AgriFutures Australia: Clover seed harvester

Opportunity for

• Agricultural engineering companies interested in repurposing and modifying products
• Agricultural machinery suppliers interested in distributing repurposing and modifying products

Opportunity description

Industry challenge: Australia is the only exporter of sub clover seed internationally and there is a rapidly expanding production base for certified and uncertified sub clover seed. Harvesting is a significant challenge for sub clover (and other non-aerial pastures) because the seed has to be harvested from below the soil surface. Producers face similar challenges around the world including Europe, North and South America, and Asia. Current harvesting equipment was developed in the 1960s and is slow, labour intensive and costly to maintain.

Current opportunity: AgriFutures Australia and the University of Western Australia (UWA) are developing harvester modifications designs that enhances economic returns and environmental sustainability of sub clover seed production. An opportunity exists for companies interested in manufacturing and distributing this updated harvester design.

Other Opportunities: While current development activities have focussed on Australian production systems, opportunity exists to export this new harvester design internationally.