Australia is one of the most difficult seed markets in the world to access, both for imports and exports.
Australian Seed Federation CEO Katherine Delbridge says that’s exactly the point.
Australia maintains some of the world’s strictest seed import requirements. Complex phytosanitary regulations and the challenges of operating as an island nation create significant hurdles for companies seeking market access. At the same time, those protections help safeguard Australia’s agricultural system and support global confidence in Australian-grown seed.
Why Australia’s Protects Its Seed Market
Seed World filmed this interview live at World Seed Congress 2026 in Lisbon. Delbridge explains why global demand for Australian seed remains strong.
Grass seed, in particular, continues to draw international interest.
“We’ve got an incredibly diverse climate,” Delbridge says. “If you’re buying Australian seed, you know that it’s effectively been stress tested before it’s made it to your market.”
Strict Rules, Strong Trust
The conversation also explores why Australia continues to attract international seed companies looking to enter the market, even with its reputation for strict biosecurity enforcement.
Delbridge says success in Australia is less about finding shortcuts and more about understanding the system, building relationships and committing for the long term.
What Global Seed Companies Need to Know
For companies considering their next move in the Australian seed market, whether importing or exporting, this discussion offers a practical look at both the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector today.
