ONE of Australia’s largest seed companies is changing names, with Heritage Seeds to be known as Barenbrug from October 28, 2019.

The name change to Barenbrug will bring Heritage Seeds in line with parent company The Royal Barenbrug Group, who part-owned Heritage Seeds from its inception in 1990 and have fully-owned Heritage Seeds since 1996.

The Royal Barenbrug Group operates globally with headquarters in The Netherlands and is recognised as a worldwide creator of forage and turf solutions.

It has 18 operating companies and 22 research and development locations, creating grasses for different purposes in all major climate zones.

Toby Brown

Barenbrug managing director Toby Brown said Barenbrug would provide the same service and products as Heritage Seeds, while embracing the 114 years of experience of its parent company and enjoying the advantage of its global network.

“Nothing changes but the name. We have a strong history with Barenbrug and the fourth-generation family business is well known globally so it will be a great advantage to strengthen that connection to Australia,” he said.

Mr Brown said it was an exciting time for the company as the name change coincided with the opening of a new $15-million warehouse facility in Toowoomba in southern Queensland.

“Supporting growth into northern Australia forms an important part of our strategic direction,” he said.

“We believe there is a significant opportunity to increase engagement and support northern growers, so we’ve designed a new Toowoomba facility with capacity to expand as needed.”

Mr Brown said the existing company structure and staff would continue. The company employs 110 people with representation across the country.