THE Limestone Coast is set to become a world-leading specialist seed processing hub with the construction of a new $5.4m plant.
Receiving a total of $300,000 through the State Government Regional Development Fund grant, South Pacific Seeds (SPS) plans to build the new plant in Naracoorte, allowing locally grown seeds to be processed and exported directly to markets in Asia, Europe and Australia.
Along with the creation of 10 ongoing full-time equivalent positions, 12 will be created during the construction of the facility, with SPS also looking to contract additional Limestone Coast growers to supply seeds to the Lucindale plant for processing and export.
Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said SPS has been working on the project for a number of years and is keen to use this as an opportunity to expand its operations.
“The project has excellent opportunities for full-time jobs and increased economic activity in the region and I’m delighted to support the development of such an important piece of infrastructure with a Regional Developing Fund grant,” he said.
Grateful for the assistance of the Regional Development Fund grant to help make the project a reality, SPS South Australia production manager Georgina Fitzgerald said Naracoorte is a key centre in the heart of the largest small-seed production area in Australia.
“It will give us a 200pc increase in primary cleaning capacity and the efficiencies and capabilities of the new machines will enable us to be more competitive in the world market,” she said.
“We are looking forward to working more closely with our growers in the region and creating extra employment and export opportunities.”
