New name for a new era

The New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association has become
Seed and Grain NZ in a change it says better reflects what it does.

Among those at the event were, from left, Stephen Bennett, PGGW Seeds; Steve Pugh, GVI Logistics; and Callum Davidson, Cropmark Seeds.

“It’s about having a name that can act as an umbrella to the diverse range of activities that we participate in, and the current name does not encapsulate the breadth of activities the association is involved in,” president Charlotte Connoley told those at the industry body’s annual conference.

“GeneTech is going to be a critical debate for our industry. We need to ensure we are seen as the voice of the industry on all matters not just trade.

“Our depth of involvement is far beyond that of trade and includes all the areas that interface with trade - plant breeding, intellectual property, standards and certification, education and training, advocacy and regulatory, market access, phytosanitary, biosecurity, research and development, events and communications.”

The new name aligns with other changes to the organisation, including the appointment of a chief executive; more mentoring and governance opportunities for young people in the industry and the beginning of a combined conference with the Australian Seed Federation.

Further, Connoley says, having a name that aligns with other industry representative bodies such as Beef & Lamb NZ, DairyNZ, HortNZ, and Potatoes NZ creates better brand awareness and a seat at the same a name that aligns with other industry representative bodies such as Beef & Lamb NZ, DairyNZ, HortNZ, and Potatoes NZ creates better brand awareness and a seat at the same table as these organisations.

“Trade enabling advocacy is core to our activities. With our current heavy program of regulatory consultations and policy review, profile has never been more important.”

Charlotte Connoley, far right, speaking at the conference.