82 | Punching above on the global stage Smith Seeds specialises in contract vegetable seed production, working with a loyal network of Kiwi growers. Kelly Deeks RURAL SERVICES » Smith Seeds From its base in the heart of Mid Canterbury, Smith Seeds continues to punch above its weight on the global stage, multiplying high-quality vegetable seed for international customers and celebrating the strength, resilience, and innovation of New Zealand farmers. General manager Dayle Jemmett says the company is growing steadily, recently moving into a new, purpose-built facility at the Ashburton Business Estate, and working hard to navigate global disruptions while delivering top-notch seed for clients across Europe, Asia, the US, and Australia. “We’re almost at the point we envisaged three years ago when we moved into the new office,” he says. “It’s taken time and a bit of growing, but we’re in a strong position now. The office space is full, and that’s a great sign as we keep moving forward.” Smith Seeds specialises in contract vegetable seed production, working with a loyal network of Kiwi growers who multiply clients’ seed here, then send the processed product back overseas. Dayle says the quality of New Zealand’s growers, soils, and climate, along with our country’s ability to produce counter-season crops, makes it an ideal base for the international seed trade. “Little old New Zealand is still punching above its weight,” he says. “We might be a small country, but we’re a significant one when it comes to agriculture.” Smith Seeds’ customers take advantage of the Southern Hemisphere’s growing season, allowing them to secure two harvests a year. “It gives our clients flexibility and insurance,” Dayle says. “And it gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase what New Zealand growers can do.” The company produces a wide range of vegetable seeds including peas, radish, kale, pak choi, mustard, beetroot, spinach, chard, celery, and more. Agronomists at Smith Seeds work closely with growers throughout the production cycle, helping to ensure top quality seed that is true to type and meets strict isolation requirements. As climate extremes increase across the globe, www.gvi.co.nz Proudly Supporting Smith Seeds • Import / Export Air & Ocean • Customs Brokerage • Third Party Logistics (3PL) • Perishable Logistics • Event Logistics • Project Logistics Proseed Processing Ltd is proud to support Smith Seeds Phone us on 03 302 1815 or email us at o ce@proseednz.com Based in the heart of Mid Canterbury near Methven, Proseed Processing provides excellent service to our customers with top of the range technology (including our new Fenix Optical Sorter). We process a wide range of seeds, blend and treat seed and process imported seed through our Transitional Facility. We pride ourselves on doing the very best we can for Farmers and Merchants. Export Quality Seed Processing Enhancing Global Agriculture Services: Weighbridge, Moisture Tes�ng, Drying, Storage, Precision Processing, Seed Treatment, Colour Sor�ng, Export Tes�ng, Sampling, Loading and Transport. Specialising in export quality processing of: Vegetable Seed, Grass Seed, Cereals, Clover, Brassicas, Pulses, Linseed, Hemp Proudly supporting Smith Seeds with premium seed processing solutions 03 3078383 | www.siseed.co.nz Dayle says New Zealand is becoming more attractive as a reliable seed production base. “Our quality is exceptional, and that’s huge in a world where supply chains and growing conditions are less predictable.” Still, challenges remain. Dayle says international political instability, shipping delays, and tariffs all impact operations. “Shipping isn’t what it was pre-Covid, and global tensions continue to have a knock-on effect,” he says. “But we have no choice but to work through it. We stay proactive with our shipping agents and do everything we can to meet customers’ needs.” In 2022, Smith Seeds also purchased shares in HL Rosevear 2022, a specialist grass seed producer. The two businesses now share space at Ashburton Business Estate, with aligned values around quality, service, and sustainability. “We’ve got good people, good land, and a strong reputation,” Dayle says. “That’s what’s keeping New Zealand seed producers at the forefront, and that’s worth celebrating.”
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