N.Z. Trade In Seeds

Northern Advocate, 13 January 1948, Page 5

N.Z. Trade In Seeds

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 seeds 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. DEPENDS ON WEATHER

Important among vegetable seeds imported ax-e oeans, beetroot, cabbage, lettuce, parsnip, l-adish, 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-pol-linate; otherwise the seed obtained will not produce plants true to typo. The difference of six months between the seasons in New Zealand on the one hand and Bi-itain and U.S.A. on the other, enables seed hai-vested in the northern hemisphere autumn to reach New Zealand in time for spring sowing.