AGT head of variety support Dan Vater.
GROWERS using AGT’s Seed Sharing platform are now able to trade AGT Clearfield wheat and barley varieties between themselves.
AGT, as one of Australia’s leading seed companies, made the announcement last week.
“This news comes at a really good time, particularly in the drought-affected parts of the country where imi residues are dictating what can be safely planted this season,” AGT head of variety support Dan Vater said.
“We know that a lot of farmers are looking at getting their hands on seed of our Clearfield wheat varieties to mitigate the impact of herbicide residues.
“Now, all of our wheat, durum, barley, canola and lupin varieties are able to be traded between growers legally.”
As growers across South Australia, Victoria, and southern New South Wales, as well as parts of Western Australia, wait for the autumn break, the ability for growers to source AGT seed from their peers is expected to help them source varieties that best suit the planting window the season presents.
AGT wheat varieties now able to be legally traded between growers include Grenade CL Plus, Kord CL Plus, Elmore CL Plus, Razor CL Plus, Hammer CL Plus, Sunblade CL Plus, and Tomahawk CL Plus.
Future AGT wheat and barley varieties carrying Clearfield tolerance will also be available for Seed Sharing.
Mr Vater said the decision to allow licensed farmer-to-farmer trading of AGT Clearfield varieties has come in response to a call from growers, and has been made possible through new AGT software which can better track seed sold through all approved sources.
“This change was made possible through the launch of AGT’s Grower Portal last year, which legally must be used by all growers who are trading seed of AGT Clearfield varieties or other AGT varieties to another grower.”
Grower-to-grower sales of CL seed were not permitted previously due to concerns about mix-ups in seed, namely a grower selling what was thought to be CL seed and therefore tolerant to certain herbicides, but was found, upon spraying, to not be a CL variety.
To encourage Seed Sharing, and the use of the AGT Grower Portal, AGT will send a $100 gift card to both the seller and recipient when the AGT Grower Portal is used to complete a Seed Sharing transaction.
Alternatively, participants can use the portal to donate the $100 to one of three rural charities: Are You Bogged Mate?, Blaze Aid, or the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Source: AGT
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