Northern Native Seed Industry Development Initiative

The Northern Native Seed Industry Development Initiative (NNSIDI) will support the creation of new and innovative seed production enterprises throughout the Pilbara, Goldfields-Esperance, and Kimberley regions in Western Australia. The native seed industry has the potential to be a viable alternative to the current practice of wild harvesting.

Mining companies require vast quantities of native seed to meet their post-closure revegetation obligations and their demand for native seed is outstripping supply. As a result, remnant plant communities are coming under increasing pressure. Seed Production Areas can play a role in meeting this shortfall and boost economic development throughout regional Western Australia.

Project Goals

The goals of the NNSIDI are:

• To develop native seed production trial sites across the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields-Esperance regions
• Create sustainable jobs and businesses for Traditional Owner groups
• Build the foundations for a large-scale seed supply industry
• Support complimentary business opportunities around native seed production (distribution, marketing, supply chains, training and education)
• Identify business opportunities beyond the resource sector (wholesale, retail, bush food and medicine, tourism, cut flowers, urban revegetation projects)

Seed Production Area Trials

Seed Production Area (SPA) trial sites will be established across the Pilbara, Goldfields-Esperance and Kimberley regions supported by $4.4 million funding through the NNSIDI. These sites will inform future design, provide training and build long-term business capacity.

A key aim for the NNSIDI is to increase business opportunities for Aboriginal organisations. This project will prioritise Aboriginal operated SPAs established on country.

For more information about the project or to discuss how you can get involved, please contact Director, Jim Lewis at the Kimberley Development Commission on 0499 077 559 or email jim.lewis@kdc.wa.gov.au or contact Northern Native Seeds Project Manager Joseph Mann at the Pilbara Development Commission on 0499 077 559 or email joseph.mann@pdc.wa.gov.au