DLF-Trifolium, the world’s largest producer of grass and clover seed and Waterford-based Seedtech, part of the Arvum Group, have launched a new business in Ireland – ‘DLF Seeds’.

The new wholesale business, based in Waterford, combines DLF’s global leadership in grass and clover breeding with Seedtech’s local research, development and wholesaling capabilities to provide Irish distributors with the latest grass and forage seed technology.

With over 25% of the global market for grass and clover seed, DLF Trifolium is the world’s largest breeder in this sector. Seedtech’s already substantial seed trailing and selection operation in Ireland will be expanded and developed to support the new venture.

DLF Seeds hopes to build on the breeding technology of DLF by combining it with Seedtech’s knowledge and experience of the Irish market, to deliver a portfolio of some of the very best varieties and mixtures available anywhere in the world today.

Speaking at the launch, newly appointed General Manager of DLF Seeds, Paul Flanagan said it is a really exciting time to be serving the Irish grassland farmer.

“With markets in China and US opening up to our beef exports, the abolition of dairy quotas and the government’s well publicised commitment to increasing dairy output by 50%, new technology that can deliver higher grass and forage yields will become increasingly important.

“Our aim is to develop and introduce superior, well adapted grass and forage varieties and mixtures to help farmers achieve significant yield increases, which in turn will increase farm profitability,” he said.

According to DLF Trifolium Plant Breeder Tony Strickland conducting local trials and selecting varieties to meet the very specific requirements of the Irish farmer, climate and market has always been a key strength of Seedtech.

“Marrying this ability with DLF’s outstanding breeding lines will speed-up the introduction of the new varieties that our farmers need to meet the challenges of the new Irish farming marketplace,” he said.