seed production accounts for more than 80% of the country's seed production activities. Centered around the Ashburton district, the area spans over 40,000 hectares of certified crops, demonstrating the scale and importance of seed production in this part of the country.

Global recognition and export success

The success of Canterbury's seed industry is not just a local phenomenon but a global success story. In 2023, New Zealand's total seed exports reached an impressive $281 million, marking a 27% increase from the previous year. This achievement is underpinned by the high-quality seeds produced in Canterbury, which are exported to over 60 countries worldwide. The region's seeds, particularly those of pasture (ryegrass and clover), vegetables (carrot, radish, and beet), and cereals and oil seeds, are in high demand, with the top five export markets being the Netherlands, Australia, the United States, China, and Germany.

The Canterbury advantage

Several factors contribute to Canterbury's dominance in seed production. The region benefits from rich soils, a conducive climate, and a low incidence of pests and diseases, creating ideal conditions for seed cultivation. This natural advantage is complemented by the region's focus on quality and reliability of supply, which has earned it a premium position in the global market. A great example of this is one of our members, Pure Oil NZ, who are New Zealand’s leading oilseed producer and supplier.

Moreover, Canterbury's seed and grain industry is supported by a network of highly skilled farmers, growers, wholesale agents, and freight movers who collaborate to ensure the production of first-class seed and grain exports. Modern plant genetics, state-of-the-art processing systems, and access to irrigation further enhance Canterbury's competitive edge. 

Innovation and sustainability

The seed production sector in Canterbury is also at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. The industry is keenly watching the New Zealand government's moves to lift the effective ban on gene editing (GE) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which could significantly benefit plant breeding and agricultural research in the region.

Additionally, initiatives such as the voluntary declaration system for farm-saved seed royalties reflect the industry's commitment to supporting innovation and ensuring that farmers contribute fairly to the development of new seed varieties.

Looking ahead

With the seed and grain industry being such a crucial part of Canterbury's economy, the future looks promising. The region's expertise in producing nearly half of the world's supply of hybrid radish, carrot, and beet seed not only underscores its importance in global food production but also highlights its potential for continued growth and innovation.

Canterbury's success in seed production is a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage, innovative spirit, and commitment to quality and sustainability. As the industry looks forward to continued growth and greater global impact, Canterbury remains a pivotal force in shaping the future of agricultural production, both in New Zealand and around the world.