Australia Seed Industry News

2023 News

Q4

Hemp Company Innovates with Sustainable Practices and New Markets: December 22, 2023: An Australian hemp company has been capitalizing on new opportunities in the health and wellness sector, driven by the rising demand for hemp's nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Recent advancements in seed intellectual property have allowed the company to lead the way in the development of unique, legally protected hemp seed varieties with enhanced traits, which have provided a competitive edge. Additionally, the company has been using a rehabilitated mine land for hemp cultivation, to highlight how the hemp industry can flourish using sustainable and environmentally restorative practices. More details here

Invasive Fire Ants Threaten NSW: 25 Nov: Fire ants have been detected in New South Wales (NSW), marking their first known incursion beyond the Queensland border. The NSW Department of Primary Industries confirmed the discovery of three red imported fire ant nests in South Murwillumbah, signaling the southernmost spread of this invasive species from Queensland. Authorities have launched an immediate chemical eradication response and imposed stringent biosecurity measures in the affected area. Source

West Australian Agriculture Boosts State Economy: 23 Nov: The agricultural sector in Western Australia, worth $84.9 billion, drove a 3.5% growth in the state's economy last year, marked by a 7.3% increase in agriculture from 2021-2022. This growth is linked to a surge in exports of rural goods and a 12.7% increase in wholesale trade. Despite a 3.5% drop in household disposable income per capita when adjusted for inflation, WA's gross state product per capita reached a record high of $157,000. The state also benefited from a boost in the mining sector, particularly iron ore and lithium production, contributing significantly to the economic growth. Source
 

NSW Invests in Biocontrol to Tackle Invasive Weeds: 22 Nov: The NSW Government is allocating nearly $500,000 to a biocontrol program targeting two Weeds of National Significance. This initiative involves using natural enemies, such as insects or fungi, to combat invasive weeds, a major concern for native species and agriculture with costs nearing $4.9 billion annually in Australia. The program includes introducing stem-boring weevils against cabomba and a pathogenic rust fungus against African boxthorn. These biocontrol agents, approved after extensive research, promise environmentally friendly, self-sustaining, and cost-effective weed management, with significant economic and ecological benefits. Source

Revolutionizing Agriculture with Solar Power: 1 Nov: Agrivoltaics, combining agriculture with solar energy, is gaining traction in Australia as a sustainable response to climate change. Discussed at the All Energy conference, this approach uses solar panels for energy and as shelters for crops and livestock. Research in Victoria shows potential benefits for food production and animal welfare. Projects like NSW's Blind Creek Solar Farm highlight agrivoltaics' promise in creating resilient, sustainable agricultural systems. Source

Australia's Winter Crop Production Set to Decline: 17 Oct: Australia's winter crop production is expected to drop by nearly 24% this financial year, according to Rabobank's 2023/24 forecast. The decline is attributed to drier conditions influenced by the El Nino climate outlook. Despite the lower production, prices for wheat, barley, and canola are expected to rise due to reduced supply and increased international demand. The state of Victoria is an exception, where winter crop production is expected to increase by 8%.  Source

Millions in Damages for Farmers as Victorian Flood Cleanup Begins: 6 Oct: In the aftermath of flooding in Victoria, where individual farmers are facing millions in damages. Two men had to be rescued after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters near Bairnsdale. Flooding is expected to continue in Wangaratta for several days. Emergency hardship payments are available for evacuees, and one farmer has already estimated losses of more than $4 million, a figure expected to rise. Source
WA Farmers Turn Salinity Crisis into Opportunity: 6 Oct: Farmers in Western Australia are combating the salinity crisis by growing salt-tolerant plants known as halophytes. These plants are not only surviving but are also being supplied to top restaurants across the country. The venture started with a small order and has now expanded to 200-kilogram orders each week, including varieties like karkalla, samphire, and sea purslane. The initiative is seen as a win-win for the environment, farmers, and consumers, and there's potential for these plants to have health benefits that could expand the business into pharmaceuticals. Source

 

 

Q3

Northern NSW Farmers Innovate with Climate-Smart Rice: 23 Sep:  Farmers in Northern New South Wales are pioneering the growth of "climate-smart" rice, which produces 85% less methane and uses 65% less water compared to traditional paddy-grown rice. The initiative is led by the Natural Rice Company, which has garnered interest from major food companies like Masterfoods and Kellogg's seeking low-emission rice. However, the growth of this sector is hindered by a 70-year-old law that allows only SunRice to export rice from NSW. The state government has commissioned the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) to assess the issue. Source
 

Urban greening boosts biodiversity: August 22: A study conducted in Melbourne, Australia, has demonstrated the positive impact of urban greening on biodiversity. Researchers increased native plant diversity in a small urban green space, resulting in a sevenfold rise in insect species within three years. This study offers empirical evidence of the effectiveness of specific greening measures in mitigating the negative effects of urbanization. The findings support future urban greening projects and policy decisions aimed at preserving nature in urban environments. Source

