By Annette Scott

Copyright farmersweekly

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Big conversations characterised the recent Seed Business 2025 event that brought together almost 300 participants from across Australia and New Zealand, marking the inaugural joint trans-Tasman convention for the seed industry.

From expert panels and keynote addresses to field tours and social networking, the energy and enthusiasm made it clear “this one was a hit”, organisers said.

It was the first time that Seed and Grain New Zealand (SGNZ) and the Australian Seed Federation joined forces for a business event aimed at inspiring and connecting leaders across the Australian and NZ seed sectors.

From innovation and regulation to Trans-Tasman collaboration, the event set the stage for practical discussions about the future of the industry and how the two peak bodies can effectively work together.

Field tours gave delegates a chance to see the industry in action across the Canterbury Plains.

The next premier gathering of the industry is the Asian Seed Congress (ASC), the flagship event of the Asian and Pacific Seed Alliance (APSA).

The ASC delivers a dynamic and immersive week of business development and knowledge exchange, providing a prime platform for industry leaders, government officials, researchers and technical experts to connect and collaborate as they shape the future of seed in strategic and high growth markets.

This year’s theme, Sowing Prosperity Through Quality Seed, underscores the essential role of high quality seeds in boosting farm productivity, improving climate adaptability and strengthening market competitiveness from cutting-edge plant breeding and biodiversity conservation to seamless trade and sustainability.

The ASC 2025 will be hosted in Mumbai, India from November 17-21.

For more information, visit here.

• As spring kicks in growers are reminded to report any grass weeds that appear unfamiliar or could resemble black grass.

In May 2025, black grass was confirmed in a post-harvest seed test. Since then, the affected paddock has been held until conditions are suitable to begin an ongoing management plan.

Now, as spring growth begins, vigilance is vital. Finding it is not a cause for blame or shame – prompt communication through the correct channels is essential to protect the industry.

Black grass is a serious invasive plant that spreads quickly in cultivated crops, competing for light, nutrients, space and water, resulting in yield loss.

It could have an economic impact on NZ agriculture by reducing yields, increasing cultivation costs, affecting purity of seed lines, and impacting on seed markets internationally

If you suspect black grass, do not disturb the plant. Take a photo and report it immediately to the Biosecurity NZ Pest and Disease Hotline (0800 80 99 66).

• At the recent SGNZ annual general meeting Edward Luisetti of Luisetti Seeds was appointed as the new president with Charlotte Connoley stepping down but staying on to serve a further term on the board.

Richard Merrilees of Barenbrug was appointed chair of the forage and turf business group and Sam Clarke of South Island Seed Dressing was appointed general councillor of the board.

The SGNZ executive council is looking to support those in the grain and seed industry develop governance and leadership skills and is looking for an associate councillor to join the council for a fixed term of one year.

For more information, visit here. Applications close on October 24, 2025.