Seed Business Convention is the Australian seed industry’s three-day convention held in late August.

Seed Business 2026

It’s a wrap!

Around 160 people from across Australia’s seed industry came together in Melbourne for Seed Business 2026. Across three packed days, the program delivered professional development, industry discussion, networking, celebration and a closer look at some of the issues shaping the future of seed.

From the Leadership Forum and Women in Seed Lunch, through two days of Convention and Exhibition and the GTE Technology field trip, it was fantastic to see such strong engagement from across the industry.

Plenty to talk about

Speakers tackled an incredibly broad range of topics affecting the seed industry and the businesses operating within it.

We heard perspectives on fertilizer, farming, food security, stewardship, economics and governance, alongside discussions on pollination, digital quality assessment, trade and market access, innovation, biosecurity, trust, plant breeding and emerging research.

A huge thank you to every speaker who shared their time, expertise and perspective with us.

Celebrating industry excellence

The Seed Business Gala Dinner and ASF Awards gave us an opportunity to recognise some of the outstanding people and businesses contributing to the Australian seed industry.

Congratulations to our 2026 award recipients:

Women in Seed Award: Tayla McHale, Mainfreight – sponsored by Centor Oceania

Emerging Leader Award: Will Thorp, Naracoorte Seeds – sponsored by RAGT Australia

ASF President’s Award: Mick Ahearn

Great Exhibitor Pitch Competition: GTE Technology

And a special thank you to Billy Brownless, who delivered a hugely entertaining after-dinner keynote – and left with a new appreciation for just how much of everyday life starts with seed.

Thank you

Seed Business simply isn’t possible without the businesses and people who get behind it.

A special thank you to our major sponsor, Sorted Seed Technologies, along with all of our sponsors and exhibitors, speakers, delegates and members who helped make Seed Business 2026 such a success.

We hope everyone left Melbourne with new ideas, stronger connections and plenty to take back to their businesses.

Click here for a full wrap up of Seed Business 2026

See you in Brisbane!

Seed Business returns in 2027, when ASF will once again join forces with Seed & Grain New Zealand for a trans-Tasman Seed Business.

Save the date: 30 August – 1 September 2027

We’ll see you there!

 

Seed Business 2025

Seed Business 2025: It’s a wrap!

Nearly 300 delegates from across Australia and New Zealand gathered in Christchurch for Seed Business 2025 – the inaugural joint convention hosted by ASF and Seed and Grain New Zealand (SGNZ). Held over four packed days, the event delivered expert panels, keynote speakers, field tours and plenty of valuable networking.

ASF President Tim March summed it up perfectly:

“Seed Business 2025 showed just how much we can achieve by coming together as two industries. The energy, the openness, and the willingness to share ideas made it clear that Australia and New Zealand’s seed sectors have a strong future working side by side.”

Celebrating Industry Excellence

The Gala Dinner at Christchurch Town Hall was a chance to celebrate the achievements of our members. Congratulations to our 2025 award winners:

Best Booth: GTE Technology

ASF Women in Seed Award: Marcia Vistisen

ASF Emerging Leader Award: Aline Passos

ASF President’s Award: Steve Brill

ASF also wish to recognise John McKenzie, who was awarded Life Membership by SGNZ in honour of his service to the seed industry

A special thank you to our Premium Sponsor, Anysort, for supporting a truly memorable evening.

What We Took Away

From the friendly competition of the Seed Business Challenge to forums on innovation, regulation, and gene technology, the week sparked big ideas and meaningful conversations.

Whether it was the Young Radicles Breakfast or getting out into the field across the Canterbury Plains, delegates walked away with stronger relationships, fresh insights, and a renewed sense of collaboration.

Seed Business 2025 wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our sponsors. A special thanks to our premium Sponsor, Anysort.

Lastly: Thank You!

To everyone who attended, spoke, exhibited, supported, and helped bring this event to life – thank you. Seed Business 2025 was just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll grow together next!

Click here for a full wrap up of Seed Business 2025