62 | Essential forage genetics and feed foundation Plantain grazing crop with cows. Karen Phelps The arable sector is a critical but often under-recognised pillar of New Zealand’s wider agricultural economy, supplying high quality seed and grain that underpin pastoral farming, horticulture and food security, says Sarah Clark, Chief Executive of Seed and Grain New Zealand. “While dairy, sheep and beef industries often dominate public and government attention, arable production provides the essential forage genetics and feed foundation that keeps those systems productive and internationally competitive,” she says. Seed and Grain New Zealand is the national voice for NZ grain and seed trade, an advocate for the industry on policy and regulatory issues impacting the import, export and domestic trade of seed and grain. Representing seed companies, grain traders and service providers, a large segment of the membership includes organisations that research and develop, produce, multiply, process and distribute seeds including grasses, clovers, pulses, vegetables, oilseeds, cereals and grains. But Sarah says it’s an industry doing it tough and because there is an inter-dependency between the seed companies and the farmers who produce the seeds and grain, collaboration across the arable sector is essential for addressing shared challenges and building long term resilience, something she has identified the sector is already very good at. “It’s no secret the arable sector is under pressure with margins tight as farmers and seed companies face rising costs, weather events and trade disruptions from global shocks. Despite the pressures, engagement across the industry remains strong with multiple representative organisations working together to share perspectives and seek RURAL SERVICES » Seed and Grain NZ
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=