Research Hub Aims to Revolutionize Australia's Sesame Seed Industry: 16 Aug: A $2 million Sesame Central Research and Innovation Hub has recently opened in central Queensland, Australia, aiming to boost local sesame seed production. The hub will focus on researching the best sesame seed varieties for Australian farmers, customizing machinery for planting and harvesting, and post-harvest processing. One of the main challenges in growing sesame in Australia has been the fragility of the seeds, which has made mechanical harvesting impractical. The initiative aims to replace reliance on international imports with locally grown sesame seeds, hoping to have the first commercial crops ready by the end of the next financial year. Source

Disruption in trade due to increased biosecurity screenings: July 24: Roll-on/roll-off (ro/ro) services connecting Australia globally have encountered ongoing disruption due to heightened biosecurity screenings of imported cargo. Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) intensified inspections of imported ro/ro cargo in December. These inspections, aimed at addressing seed and pollen contamination, have led to extended port delays and congestion. Consequently, ro/ro operators have scaled back services into Australia. Source.

Australia's Wheat Production Predicted to Drop in 2023/24: July 26:  Gro's machine-learning model predicts a double-digit decline in Australia's wheat production for the 2023/24 season. As the world's fourth-largest wheat exporter, this weaker crop could impact wheat-importing countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and China, especially during a time of harvest shortfalls in major wheat-producing regions worldwide. ABARES, an Australian government agency, forecasts a steep 34% decrease in wheat production, partly due to the anticipated strengthening El Niño weather pattern, which typically brings drier conditions to Australia's wheat-growing regions. However, Gro's Australia Wheat Yield Forecast Model, which does not yet factor in the potential impact of this year's El Niño, predicts lower wheat yields compared to last year but not as significantly as ABARES projects. Past El Niño events have yielded conflicting results for Australia's wheat crops, suggesting it is premature to assume a substantial decline in production. The Gro model provides continuous forecasts for final end-of-season yields, utilizing weather, vegetative health, soil data, and other environmental features. As of mid-July, Gro's vegetative health index indicates a strong crop for Australian wheat, supported by the Gro Drought Index reading and adequate soil moisture levels, despite being below average.Source: See also DAFF ABARES latest Crops Outlook report here

Tree Planting Event Cancelled Amid Cultural Heritage Law Confusion: July 16: Two major tree planting events in Western Australia were cancelled after the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation demanded $2.5 million for approval. The corporation cited the new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act, which established Local Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Services responsible for determining potential harm to cultural heritage. The cancelled event involved 5500 shrubs and trees along Perth's Canning River. Penalties for damaging cultural heritage sites under the new rules range from $25,000 to $1 million for individuals and $250,000 to $10 million for corporations, along with jail time. The state government is implementing a 12-month "education-first" approach to address the confusion over the law. Source.

Recalled Poppy Seeds Found in Supply Chain, Causing Illness in Australia: July 4: A previously recalled batch of poppy seeds in Australia mistakenly resurfaced in the supply chain, causing illness in at least one person. The product was recalled from a supermarket chain's stores in November. An ongoing investigation aims to determine how the recalled seeds made their way back to the market. The affected product has a best before date of June 25, 2024, and was previously recalled in November 2022. NSW Health warns that the product is unsafe to consume, advising consumers to discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. The incident highlights the importance of ensuring that only food grade poppy seeds enter the food supply chain. Source.

Australian Scientists Funded to Grow Plants on the Moon: July 6 Australian scientists have been awarded over $3 million in federal government funding to continue their project that aims to grow plants on the Moon. The collaborative effort involves scientists from Queensland University of Technology, RMIT University, the Australian National University (ANU), and Israel's Ben Gurion University, working with Australian company Lunaria One. The project, known as Australian Lunar Experiment Promoting Horticulture (ALEPH), intends to grow plants on the lunar surface within four years. By achieving this, the scientists hope to pave the way for food, medicine, and oxygen production on the Moon, supporting NASA's Artemis program. The grant brings them closer to demonstrating the feasibility of a plant growth chamber on the Moon. Source.

Q2

Australia's Winter Crop Outlook: June 2: Australia is set to plant 23.48 million hectares for its winter crops this season, a 0.3% increase from the previous year and 5% higher than the five-year average, according to Rabobank's report. The forecast predicts higher planted areas for wheat, barley, and pulses compared to the previous year, while canola planting is expected to be down. Wheat area is projected to increase by 2.9% to 13.44 million hectares, barley up by 1.3% to 4.27 million hectares, and pulses to rise to 1.77 million hectares. However, canola planting is forecasted to be down by 8.4% to 3.32 million hectares. Assuming normal seasonal rainfall, wheat production for 2023-24 is expected to reach 29.9 million tonnes, barley at 10.8 million tonnes, and canola at 5.4 million tonnes. Source

Heavy rains cause potato shortage: May 25: Excessive rainfall, flooding, and resilient fungal infections have caused waterlogged and infected potatoes leading to a fall in production in the past year. The worst hit were farmers in Tasmania, who produce one third of the nation’s potato crop, followed by those in New South Wales and Victoria. Delays in harvesting and planting caused by the weather conditions and the escalating costs of fuel and fertilizers have also contributed to the shortfall.

