Temperate pasture seed production is concentrated in south-eastern Australia and south-west WA. There are approximately 500 growers of temperate pasture seed in Australia. Lucerne dominates pasture seed production, accounting for 60% of certified pasture seeds produced.
Pasture Seeds Insecticide resistance in redlegged earth mites (RLEM) has been closely monitored over the last 15 years. Initial instances of resistance surfaced in 2006 in Western Australia and since then, it has expanded to regions within Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria, posing a growing concern for existing chemical control options.
5 min read
PASTURE SEEDS / 04.10.23 AgriFutures Australia has announced a new five-year research, development and extension (RD&E) Plan for Australia’s pasture seeds industry. The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan 2023-2028 sets the RD&E agenda for the pasture seeds industry to thrive into the future.
4 min read
PASTURE SEEDS / 06.09.23 Amidst the John Deeres, New Hollands and Massey Fergusons, remains a not-so-timeless piece of machinery finally ready to be reborn in the 21st century.
5 min read
PASTURE SEEDS / 05.07.23 Growers and advisors across Australia are being called on to send in samples of redlegged earthmite (RLEM) to help detect the spread of insecticide-resistant populations.
2 min read
The Australian lucerne seed industry is worth an estimated $95 million to the economy and is an important contributor to Australian agriculture, with lucerne a...
Publication / 50 Pages
Given its status as a high-value crop, clover seed production fields are actively managed using intensive herbicide pressure to control the emergence of weeds, such...
Publication / 20 Pages
The primary objective of the Identifying revenue opportunities for AgriFutures Australia’s rural industries project was to identify potential new and alternate revenue sources within 28...
Publication / 2 Pages
This blueprint serves as a resource for those interested in the pasture seeds industry and provides essential fast facts alongside the fundamental themes highlighted in...
Publication / 2 Pages
This project built on a four-year Grains Research and Development Corporation investment, Future options for the control of the redlegged earth mite in Australian crops,...
Publication / 6 Pages
Redlegged earth mite (RLEM; Halotydeus destructor) has been a significant pest to broadleaf plants and legumes across southern Australia since it was accidentally introduced in...
Publication / 25 Pages
The lucerne seed industry is an important contributor to Australian agriculture, worth an estimated $95 million per year. The industry is made up of more...
Publication / 3 Pages
This study evaluated the level of resistance to commonly used herbicide groups in three key weeds affecting lucerne seed crops in commercial production areas of...
Publication / 6 Pages
Temperate pasture seed production is concentrated in locations within southeastern Australia and southwestern Western Australia. Lucerne dominates, accounting for about 75% of the area sown...
Publication / 24 Pages
Building on from earlier AgriFutures Australia-funded research into lucerne seed wasp (LSW), several DNA tests have been developed to give a more precise measure of...
Publication / 4 Pages
Lucerne Australia Inc.
March 2026 - January 2028
Lucerne Australia Inc.
September 2025 - September 2027
Tasmanian Seed Industry Group Inc.
March 2025 - November 2025
The University of Adelaide
February 2023 - December 2023
Lucerne Australia Inc.
November 2022 - September 2023
Cesar Pty Ltd
August 2022 - June 2025
Tasmanian Seed Industry Group Inc.
August 2022 - December 2025
Cesar Pty Ltd
December 2021 - November 2022
Lucerne Australia Inc.
October 2021 - June 2023
Lucerne Australia Inc.
April 2021 - June 2021
Cesar Pty Ltd
January 2021 - November 2023
The University of Adelaide (PIRSA/SARDI)
July 2020 - September 2023
Department of Primary Industries and Regions
June 2019 - December 2023
University of Western Australia
September 2018 - April 2022
Lucerne Australia Inc.
May 2018 - October 2023
University of Western Australia
May 2017 - October 2021
(DPI) The Crown in right of the State of New South Wales acting through the Department of Primary Industries within Regional NSW
July 2016 - March 2019
AgResearch Limited
July 2015 - July 2020
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
June 2015 - May 2018
The University of Queensland
June 2015 - April 2019
University of Western Australia
June 2015 - December 2018
SGA Solutions Pty Ltd
April 2015 - January 2016
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
November 2014 - July 2018
Agtrans Research
November 2012 - June 2013
Gin Silico Pty Ltd
June 2012 - April 2015
Lucerne Australia Inc.
November 2011 - July 2017
Lucerne Australia Inc.
September 2011 - October 2011
Alpha Group Consulting P/L
September 2010 - December 2012
The Crown in right of the State of NSW acting through the Department of Primary Industries
September 2010 - June 2015
Lucerne Australia Inc.
August 2010 - April 2011
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
July 2010 - September 2013
Alpha Group Consulting P/L
July 2010 - November 2013
Lucerne Australia Inc.
July 2010 - June 2015
The University of Adelaide
June 2010 - May 2012
Valley Seeds
June 2010 - July 2011
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
June 2010 - October 2013
Western Australian Agriculture Authority, a body corporate established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007
November 2009 - April 2014
Lucerne Australia Inc.
