Australia’s environmental restoration efforts are accelerating, but a critical constraint threatens their success: the national supply of native seed is not keeping pace with rapidly growing demand.
A Native Seed Supply Forum, held in Uralla, NSW from 27–29 May 2026, brought together 51 of Australia’s key government agencies, scientific experts, and native seed suppliers to address mounting risks to large‑scale restoration programs caused by seed shortages, long production timelines, and limited industry capacity.
“As government‑directed restoration initiatives expand — driven by carbon markets, biodiversity investment, and environmental repair programs — demand for native seed had increased sharply,” said Uralla’s BioBank Seed principal, Mr Benjamin Field.
“However, this growth had not been matched by coordinated planning or investment in seed supply systems, and native seed had emerged as a critical but largely overlooked bottleneck in restoration delivery,” he said
Unlike many commercial inputs, native seed cannot be purchased on demand.
Seed banks and collectors typically plan two or more years in advance, accounting for seasonal conditions, climate variability, species biology, and genetic requirements.
Without early engagement and long‑term coordination, restoration projects face delays, rising costs, or the risk of poor ecological outcomes.
The Native Seed Supply 2026 Forum catalysed strategic collaboration across sectors to support the development of a resilient, science‑led, and scalable native seed supply chain capable of meeting Australia’s long‑term restoration goals.
The forum focused on improving shared understanding of seed supply constraints, highlighted opportunities to strengthen national coordination, and identified pathways for better alignment between restoration planning, funding timelines, and seed production realities. It also strengthened relationships between government, scientists, and seed suppliers that were essential for future restoration success.
“A key challenge facing restoration programs is a persistent lack of awareness that seed availability fluctuates with season and climate, that seed banking operates on long planning cycles, and that genetic provenance and diversity are fundamental to long‑term restoration success,” said Ben.
“By bringing decision‑makers, scientists, and seed suppliers together, the Native Seed Supply 2026 Forum will ensure Australia’s growing environmental investments are supported by seed supply systems capable of delivering durable, high‑quality restoration outcomes at scale,” he said
This event was instigated by BioBank Seed, Uralla and strongly supported by Southern New England Landcare Ltd, Uralla Shire Council, ACEN Australia and the NSW Government.
Image: Andrew Gardiner, Operations Manager, BioBank Seed, processing native seed. Courtesy of BioBank Seed.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 State and Territory Landcare Awards.
Local landholders have been taking part in a fully funded landscape rehydration program focussed on practical, on-farm approaches to improving water cycles, managing erosion, and building long-term landscape resilience.
Southern New England Landcare is seeking a Local Landcare Coordinator to support and strengthen our network of community Landcare groups across the region.
Now in its 32nd year, the State and Territory Landcare Awards stand as a prestigious biennial national Landcare Awards program.
Southern New England Landcare hosted a successful two-day Landscape Rehydration Bootcamp in Uralla, delivered in partnership with the Mulloon Institute on 18–19 March 2026.
Armidale Urban Rivercare members and friends assisted with a Scout planting along Dumaresq Creek on 16 November. A highlight of the day was spotting a turtle laying eggs adjacent to the site — a reminder of the natural activity continuing in the area.
On 20 February 2026, Southern New England Landcare (SNEL) proudly took part in the UNE Lifesaver Day (O’s Day), delivering a vibrant Koala Education Stall led by Koala Conservation Officer Thaw Zaw, with support from Janeen Robb, Landholder Management Agreement Officer.
Southern New England Landcare hosted a Landscape Rehydration Field Day in partnership with the Mulloon Institute at Kentucky.
Southern New England Landcare now offers EFTPOS payments at our office and at our events, making it easier to pay for memberships, merchandise, workshop fees and other purchases.
Southern New England Landcare extends its congratulations to board members David Steller and Bryan Johnston, who were recognised at the Armidale Australia Day Awards for their outstanding contributions to the local community.
Landholders in the Uralla and Armidale local government areas are invited to take part in a fully funded landscape rehydration program running from February to June 2026, delivered by Southern New England Landcare in partnership with the Mulloon Institute.
2026 has been declared the Year of the Woman Farmer, celebrating the vital role women play across every level of agriculture in Australia. From station hands and managing family operations, to agribusiness leaders and CEOs shaping the future of the industry, women are driving innovation, resilience, and sustainability on and off the land.
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our final newsletter for 2025, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our members for being part of Southern New England Landcare this year.
Armidale Biodiversity Strategy Community Survey closes 14th December 2025
Armidale Urban Rivercare Group, a sub-group of Southern New England Landcare Ltd, hosted a Creeklands Bus Tour on Wednesday 26th November 2025 to showcase more than two decades of ecological restoration along Dumaresq Creek in the Armidale urban area.
The Uralla Rivercare Group together with Southern New England Landcare are excited to bring renowned horticulturist and sustainability expert Jerry Coleby-Williams from Gardening Australia to the New England region this November, sharing practical water-saving solutions for urban and peri-urban gardens.
The Guyra Landcare Network delivered an outstanding Seasonal Update on the 23rd of October, bringing together landholders and local industry representatives alike for an informative afternoon.
