Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP) has officially opened a dedicated seed orchard at Unima, near Heywood, to secure long-term seed supply and enhance genetic material to grow the next generation of Green Triangle hardwood fibre.
The five-hectare orchard will provide long-term access to genetically diverse and locally adapted planting material, capable of dealing with future climatic conditions. It complements ABP’s existing seed orchard assets in Albany, which support its west Australian estate.
ABP CEO Russ Hughes said the investment reflected the company’s strategic shift towards full autonomy of seed production, an essential move as demand grows for high quality Eucalyptus Globulus fibre in Asian paper markets and emerging engineered wood products, including glue laminated structural beams.
He said the orchard would support up to 10 seasonal employees, in addition to 1.5 permanent roles.
“This seed orchard is more than just a seed source – it’s a strategic asset for the entire region, securing the future needs of the hardwood plantation sector,” Mr Hughes said.
“By investing in seed production at Unima, we are enhancing the resilience of our plantations, future proofing our operations through an integrated localised management approach.”
ABP research and development manager Dr Ben Bradshaw said the site would play an important role in broadening and conserving genetic diversity and provide for future breeding requirements, including the deployment of high-performing seed suited to the Green Triangle environment.
“ABP is shifting from being just users of elite genetics to custodians, managing every aspect from orchard to estate to provide long-term control and confidence in the future fibre it produces,” Dr Bradshaw said.
“Undertaking breeding, selection, production and deployment in-house provides tighter control over genetic performance, supporting increased productivity and climate resilience of future plantations.”
The orchard is designed for Mass Supplementary Pollination (MSP) which is a form of controlled pollination that provides greater flexibility and control over the genetic quality of the seed produced, for current and future environments.
Dr Bradshaw said the site had already planted high-value genetic material. He said the team would collaborate with local contractors and apply learnings from its Albany operations to ensure efficient and effective orchard management.
Local seedling supplier, Gildera Forestry Services Director Tim Scanlon praised ABP’s investment in the local seed orchard, describing it as a vital step forward in seed security.
“This important investment secures a reliable, local source of seed, which is especially important given the potential challenges around quarantine and interstate supply,” Mr Scanlon said.
“Having access to locally grown seed not only mitigates risk but also supports the long-term success of ABP’s growing program and the wider industry.”