Infections such as pink rot and powdery scab can persist in the soil for years, waiting to be spread by heavy rains, and they are almost impossible to fully eliminate. However, scientists are working to forecast potential disease outbreaks so that farmers can take action to mitigate or prevent them.

The potato industry in Australia faces several challenges, including the escalating production costs, the possibility of renewed heavy rainfall, and the perpetual fight against soil-borne diseases. However, as the heavy rains have ceased for now, potatoes are currently making a comeback on supermarket shelves. Source

Australian fined $5,500 for smuggling seeds into the country: May 24: An Australian traveler was fined $5,500 for smuggling seeds into the country at Brisbane International Airport. The seeds were hidden in various items in the traveler's luggage, including a pamphlet, knitted baby clothing, and tissues. Seeds that have not been inspected can endanger local crops by introducing unwanted weed species and viral pathogens such as tobamoviruses. The traveler was the first person to be issued with Australia's new 20-point penalty infringement notice for deliberately concealing biosecurity risk materials. The penalty was introduced in December 2022 to deter individuals from deliberately evading laws by concealing undeclared biosecurity goods. The new 20-point infringement penalty is in addition to the increased financial penalties implemented on January 1, 2023. The penalty units were raised from $222 per unit to $275 per unit. Source

Record-breaking cotton yield anticipated: May 24: Australia's cotton growers are projected to yield their largest-ever harvest, driven by an ideal growing season in southwestern Queensland. The industry is poised to produce around 5.5 million bales of cotton, valued at an estimated $3.9 billion, which includes lint and cotton seed production. Despite scarce rainfall this year, recent floods have sufficiently replenished water reserves, facilitating an excellent harvest season for the farmers. The good high-quality yields have invigorated industry optimism and sparked investment in new equipment and machinery. Source

Lower yields forecast despite positive growing conditions: May 2: Beneficial downpours in Western Australia have encouraged an early planting season for growers. Increased planting activity is also anticipated in Queensland in the upcoming weeks. Despite favourable conditions, experts predict that this year El Nino could introduce drier weather that may lower winter crop yields, even with a similar area under cultivation expected. Source

Mice infestation poses threat to crops: April 18: Mice infestations have become a serious concern in parts of Australia, with large groups of mice swarming in various regions, potentially causing extensive damage to crops. New South Wales Farmers President Xavier Martin reported witnessing mice "swarming all over the road" near Coonabarabran, while other sightings have been reported in Queensland, Adelaide, and Victoria. The pests are infiltrating hay sheds and damaging summer crops, raising fears of a repeat of the devastating mouse plague that occurred two years ago. Mouse plagues have plagued Australia periodically since the late 1700s, with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) defining a plague as swarms of at least 800 to 1,000 mice per hectare. Source

Phyto Certificates Update: May 1: Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has notified its trading partners via the World Trade Organization’s Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Notification system (G/SPS/N/AUS/558) that starting 1 May 2023, paper phytosanitary certificates (dates on or after May 1) for seed shipments bound for Australia must fully comply with ISPM12, including being signed, dated and stamped. Paper phytosanitary certificates issued on or after 1 May 2023 that have QR codes but do not display a signature, date and stamp will not be accepted.

Australia accepts phytosanitary certificates that are:

• Delivered via an agreed, secure government-to-government digital exchange, known as electronic certification or ePhyto/eCert. Australia currently only has such an arrangement with New Zealand for use in import clearance.
• Original paper hardcopies issued by trading partners that have been dated, signed, and stamped.
• Certified copies that are copies of an original hardcopy or printouts of an electronic phytosanitary certificate that have been dated, stamped, and countersigned.
• On paper certificates, a ‘stamp’ can be in the form of a watermark or logo on the document that has been approved for use by the exporting country and communicated to the Australian IPPC contact point (ippc.contactpoint@agriculture.gov.au).
• A ‘signature’ can be in the form of either a pen-inked signature directly onto the document or a printed image of a signature inserted into the document. Printed names will not be accepted.

The notification also clarified that Australia would only accept ePhytos or electronic phytosanitary certificates for use in import clearance where there has been a prior agreement to accept them via a government-to-government electronic exchange. This arrangement currently only applies to the government-to-government exchange of ePhytos from New Zealand. “Countries sending ePhytos or eCerts to Australia without prior agreement and arrangements for electronic exchange cannot be accepted. Paper certification continues to be required until ePhytos or eCerts are bilaterally negotiated between Australia and the exporting NPPO.”

Ag imports on agenda in China trade talks: April 18: Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to improving agricultural ties with China following a ministerial meeting. This comes after Australia announced it had reached an agreement with China last week to resolve their dispute over barley imports. Beijing had imposed tariffs on Australian commodities, including wine and barley, following Canberra's 2018 ban on China's Huawei from providing equipment during the rollout of its 5G network and its call for an independent investigation into the origin of COVID-19. China's Vice Agriculture Minister, Ma Youxiang, visited Canberra on Monday to discuss bilateral issues, including trade and consular matters. Australian officials believe Chinese officials are showing a "sincere desire for co-operation" to remove the punitive tariffs on Australian wine, which suffered a significant decline in exports to China after the imposition of tariffs. Source.

