New Zealand Does Considerable Seed Trade

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 10, 6 January 1948, Page 5

New Zealand Does Considerable Seed Trade

New" Zealand’s total exports of seeds to all countries represent a very considerable trade. Last year our seed exports (mainly grass and clover) were worth slightly more than £2,000,000, or seven times as much as our imports of seeds which were valued at £282,000. Illustrating the varied nature of New Zealand trade with the United States is the fact that exports of grass and clover seed last year earned dollars to the equivalent of £267,000. Offset to this amount were imports of American seeds costing £48,000. While New Zealand exports are mainly pasture seeds, imports include fairly large quantities of garden seeds, which are obtained not only from America, but also, from Britain and Australia. Important among vegetable seeds imported are beans, beetroot, cabbage, lettuce, parsnip, radish, pumpkin and marrow seeds.

Seed growing needs dependable weather, which prevails in only a few parts of New Zealand. It also has to be planned so that different varieties in adjoining areas will not cross-pollinate; otherwise the seed obtained will not produce plants true to type. The difference of. six months between the seasons in New Zealand on the one hand and Britain and U.S.A. on the other, enables seed harvested in the northern hemisphere autumn to reach New Zealand in time for spring sowing.