SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SEED

Contract Seed Production

Contract Seed Production.

Seedtech have pioneered the production of hybrid seeds in Ireland. Seedtech produce high-value seed crops (Hybrid Oilseed Rape & Hybrid Barley and Parent Lines) which are processed at our custom built processing plant in Waterford.

These seeds are produced in partnership with leading International seed companies and are destined for the export market.

 

Why produce high-value seed in Ireland?

There are unique advantages to producing Hybrid OSR seed and other Brassicias in Ireland because:

  • Low diurenal temperature amplitude

  • Low average maximium daily temperatures

  • Excellent isolation opportunities (92% of Ireland is grass)

which means Ireland has a very favourable climate, with long flowering periods (allowing extra rogueing of off-types) and unrestricted isolation .

This unique situation means that we can deliver a consistent, high yielding seed each year.

  • High yields of cool-season grains produced due to Ireland’s maritime climate with mild winters, cool summers and adequate rainfall

  • Ability to produce higher thousand kernel weight (TKW) than in warmer climates due to the grain filling period in Ireland, offering added marketing advantages for seed

  • Excellent isolation distances and virgin land for oilseed rape or other brassicas with Ireland’s extensive grassland area and small oilseed rape area (c.12,000 ha)

  • Significantly reduced pollen contamination for hybrid cereals, due to Ireland’s low arable area and our ability to place hybrid seed production in grassland regions

Why should you consider partnering with Seedtech to produce high-value seed?

  • Our experienced team of agronomists lead by Tim O’Donovan, Technical Director with 20 years’ experience managing high-value crops

  • Our dedicated partnerships with contract growers who are committed to delivering the highest quality seed

  • Our state of the art seed processing plant is one of the most modern and advanced plants in Europe

 

Native Irish Wildflower Seeds.

The demand for native wildflower seeds continues to outstrip the supply of Irish provenance wildflower seeds.

In August 2021, the first production of native Irish wildflower seeds was produced at our trial grounds in Faithlegg, Co. Waterford as part of commitment to research and develop new production systems for native species of wildflowers.

Seedtech will continue to develop new production techniques for Irish wildflower seed production to compete with and eventually replace imports to satisfy the growing demand.

Seedtech are producing native Irish wildflower seeds in conjunction with Sandro Cafola of Design By Nature for the wholesale market.

 

Seedtech is always looking for a new challenge to apply our knowledge and expertise in the expert seed market. Contact Tim O’Donovan , Technical Director, Seedtech, if you would like to explore new opportunities.

Shaping the Future of Seed

Get in touch if you are interested in growing OSR for seed.

Selection Criteria Includes:

  • Land should not have grown OSR previously or cover crops with brassica species.

  • A minimum isolation distance of 1km or greater from all winter & spring OSR crops

  • Ideally free of Volunteer Rape, Charlock, Wild Mustard, Wild turnip, and Wild Radish

  • Ideally low levels of wild Oats but these can be well controlled in crops with graminicides

  • Ideally no potatoes, beet, or root crops for five years before seed rape

  • Minimum field size of 20 acres required

  • A conscientious grower with attention to detail is important

  • No experience growing OSR necessary as Seedtech staff provide detailed advice.

Growers interested in finding out more about Oilseed Rape Production contracts should call Seedtech’s Production Manager Dan Norris on 087 7915920 to discuss further.