The partnership between the majority of New Zealand's leading seed technology researchers and seed companies has played a major role in New Zealand achieving its predominant position within the seed industry globally.
In 2012, at the instigation of industry, this long-standing relationship was formalised through the establishment of The New Zealand Seed Industry Alliance, the aim being to further consolidate the relationship, to intensify the industry-led research it pursues and to ensure continued end-user value through timely and high quality knowledge transfer and product commercialisation.
The Alliance is the seed research community’s and the seed companies’ joint response to the significant challenges faced by the seed growing industry. Its formation has further strengthened the communication lines between researchers and seed companies to ensure market needs are fully understood and reinforced the implementation pathways for delivering timely and effective technology transfer and commercialisation of new discoveries.
The Seed Industry Alliance was a finalist for the Research & Business Partnership Award at the 2013 KiwiNet Awards.