Know before you sow: Quality seeds, strong agriculture

The Australian Seed Federation (ASF), in partnership with Plant Health Australia (PHA), has launched the Know Before You Sow campaign to emphasise the critical importance of seed quality, integrity and transparency in safeguarding the future of Australian agriculture.

Seed is the starting point for every crop. Using certified or quality-assured seed provides growers with confidence in what they are sowing, supporting better yields, stronger plant vigour, and resistance to pests and diseases. The risks of poor-quality seed are significant, from low germination rates to inconsistent performance and even the introduction of weeds or pathogens that threaten biosecurity.

ASF Chief Executive Officer Katherine Delbridge said the message is simple: quality seed matters, and everyone in the supply chain has a role to play.

“Every grower deserves certainty about the seed they are purchasing. Certification and quality assurance are the clearest signals that a seed meets industry standards and can be trusted to deliver results,” said Ms Delbridge.

The campaign also draws attention to the importance of respecting Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR).  Breeders invest heavily in developing new varieties that lift productivity, strengthen resilience, and deliver benefits to growers and consumers alike. Unauthorised on-selling of seed not only breaches the law but also undermines this cycle of innovation.

From a biosecurity perspective, PHA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Corcoran stressed that seed is a potential pathway for pests, weeds, and diseases.

“By sourcing only quality-assured and certified seed, growers are investing in their own success and helping to safeguard Australia’s broader agricultural systems,” said Ms Corcoran.

To support the campaign, ASF has developed practical resources, including the Know Before You Sow checklist, which helps growers assess seed quality and biosecurity before purchase. Additional tools, such as the Pasture Seed Database, the ASF Code of Practice for Labelling and Marketing of Seed, and the ASF Member Directory, also provide guidance and trusted contacts.

The campaign’s message is clear: cutting corners on seed is a false economy. By choosing quality-assured seed and respecting intellectual property rights, growers and advisers can help lift industry standards, protect biosecurity, and ensure Australia’s seed sector continues to deliver value well into the future.

For more information and to access resources, visit the ASF website.