Christchurch Calling: A sneak peak at this year’s Asian Seed Congress host

be hosted in this part of the region and more importantly, I think. APSA's view of the world is that we have a big family and that it was important to recognize the seed industry in the South West Pacific, in particular in the Oceania region.

Mike: Do you have any recommendations or comments for other seed associations looking to bid for hosting upcoming Asian Seed Congresses? What should they focus on in their proposal?

Christchurch, New Zealand is the location for this year's Asian Seed Congress. To learn more, APSA Event Manager Mike Kingpayom sat down with Thomas Chin, general manager for the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association, which is this year's National Organizing Committee

Mike: Can you tell us a little bit about the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association, your members and current activities?

Thomas: The New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association is 104 years old this year. We have around about 85 members, who are spread out across New Zealand, though the bulk of the membership is based here in the Canterbury region, which is our seed growing and seed production area. The association is ostensibly an advocacy body, and so we represent primarily our members with our regulators and the government and and policymakers.

Mike: Moving straight to the topic of the Congress. Was it hard during the bidding the bidding process to get the Asian Seed Congress to be held here in New Zealand?

Thomas: Well, I think we weren't taking anything for granted in our bid. We were aware that there were four other parties that were bidding for the right to host the Congress and we know that each of those other bidders put in very good proposals. For New Zealand, I think the key factor the APSA EC took on board was the fact that it would be the first time to award the Congress to New Zealand—the first time it would

Thomas: I think this a prime opportunity to showcase your country or region and obviously, local seed production, or the seed industry. I think we also made a very compelling argument to the organisers that we would be showcasing a fairly unique product to the delegates. So yes, we look forward to demonstrating that in person in that in a few months time.

Mike: So this year's Asian Seed Congress will be the 28th year, and we’ve held it in various countries like Thailand, India and China, and as mentioned, this will be the first time in New Zealand. Is there any aspect or part of the Congress that you're really looking forward to?

Thomas: Going back to my previous answer, it is an important showcase for the international delegates, that they can come and see firsthand the nature and the extent of our seed production and seed business in New Zealand. We are world – renowned for a number of seed crops, seed types, so it's it a very good opportunity to showcase that to the region and to the world.

Mike: The Asian Seed Congress 2023 will be held from the 20th to the 24th of November. Considering that registration opened on May 1st, should delegates, who haven’t already, start the registration and visa application process sooner? — BecauseI understand that the visa process for New Zealand may be difficult for some countries’ citizens. What's your recommendation?

Thomas: Indeed, there are some ongoing challenges with regard to securing visas for some, not necessarily because it's difficult, but due to the general challenges with bureaucracy in terms of processing applications and turning them around in time. So the best advice for delegates who are coming or thinking of coming to Christchurch, New Zealand, is to not delay in submitting your documentation early to avoid any disappointment of any delays in getting your visa.

Mike: How about for any companies looking to bring in and showcase their produce or seeds?

Thomas: One of the unique features of the new New Zealand market is that we have a very, very strict biosecurity and phytosanitary regime. To protect New Zealand so unashamedly, the officials are strict in that regard, so there are a set of rules and regulations relating to the importation of seed. We have information on Congress website (see end info) which advises delegates on the processes and procedures if they intend to bring material to to New Zealand. In the case of fresh produce, the regime is even stricter, so I think it might be best in that regard to source fresh produce locally.

Mike: Do you have anything else to relay to members and delegates regarding this year's upcoming Asian Seed Congress.?

Thomas: I want to use this opportunity to encourage APSA delegates to come to New Zealand — come and check out the Kiwi hospitality, where we are and our part of the world. You won't be disappointed. You will have a very, very special and unique experience in New Zealand!

This interview was originally featured as an APSA Insight video interview shared with members at the end of March 2023. For more details about NZGSTA, visit nzgsta.co.nz, and for the Asian Seed Congress 2023, visit: apsaseed.org/ asc2023

#SeedYouInChristchurch

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