Record cropping output predicted despite food shortages: March 7: The heavy rains that caused some food shortages in Australia have also boosted the country's crop exports, with farmers predicted to have their most valuable year ever. Agricultural exports are expected to reach a record $75bn in the year to the end of June, driven in part by higher commodity prices due to droughts in other major exporters and the war in Ukraine. Winter crop production is estimated at a new record of 67.3 million tonnes, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics. However, drier conditions are predicted as the La Niña climate phenomenon eases. Source

 

Q1

Sowing insights from NSW wheat trials: February 20: During research and trials carried out in Condobolin and Rankins Springs in 2018, as well as in Rankins Springs in 2019 and Lake Cargelligo in 2020, varieties were selected to include “a mix of true winter wheat such as EGA Wedgetail , new fast winter wheat such as Longsword and short-season wheat such as Condo and Vixen”.  The trials over these three starkly contrasting seasons allowed the collation of data showing longer-season wheat varieties can fit the needs of growers in this region and can be sown early if suitable environmental conditions, such as sufficient soil moisture, are present. Some specific findings were as follows: Some people's belief that it's preferable to "sow early sow light" may not always be true. When longer-season wheat varieties are sown within their suggested windows, sowing rates of 15 kilograms per hectare may provide lower yields than sowing rates of 30 to 45 kg/ha. The value of seeding several types during the appropriate window was amply illustrated. When short-season or long-season cultivars were sown well outside the suggested window, the lowest yields were seen. Source.

Corteva herbicide trait tech for canola available to Australian farmers for 2024 planting: February 14: Corteva Agriscience has announced plans for the commercial launch of Optimum GLY® canola – an advanced herbicide-tolerant trait technology for canola farmers in Australia, Canada and the United States. Optimum GLY® will be offered in Australia through Corteva Agriscience seed brand Pioneer® Seeds, with licensing, education, and demonstration trials in 2023 followed by commercial sales in 2024. Source.  

Gene regulator authorizes GM chrysanthemum: February 9: The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has granted a license to International Flower Developments Pty Ltd authorizing the commercial import and distribution of chrysanthemums genetically modified for altered flower colour. The GM chrysanthemum cut flowers may be sold throughout Australia for ornamental use. Though the GM chrysanthemums will not be permitted to be grown in Australia, nor used in commercial human food or animal feed, “The Regulator has not imposed specific measures to manage risk, as the risk assessment concluded that these dealings with the GM chrysanthemums pose negligible risks to the health and safety of people or the environment. Source.

Australia to be first global market for the launch of Axalion™: January 31: BASF has announced the launch of Axalion™ Active in Australia, with other markets to follow. According to German-headquartered company, “Active, a novel insecticide active ingredient that controls harmful piercing and sucking insect pests. Uses for Axalion-containing products include fruits, vegetables, soybeans, legumes, cotton, cereals, beets, oilseed rape and ornamentals. Australian farmers will have first access to Axalion with the launch of Efficon™ insecticide in April, with additional launches planned in Asia, Europe, and South America in the coming years.” Source. 

Pacific Seeds MD appointed: January 2: Advanta Seeds has announced the appointment of Andrew Short as the new Managing Director of Advanta’s Australian arm, Pacific Seeds, efective from 2 January. According to the company, “Andrew has been with Pacific Seeds for 12 years, most recently as Marketing Manager where he oversaw business development and technical development functions of the business.” He had been acting as Interim Managing Director of the company since September 2022, prompting Global CEO of Advanta Seeds Bhupen Dubey to compliment that, “Over this period, Andrew has clearly demonstrated his leadership qualities, an understanding and appreciation of the wider Advanta business as well as his vision for the Australian business unit. Source. 

Australia issues new phyto certificate requirements: Starting 1 May 2023, paper phytosanitary certificates (dates on or after May 1) for seed shipments bound for Australia must fully comply with ISPM12, including being signed, dated and stamped. Paper phytosanitary certificates issued on or after 1 May 2023 that have QR codes but do not display a signature, date and stamp will not be accepted.

Australia accepts phytosanitary certificates that are:

• Delivered via an agreed, secure government-to-government digital exchange, known as electronic certification or ePhyto/eCert. Australia currently only has such an arrangement with New Zealand for use in import clearance.
• Original paper hardcopies issued by trading partners that have been dated, signed, and stamped.
• Certified copies that are copies of an original hardcopy or printouts of an electronic phytosanitary certificate that have been dated, stamped, and countersigned.
• On paper certificates, a ‘stamp’ can be in the form of a watermark or logo on the document that has been approved for use by the exporting country and communicated to the Australian IPPC contact point (ippc.contactpoint@agriculture.gov.au).
• A ‘signature’ can be in the form of either a pen-inked signature directly onto the document or a printed image of a signature inserted into the document. Printed names will not be accepted.

