News Release – 29th January 2024
The New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association was delighted with a great seed export year.
The total value of New Zealand seed exports, in calendar year 2023, totalled $281m, 27% up on the previous year, according to data issued by Stats NZ this week.
New Zealand seeds were exported to over 60 countries in 2023.
The top five export markets by value were the Netherlands, Australia, USA, China and Germany. Together, they account for around 60% of total export sales.
Pasture seeds including ryegrass and clover seed, vegetable seeds namely carrot, radish and beet seed and cereal and oil seeds were our top export categories, earning $259.5million, $3.1million and $18.8 million respectively in 2023.
More than 80% of NZs seed production is in the Canterbury region centered in and around the Ashburton district encompassing over 40,000 hectares of certified crop.
“Our global customers select New Zealand as they know we have high integrity aided by a very good certification system which delivers a quality, consistent and unique product that they can trust,” says association General manager, Thomas Chin.
“The export turnover achieved emphasises the resilience of the industry, amid a year that has been full of weather challenges, increasing production costs and inconsistent shipping reliability.
“With the new Government’s focus on an export-led recovery, we look forward to seeing those initiatives comes through so that our sector can get on and generate the revenue and the dividend that helps keep people in jobs, especially within the regions”, he added.
For further information contact:
Thomas Chin, General Manager NZGSTA
ph (03) 349 8430; or 021 679 989
thomas.chin@seedindustrynz.co.nz