September 2009 - October 2009
University of Tasmania
July 2009 - May 2013
University of Tasmania
July 2009 - February 2013
University of Technology, Sydney
July 2009 - February 2013
The Crown in right of the State of NSW acting through the Department of Primary Industries
July 2009 - April 2012
Western Australian Agriculture Authority, a body corporate established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007
July 2009 - May 2012
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
July 2009 - January 2013
Western Australian Agriculture Authority, a body corporate established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007
July 2009 - January 2013
CSIRO
July 2009 - January 2013
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development acting through the South Australian Research and Development Institute
June 2009 - June 2011
The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program supports the Australian pasture seed industry, with a focus on certified temperate species such as lucerne, sub-clover, other clovers, medics and serradella. Our program drives improvements in pasture seed production, processing efficiency and market development, helping producers meet current and future industry needs.
Through four key objectives, we are committed to:
The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan outlines the research, development and extension (RD&E) priorities that underpin industry productivity, profitability and sustainability.
The Australian pasture seeds industry operates under a statutory levy on certified seed produced in Australia, ranging from $10 to $15 per tonne depending on the species. The levy applies to certified seed of lucerne, sub‑clover, clover, medic, and serradella, with funds invested in research, development and extension (RD&E) to enhance the profitability and sustainability of the industry.
Levies are collected under the Primary Industries Levies and Charges Acts and may support biosecurity, residue testing, marketing, and RD&E. For pasture seeds, AgriFutures Australia invests the RD&E levy in line with the industry’s Strategic Plan and receives Commonwealth matching funding (up to 50c per dollar of eligible expenditure), along with third‑party contributions.
Find out more about your levy
View the Pasture Seeds Annual Report Summary
Ongoing investment in pasture seeds research is vital to building a profitable and sustainable Australian pasture seed industry with a strong reputation for the reliable supply of high-quality temperate species.
The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program is committed to working in partnership with producers, Advisory Panels, and industry associations to identify research priorities and direct program investments where they will deliver the greatest impact for industry.
Learn about the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Advisory Panel
Visit Lucerne Australia
Interested in being part of the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program? Whether you’d like to participate in pasture seed research, contribute to industry events, or simply have a question, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our team to learn how you can get involved.
Subscribe to the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program news & updates
For Project related inquiries:
Amy La
Manager, Levied & Emerging Industries – Pasture Seeds Program
0447 453 254
Stacey Lawrence
Coordinator, Levied & Emerging Industries – Pasture Seeds Program
0429 562 313
For industry and strategic issues and inquiries:
Lucinda Staley
Senior Manager, Levied & Emerging Industries – Pasture Seeds Program
02 6923 6914
While more than 55% of Australia’s land is used for agriculture, much of it is fragile, low-rainfall country that requires careful management to remain productive and resilient.
High-quality pasture seeds—especially for certified temperate species—are crucial for improving forage nutritional value, which directly boosts livestock growth, reproductive performance, wool and milk production, and overall farm profitability.
Beyond livestock productivity, quality pasture species support soil health, ground cover and erosion control, helping manage climate variability and land degradation.
AgriFutures focuses on pasture seeds because they underpin the productivity and sustainability of Australia’s agricultural landscape. The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program actively invests in research, development and extension (RD&E) to improve pasture seed production efficiencies and long-term sustainability in the face of environmental and economic pressures.
The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program concentrates on certified temperate pasture seed species that are vital to livestock and fodder systems in Australia. These include lucerne (Medicago sativa), sub-clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and various other clover, medic and serradella species.
The AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan (2023-2028) also lists the leviable certified species (i.e., pasture seed species covered by the levy which funds RD&E), including:
Collaboration is built into how the Program sets priorities, invests levy funds and shares outcomes. The RD&E priorities outlined in the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan 2023-2028 are shaped through extensive consultation with pasture seed stakeholders, using surveys, scenario planning and draft reviews.
AgriFutures collaborates with other rural RDCs (such as the Grains Research and Development Corporation and Meat & Livestock Australia) seed processing/distribution companies, researchers, growers, agronomy advisors, state and national industry representative groups, and the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Advisory Panel.
The Pasture Seeds Advisory Panel is composed of industry experts, growers and scientists, and helps identify research needs, inform investment decisions and guide RD&E activities to ensure research is practical, industry-relevant and adopted on-farm.
A great starting point is to read the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program RD&E Plan 2023-2028 to understand the Program goal, priorities and what kinds of RD&E activities are funded. We also recommend learning about the AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Advisory Panel.
For ongoing updates, Program updates and project outcomes are shared on the AgriFutures website, social media platforms and other official communications channels, with regular industry updates also sent via an opt-in AgriFutures Pasture Seeds Program email subscription list.
Sign up to receive AgriFutures™ Program news, and keep up to date with the latest research, events and program activities.
By subscribing you acknowledge you have read the AgriFutures Australia privacy policy and consent to your personal information being collected, held, used and disclosed in the manner and for the purposes stated there.