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Seeds
The seed industry makes a significant contribution to Australian agriculture, with an annual overall value of nearly $A600 million from agricultural and horticultural seeds, of which $A75 million is realised on the export market.
Seeds comprise one of the most important commodities moving in international trade, in terms of potential productivity and consequently standards of living. The importance of seed to most crops means it is becoming increasingly important that scientific standards and direction be maintained in the international seed trade.
From Australia’s perspective, access to international seed markets is heavily dependent on official Australian participation in the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) seeds schemes, to ensure maintenance of genetic purity of seed stocks and to facilitate trade in certified seed. The Australian Seeds Authority (ASA) is Australia's designated authority under ISTA and OECD schemes.