Australia
September 25, 2025
The Australian Seed Federation (ASF) is reinforcing the importance of seed quality, transparency, and respect for Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) in building a resilient and trusted agricultural sector. As the peak industry body for the Australian seed industry, ASF represents stakeholders across the entire seed supply chain. from plant breeders and seed growers through to processors, marketers, and exporters. ASF works nationally and internationally to promote high-quality seed, foster collaboration, and maintain strong industry standards that underpin Australian agriculture’s growth and reputation. ASF Chief Executive Officer Katherine Delbridge said the message is simple: quality seed matters, and everyone has a role to play in protecting it.
“Seed is the foundation of every crop and, by extension, our entire food and fibre system. Choosing quality-assured seed gives growers confidence in what they’re sowing and supports strong yields, better plant vigour, and improved resistance to pests, weeds, and diseases. At the same time, we all share a responsibility to respect Plant Breeders’ Rights and avoid practices that undermine the innovation driving new varieties,” Ms Delbridge said.
The risks of poor-quality seed are well-known: lower germination rates, stunted growth, increased disease pressure, and inconsistent genetic performance. These challenges can quickly turn into financial losses through reduced yields, the costs of replanting, or added chemical control. ASF’s Know Before You Sow campaign directly addresses these issues by encouraging growers, agronomists, and advisers to source only certified or quality-assured seed. A central part of the campaign is the Know Before You Sow checklist, which helps growers assess seed quality and biosecurity before buying. The checklist and a short video message from Ms Delbridge introducing the checklist can be found on the ASF website.
“Cutting corners on seed is a false economy. Every grower deserves certainty about the seed they are purchasing, and every adviser should feel confident recommending it. Certification and quality assurance are the clearest signals that a seed meets industry standards and can be trusted to deliver results,” Ms Delbridge said.
ASF members commit to following the ASF Code of Practice for Labelling and Marketing of Seed, which requires clear information about seed variety, certification, and quality. This protects buyers from misleading claims, sets a benchmark for ethical conduct, and helps build a trusted marketplace. The ASF Member Directory is also available online to help growers identify trusted suppliers across Australia. Certification additionally provides an Australian ‘stamp of approval’ for export markets, ensuring seed meets strict international requirements.
One of the most pressing concerns for the industry is the on-selling of seed without proper authorisation or labelling. In some cases, unmarked seed has been distributed in plain bags, undermining industry standards and creating risks for buyers. Under PBR law, plant breeders are granted exclusive rights to produce and sell their varieties. Selling farm-saved seed or trading seed from protected varieties without permission is a direct infringement. Such practices compromise the investment made by plant breeders and weaken the incentive to develop new, improved varieties that benefit growers and consumers alike.
“Innovation is at the heart of modern agriculture. Respecting Plant Breeders’ Rights ensures that the pipeline of new, improved varieties continues to flow. It also safeguards the integrity of our industry and helps maintain Australia’s reputation as a reliable source of quality seed,” Ms Delbridge said. Plant Health Australia (PHA) CEO Sarah Corcoran highlighted the biosecurity dimension of seed quality and integrity.
“Seeds can be a pathway for pests, diseases, and weeds that threaten Australia’s agriculture. By sourcing only quality-assured and certified seed, growers are not just investing in their own success, but they are also contributing to the protection of our broader farming systems. Good seed choices are good biosecurity practices,” Ms Corcoran said.
Topics
Species
