Industry stalwart Brent Stirling was elected to the international role at the federation’s 95th World Seed Congress in France earlier this month.
“For NZ this is a key appointment as it keeps the NZ seed industry profile high amongst the international community and recognises that NZ has an important role and contribution to make in the international fora for industry governance and policy,” Chin said.
Stirling, who has been involved in the seed industry for the past 33 years, is general manager of sales at Cropmark Seeds, a private NZ plant breeding, research and marketing company operating in both the domestic and international markets.
Stirling has also spent time on the NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association executive and was chairman of the forage and turf section for 20 years.
He is chairman of the Seed Quality Management Authority and for the past four years he’s been a member of the federation’s forage and turf section board.
Plant Breeders Association president Barry McCarter said Stirling’s qualification for the role is outstanding and his appointment will keep the NZ seed industry on the international radar.
Speaking from Europe, Stirling said he is looking forward to contributing his experience to help the global seed trade ensure the best quality seed is accessible to all.
This is the first time in five years NZ has had a representative on the fedeeration’s board.
NZ had representatives on the board from 2002-2008 with Selwyn Manning and John McKenzie from 2008-2014.