 

Australia’s acceptance of ePhytos or eCerts

Australia only accepts ePhytos or eCerts for use in import clearance where there has been a prior agreement to accept them via a government-to-government electronic exchange. This arrangement currently only applies to the government-to-government exchange of eCerts from New Zealand.

Countries sending ePhytos or eCerts to Australia without prior agreement and arrangements for electronic exchange cannot be accepted. Paper certification continues to be required until ePhytos or eCerts are bilaterally negotiated between Australia and the exporting NPPO.

More information here.

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2022 News

Q3 News

Bayer cotton awards: August 26: Results are in for the 2022 Bayer Cotton Grower of the year and the AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year, which were announced at the Australian Cotton Conference Awards dinner on the Gold Coast, along with the ADAMA Chris Lehmann Trust Young Achiever and the Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year. More than 38 forums, panel discussions and presentations were warmly received by the nearly 2,500 people in attendance. Source and Source.

Pacific Seeds appoints new territory manager: August 25: Pacific Seeds is excited to announce the appointment of Ella McDonald as the new Territory Manager for Central Western Australia. Ella is your new designated Pacific Seeds sales representative and started with us on 8 August 2022. Source.

ASF held in-person annual biz meeting: August 18: The Australian Seed Federation welcomed its members to Brisbane for its 2022 Seed Business Convention, convening for the first time in-person since 2019. Program here, and Photos on association’s Twitter here.

First CoAXium® herbicide resistant barley variety release: August 17: Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) has announced that it its Titan AX will be the first barley variety to be released in the world that is part of the CoAXium® Barley Production System, which offers tolerance to Aggressor® (a Group 1, Quizalofop-P-Ethyl) herbicide. Source.

Grains Australia names new CEO: August 16:  Richard Simonaitis was named chief executive officer of Grains Australia. Simonaitis, who most recently was CEO of the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre, will formally assume his new role on November 1. Source.

New $3 million seed-based project built on UWA seeding science: August 16: The The University of Western Australia have announced details about a new AU$3 million seed-based land rehabilitation project in Western Australia’s South West, which will build upon new seeding mechanisms designed by the institution and Kings Park Science Research Group. The project, allocated 3.5 years “to address the challenge of utilising wild-collected native seeds at a scale and efficiency level suitable for large-scale ecological restoration and rehabilitation post-mining.” Source.

Workshops to tackle feathertop Rhodes grass in NSW: August 9: Farmers based in southern New South Wales will join free workshops in September to learn about research “tailored to meet the needs of southern NSW landholders managing the invasive weed, feathertop Rhodes grass” courtesy of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Source.

Pacific Seeds release two canola hybrids: August 2: Pacific Seeds has released two new canola hybrids: Hyola Regiment XC and Hyola Solstice CL, which offer farmers “outstanding performance, disease tolerance and Integrated Weed Management (IWM) options.” Source.

BASF Australia in rural paddock initiative: July 20: BASF Australia is teaming up with rural grain growers in northwest Victoria to supply the company’s range of crop protection solutions to educate and support barley growers improve their yields Source. 

Seasonal factors and biennial bearing blamed for drop in olive production: 20 July: This year's olive harvest in Australia, which takes place between April and June, is forecast to be 85-90,000 tonnes, far less than the bumper crop of 2021, which saw 130,000 tonnes of olives produced according to Australian Olive Association CEO Michael Southan. "It's a bit of a mixed bag, parts of Victoria have been good, parts of western New South Wales have also been good, the Hunter Valley has had not such a great year," he said. Together with some unusual wet weather and biennial-bearing, the tendency of olive and other fruit trees to bear heavily on alternate years, a smaller crop had been expected this year. Read full story here

Negative Indian Ocean Dipole to Spell Wet Spring and Damage to Crops: July 20: In a blow to farmers on the east coast of Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned of wetter and cooler conditions from August to October caused by the return of a negative Indian Ocean Dipole. With large areas of ground already waterlogged from heavy rain earlier in the year, the additional rainfall will negatively affect cattle farmers as calves struggle with more wet and cold conditions. Flooding and excess moisture can also cause delayed harvests and sprouting, which negatively affect yields and quality of grain crops such as wheat and sorghum. Read the full story here

Bee mite outbreak causes concern in NSW: July 19: Bees in NSW have been placed under 'lock down' since the end of June after varroa mite, a deadly parasite described as 'Covid for bees' that can devastate bee populations, was detected at Newcastle port. The ban on the movement of these important pollinators has put crops such as almonds into jeopardy. The Australian almond industry, now the second biggest producer of almonds after California, requires 300,000 beehives to pollinate the crop and NSW is home to 44% of the nation's beehives.

However, in a move to boost honey and crop production during pollination season, beekeepers outside the varroa mite biosecurity zone can now apply for permits for movement for pollination services and honey production.

