The countdown is on for an international seed congress that is coming to New Zealand for the first time in its 28-year history.
Up to 800 international seed trade professionals are expected for the 28th Asian Seed Congress, to be held in Christchurch later in the year.
NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association general manager Thomas Chin said the event will be a huge opportunity to showcase the NZ seed industry.
“The industry is looking forward to co-hosting and demonstrating to global customers NZ’s high-quality seed and production systems.
“The congress and its associated events are conveniently located within Canterbury – the seed hub of the country.
“Being the first time the congress has been hosted in NZ, event organisers are planning for about 800 delegates from across the Asia Pacific region with attendees including plant breeders, researchers, marketers, merchants, suppliers, officials and legislators,” Chin said.
NZ is a world leader in seed production. The industry supplies 60% of the world’s radish seed, 50% of white clover seed and 40% of global carrot seed, as well as some 40 other different cropping seed species.
NZ seed exports to the Asia Pacific region are worth $100m a year.
The Asian Seed Congress will take place at the Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch, from November 20 to 24.
The five-day event will includetechnical sessions, host country field and leisure tours and cultural programmes.
