Specialist vegetable seed firm South Pacific Seeds (SPS) will build a new purpose built plant in Naracoorte that will enable the company to double its primary cleaning capacity and boost its competitiveness in the world market.
The project is supported with a $300,000 State Government Regional Development Fund grant that will assist Stage One of the overall development, which involves the construction of the new $2.9 million processing facility.
South Pacific Seeds South Australia production manager Georgina Fitzgerald the new plant will allow locally grown seeds to be processed and exported directly to markets in Asia, Europe and Australia.
“Naracoorte is a key centre in the heart of the largest small-seed production area in Australia and it made sense for us to locate our new purpose built facility there,” he stated.
“It will give us a 200 per cent increase in primary cleaning capacity and the efficiencies and capabilities of the new machines will enable us to be more competitive in the world market.”
“We are looking forward to working more closely with our growers in the region and creating extra employment and export opportunities.”
Development Minister Geoff Brock said the project will transform the Limestone Coast into a world-leading specialist seed processing hub, and generate 10 full-time jobs.
“South Pacific Seeds has been working on this project for a number of years – the company is keen to use this as an opportunity to expand its operations,” the Minister continued.
“This development will also provide exciting opportunities for Limestone Coast growers, who can supply seeds to the company.”
Established in 1986, SPS specialises in producing high quality vegetable seed crops under contract agreements for customers around the world.
The company’s core business involves contracting growers across South Eastern Australia to multiply specific varieties and crop types from seeding through to processing and export.
The South Australian Division of SPS produces a range of high value vegetable seed crops – including carrots, onion, radish, pak choi and celery – for global markets, and has recently become the preferred production partner with CSIRO to produce Kebari Ultra-Low Gluten Barley, the world’s first low gluten barley.