In attempting to contain the varroa outbreak, almost 2,000 beehives have been destroyed in NSW. The mite has been detected in 40 properties across the state and as far as 400 kms from the original site. Nevertheless, New South Wales Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders is confident in the government's strategy, "We believe we can eradicate the mite and, if we can do that then that's a big tick," he said. "Ongoing, that's going to continue to be the plan, but you never say never."

Drone planting effectiveness demonstrated at Mount Annan: July 18: A team from the Australian Institute of Botanical Science and Western Sydney University (WSU) demonstrated the effectiveness of drones in planting using drones from AirSeed, an Australian start-up, in restoring native vegetation at the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan. The drones contained pre-formed seed pods that contained seeds, nutrients, and microbes, planting up to 40,000 seed pods per day. Using remote sensing, the drones can distribute pods in a precise and predetermined pattern more efficiently and cheaply than by hand. Read full article here

Crop shortages in Queensland results in higher prices: July 6: Wetter and cooler than normal conditions are affecting harvests, causing prices of fruits and vegetables to increase in Queensland. Beans, snow peas, and zucchinis have all been affected, and prices for strawberries, already in short supply, will now be even higher. Prices have also been steadily climbing for lettuce in the state, and now other fruits and fresh vegetables are predicted to follow. Read full story here

NWS floods cause vegetable shortages and price hikes: July 5: Vegetable prices are predicted to rise as a result of heavy flooding affecting the area around Richmond in northwest Sydney. The impact will be most felt across the Sydney metropolitan area, with shortages and higher prices of common vegetables on supermarket shelves. Farms and orchards in NSW's central west have also been badly affected by excessive rainfall contributing to the crop shortages. Read full story here

Demand for lettuce seeds surges: June 28: A shortage of lettuce caused by unusually wet weather and flooding along the east coast is causing Australians to start growing their own at home. With prices as high as 12 AUD for a head of iceberg lettuce, fast food chains began substituting cabbage for lettuce in their burgers. The movement to home growing the popular salad leaf has now led to the price of lettuce seeds increasing over 200% in the last month. Read the full story here and here.

Cold and wet weather causing crop shortages: June 23: Acting chief executive of the National Farmers’ Federation, Ash Salardini, has warned consumers that fruit and vegetable shortages are expected to continue for another 6 weeks, although supply chain disruptions could continue to linger. Many growers in NSW and Queensland are still experiencing the effects of heavy rain from earlier in the year which has caused a shortage of berries, lettuce, beans, tomatoes, broccoli and herbs, resulting in higher prices. Read full story here

No end in sight for high fruit and vegetable prices: June 8: Industry groups are warning that high fruit and vegetable prices are set to continue. Prices for tomatoes and lettuce have doubled due to unseasonably wet weather earlier in the year causing poor harvests, which has led to supply chain disruptions that will continue to have a knock-on effect on prices for some time to come. Read full story here

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Q2 News

Optimistic canola crop forecast: May 16: The Australian Oilseeds Federation (AOF) has forecast for 3.3 million hectares to be planted with canola in the 2022–2023 season, which would yield 5.2 mn tonnes of crop, representing an an aggregate increase of 12 per cent on the amount planted last year, if realized. The forecast is based on a strong start to the season that is credited to “timely rainfall across many districts in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia in the first three months of 2022.” Source.

Veg, fruit prices to hike as result of Queensland floods: May 16: Floods at Queensland’s southern interior’s Mary, Condamine, Balonne, Thompson and Cooper river and creek catchments are expected to have adverse effects on fresh vegetable and fruit prices. Recovery efforts have been focused in the Lockyer Valley, “where Laidley’s main street and surrounding farmland were swamped by flood waters.” Source.

Aus-UK led study pinpoints genetic driver for increased protein in wheat: May 11: Researchers from the University of Adelaide working with counterparts at the UK’s John Innes Centre have identified a genetic driver that improves yield traits in wheat, which is believed could help to increase protein content in yields by up to 25 per cent. The findings were revealed in a paper, titled “Plant and inflorescence architecture determine the yield potential of crop”, which was published in Issue 19, Volume 8 of Science Advances. Specifically, the researchers identified ”semidominant alleles for a class III homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor, HOMEOBOX DOMAIN-2 (HB-2), on wheat A and D subgenomes, which generate more flower-bearing spikelets and enhance grain protein content. These alleles increase HB-2 expression by disrupting a microRNA 165/166 complementary site.” Read news here, and paper here.

GM wheat approved for food safety: May 11: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has approved an application by Trigall Genetics for the sale and use of food produced with a transgenic variety of wheat. The HB4 wheat variety, with gene technology IND-00412-7 has been approved by the Australian and New Zealand regulator to enter the food supply via imported processed products, “either in the form of wheat flour or as finished products such as baked goods”. However, the GM wheat has not yet been approved for planting in the Oceanic nation. The transgenic wheat variety is drought and herbicide tolerant and is grown by farmers in Argentina. The drought tolerance comes from a sunflower gene, HaHB4, and has been modified for herbicide resistance. No GM variety of wheat has been approved for commercial production in Australia, though GM canola and cotton varieties are already widely cultivated in Australia. Source.

