Quality Assurance

Product Quality

World leading product quality is our benchmark. The quest for quality and a competitive edge is ongoing to ensure that Midlands Seed products meet the highest international standards, with a quality assurance programme maintaining control at every point along the production process.

Technology

From metal detectors to colour sorters, we invest in technology that improves product quality. Our in-house Agricultural Contracting and Pollination not only ensure certainty of timing for key events in growing a successful crop but utlise the latest technology through highly specialised equipment incorporating GPS for precision seeding and interrow spraying, and advancements to ensure full traceability of our products in transit to port.  This allows us to ensure those functions are being completed to the highest standards, producing better quality products.

Quality Assurance Programmes

We operate a strong Quality Assurance Programme with vigilant compliance and certification systems. All testing procedures are implemented based on international standards, in addition to those required by the buyer. Test results are available via a certificate of analysis, which is validated against our own specifications and those of our customers to ensure compliance with international standards in a wide range of markets. All testing is carried out by third party providers to ensure independence and credibility is maintained.

Midlands Seed operates a National Programme based on HACCP principles and is certified to FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand) legislation. 

In addition, the company is Organically Certified by AsureQuality. AsureQuality certification is recognised by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) meaning our Organic products are recognised as certified Organic worldwide. 

Regular contact with both International Buyers and Local Producers is maintained utilising all forms of modern communication.  Our staff also spend a large amount of time meeting with clients in their own situations so that we can have a better understanding of their specific needs.

At the National level Midlands Seed is an active member of the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association (NZGSTA), while at the International level is a participating member of the International Seed Federation (ISF). 

Certifications

• Halal
• Kosher
• HACCP
• National Food Safety Programme
• AsureQuality Organic Standard
• USDA National Organic Program (NOP)

Memberships

• New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Associations (NZGSTA)
• Australian Seed Federation (ASF)
• Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA)
• European Seed Association (ESA)
• International Seed Federation (ISF)

Location

New Zealand’s latitude, temperate climate, pristine air quality, consistent water supply for irrigation, and exceptional soil types allow us to produce superior products. New Zealand's Canterbury Plains have a world reputation for excellent arable production. The temperate climate and good water supply create ideal conditions for a broad range of crop production and research, allowing us to produce superior products.

Canterbury straddles the 43 degree south latitude line, a location comparable with Northern Italy in Europe and the Oregon in the United States.

Canterbury Plains

Ashburton is the hub of New Zealand's arable industry, located centrally on the Canterbury Plains. It is here that Midlands Seed has its base, servicing their growers as well as their domestic and international customers.

Ashburton is serviced both by rail and road with a choice of two deep water ports with container facilities located at Lyttelton - 90 kms to the North and Timaru - 77 kms to the South. From these ports we ship products to over 60 destinations in 34 countries.

To the west, Ashburton is bounded by the spectacular grandeur of the world-famous Southern Alps and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. Snow-fed rivers, which form the northern and southern boundaries, ensure an abundance of irrigation water, not only from direct access but also from underground sources.

Counter Season Production

New Zealand’s counter season seed production is a focal point for international buyers.  Our counter season provides Northern Hemisphere customers the ability to restock seed supplies.

An Ideal Climate

Summer temperatures climb as high as 35 degrees Centigrade with an overall summer average of 25 degrees. Night temperatures fall to between 12 and 15 degrees Centigrade in summer. Summer/autumn planting is undertaken in February/March, with harvest in the following January to March period.

Winter, while colder, is not considered extreme with overnight temperatures falling to as low as -5°C with up to 12°C to 14°C during the day. The winter months are from May to August with spring planting undertaken in late August through to October for an anticipated February/March harvest.

Traceability

We have complete traceability from the planted seed, right through to the final product. As part of our commitment to food safety, we ensure we have clear lines of traceability for all our products.  We know where our seeds come from and where they end up.  All along the way we ensure that we are  focused on a high-quality production process and the highest quality assurance standards.  Our vertically integrated supply chain allows us to provide superior traceability and ensure better quality outcomes.