The latest trade statistics showed the 2016 export earnings were up 4% on the previous year’s $173m.
Grain and Seed Trade Association general manager Thomas Chin said seed produced in New Zealand commanded a premium over that exported by competitors such as Chile, the United States and Australia.
Traders indicated that was because of the industry’s focus on quality and reliability of supply, Chin said.
Vegetable seeds remained the star performer with NZ supplying about 50% of the world’s hybrid radish, carrot and beet seed.
Statistics NZ data showed vegetable seed contributed $81m (45%) of total export earnings in 2016.
Pasture seed, such as ryegrass and clover, accounted for $74m (41%) and grains made $25m (14%).
“NZ is a premier producer and exporter of high-grade grass seed for use in agriculture and sports arenas, cereal seed for the arable sector and vegetable seed for the horticulture industries,” Chin said.
Most of the seed was harvested in Canterbury, which had ideal growing conditions, with low pest and disease rates.
Gisborne, Manawatu and Wairarapa were also important seed production regions.
“As an industry we further benefit from the fact that our production season coincides with the northern hemisphere’s off-season,” Chin said.
Modern plant genetics, state of the art processing systems, highly skilled farmers and access to water and irrigation strengthened NZ’s competitive advantage over other production regions, he said.
Locally grown seed was distributed to more than 60 countries across the world with key markets being Europe, North and South America, South Africa and Australia.
Australia was the number one market for NZ ryegrass seed with the Netherlands the leading destination for beet, carrot and radish seed.
Top export destinations by value were Netherlands, Australia then the US.