Night Cap Oak saplings planted in NSW: May 7: About 50 saplings from nightcap oak trees, a species which was gravely affected by the 2019–2020 ‘black summer’ bush fires, were propagated and planted at undisclosed locations along New South Wales north coast. The bushfires reportedly destroyed or damaged 20% of the population. The  endangered Night Cap Oak Tree is notoriously difficult to grow, but can grow up to 40 meters tall. Source.

Farmers on lookout for new rat infestation: May 8: Farmers in Farmers in northern NSW, central Queensland, north western Victoria, the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia and the wheat belt in Western Australia are on the lookout for anticipated mice plagues, after government agencies warned of a renewed threat following last year’s devastating infestation.  Source.

Application for flower color altered GM chrysanthemum: April 20: The Australian Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has received a license application (DIR 191) for the commercial release of genetically modified (GM) chrysanthemum altered for flower color and intended for ornamental purposes. The application was submitted by International Flower Developments and will be subject to a risk assessment by OGTR. For more information visit the DIR 191 page on the OGTR website. Original story here

 

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1Q1 News

Pasture seed industry delivers $3 billion annually to Australian agriculture: 28 February: Australian seed companies supply 40,000 to 45,000 tonnes of pasture seed annually to livestock industries (dairy, beef, sheep meat and wool). In terms of farm gate value-creation, this annually sown pasture seed delivers a total of $2.98 billion or 8 percent of the $35.3 billion farm gate value from the major livestock industries each year. See full report on the Australian Seed Federation website here.

Australian pasture seed firm consolidation: Since May 2019, PGG Wrightson Seeds, Agricom, AusWest Seeds, and Stephens Pasture Seeds have all been brands owned and operated by DLF, a global leader in forage and amenity seeds based in Denmark. As part of a strategic review aimed to simplify and improve the current business model for retail customers and farmers, the company is consolidating these multiple distribution channels into a single channel called DLF Seeds. Read the full press release here

ABARES Outlook 2022 conference to be held 1-4 March 2022 as a virtual event. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) annual Outlook conference is “at the intersection of debate for issues affecting Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors, across trade, climate change, labour and other interconnected influences” The conference will explore Growing agriculture through innovation and sustainability at sessions on the national and global agricultural outlook, labour market issues, key commodities, water markets, sustainability reporting and more. For more information and to register visit: ABARES Outlook 2022

Women farmers in NSW: AgSkilled is calling out to women in management in rice, horticulture, viticulture, grains and cotton industries of New South Wales to apply for its program, which aims to develop skills in time management, planning, communication, management, industrial relations and WHS, in a supportive environment alongside other rural women. Apply here.

Start your career in Australian ag: AgCAREERSTART is calling out to Australian 18-25 year olds taking a gap-year and looking to start a career in a meaningful and exciting industry, through its program that will facilitate participants to gain skills and knowledge to grow the farms of the future, provided training at an on-farm job,and gaining access to industry events and experiences. AgCAREERSTART is an Australian Government initiative, delivered by the National Farmers' Federation in collaboration with leading industry bodies.More details here.

Read about these opportunities and more on Australian Seed Federation’s latest newsletter here. 

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WA mice infestation concerns after bumper crop: January 27: Farmers in Western Australia are being advised to increase surveillance and baiting measures this coming cropping season due to expectations for potentially devastating infestations, citing reports of an increase in mouse activity observed in the Geraldton, Kwinana West and Esperance port zones. The infestation was blamed on excess grains being left in fields following a bumper cropping year. Full story here. See also news about the bumper crop reported earlier in January here.

Hailstorms lash Victoria district potato crop: January 7: As much as 95% of the potato crop in the Ballarat agricultural district of Victoria’s central highlands were damaged by hail storms. According to ABC Australia, about half of Victoria's potato supply is sourced from Ballarat and surrounding areas, with an estimated 2,000 hectares of the region's potato land was damaged by the storms, which featured incessant rain, thunderstorms and hail the size of marbles. Read the full report here.

2021-2022 wheat production pegged to drop due to cool, rainy weather: Though a December report report by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES)raised its 2021/22 wheat production estimate to be 34.4 million tonnes, a separate forecast for production to be down sharply from last year, and well below government estimates.The latter forecast cited “Cooler than normal temperatures in eastern Australia” for reducing wheat yield prospects, as well as “Heavy rains in the region”. More details here.

Fairbanks Seeds opens online stores for Australia and New Zealand: December 21: Professional vegetable growers for whom purchase of seeds in wholesale pack sizes is unsuitable can now order pro-quality seeds in the amounts they want from Fairbanks Seeds, exclusive distributor in Australia and New Zealand for Syngenta's Leafy and Brassica varieties. Field trials, said to be exciting, are underway to determine the right timeslots for commercial production with the goal being 5-6 varieties achieving excellent results in all seasons. Read full story here.

Eyre Peninsula project to recover South Australian flowering plants: December 20: A national seed bank containing 13,000 varieties on Eyre Peninsula will ensure more than 80 per cent of South Australia's most-threatened species survive and may further regeneration of species believed lost (as seed pods can lay dormant hundreds of years before germination). Located at Secret Rocks Reserve, the South Australian Seed Conservation Centre has so far regenerated 12 native plants. Present focus is on recovery of the Corunna daisy and the chalky wattle, considered among Eyre Peninsula's rarest plants, with only one population of the former and 50 examples of the latter remaining in the wild. They now grow at Secret Rocks behind a fence, protected from herbivores. Read full story here.

Pacific Seeds funding agricultural scholarships at Queensland U: December 16: The Aus$5,000 grants may be applied to the final year of studies and are aimed at assisting farming families with tertiary education costs while also encouraging young people to enter agriculture. Australia's federal government meanwhile has a target of Aus$100 billion for the farm-gate value of Australian agriculture by 2030 -- which cannot be met unless youth begin selecting agriculture for their career path in greater numbers. Pacific Seeds scholarship students can intern at Pacific Seeds sites across Australia where they are exposed to research and technology, business, supply chain and retail practices. Read full story here.

Floods and unseasonal weather prompt canola seed worries: December 13: Record canola prices are prompting unprecedented seed orders from those wishing to cash-in on high oilseed prices, but floods and inclement weather in the seed production areas of New South Wales and Victoria have led to worries of ensuing dearth. Despite that, early signs are promising and growers say it is too early to confirm damage. Hail wiped out one -- but only one -- seed production lot belonging to Pioneer Seeds. Otherwise, the firm avers crops were yielding well about a third of the way through their harvest, with most production unaffected by weather. Nonetheless, Pioneer is saying they cannot fill all the orders coming in as demand is overwhelming. Read full story here.

DLF consolidation: December 8: Danish farmer’s co-operative DLF is consolidating PGG Wrightson Seeds, Agricom, AusWest Seeds and Stephens Pasture Seeds, brands purchased in 2019, into a single channel called DLF Seeds. Established in 1872, DLF now has 2000 employees in 22 countries, including Australia. The company's new distribution model is simpler and enables customers to source all DLF products and services in one place. The name change takes effect February 1 and will see new branding for staff uniforms, other resources and communications. Read full story here.

eBay weeds out unidentified seeds and live plants entering Australia by mail: November 23: The project is undertaken in cooperation with Australia's Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment (DAWE), and has interdicted 18,000 doubtful or illegal attempts to introduce seeds from abroad. Biosecurity surveillance measures in international mailrooms have been intensified for the Christmas and New Year's season, as many people use online services to order seeds or live plants without realizing they are sent from abroad -- and are not only illegal but pose environmental threats. Assisting eBay/DAWE operations are sniffer dogs and X-ray scanners. Suspect items when located are destroyed, and, since November 8, the policy includes all unidentified seeds and meat products. For its part, eBay has shut down sellers trying to import seeds illegally. Sellers typically try to skirt interdiction by labelling parcels earrings, toys -- or anything but Seeds. Read full story here.

ASF announces date of 2022 Convention: The Australian Seed Federation (ASF) has announced that its 2022 Seed Business Convention will be held 16-18 August, 2022. The annual three-day industry convention, which is usually held in late August in various locations around Australia, was cancelled this year owing to “Covid-related lockdowns and significant border restrictions” Find out more details here.

 

HPV and WSMV for corn seed no longer regulated: November 18: Phytosanitary regulations for High plains virus (HPV) and Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) will not longer be imposed for the sowing seeds of Zea mays  though those for Maize dwarf mosaic potyvirus (MDMV) persist, according to recent regulatory updates from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. Changes concern Zea mays seed for sowing’, specifically ‘Certified seed from the state of Idaho, United States of America’ pathway. The additional declaration statements for phytosanitary certificates have been revised and are as follows:

Following a review of the quarantine status of High plains virus, Wheat streak mosaic virus and Maize dwarf mosaic virus by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, the following was identified:

For more details, see this link.

Aussie appointed as new OECD Secretary-General: Mr. Mathias Cormann of Australia will be the next Secretary General, starting 1 June 2021. His appointment was made on March 15 by the OECD Council, which is composed of Ambassadors representing the 37 Member Countries.  Mr. Cormann will be the sixth Secretary-General of the Organisation, and is set to serve a 5 year-term through to 2026. The decision concludes a seven-month Selection Process led by the Dean of the Council, and chair of the Selection Committee, Ambassador Christopher Sharrock of the United Kingdom. Mr. Cormann will take up his duties on 1 June, the day after current Secretary-General Angel Gurria’s final term ends, concluding 15 years at the helm of the Organisation. This will coincide with the first of two sessions of the Annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting to be held on 31 May – 1 June. In a media statement, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison relayed that, “The appointment is recognition of Australia’s global agency and standing amongst fellow liberal democracies and our practical commitment and contribution to multilateral cooperation“ See full statement here. Also, for more information see the Biography of Mr. Cormann, as well as his Vision Statement.