In this episode of Community Spotlight, host Herb speaks with Benjamin Field, Principal of Biobank Seed in Uralla, about his journey into ecological restoration and the growing importance of Australia’s native seed industry. Benjamin reflects on his upbringing in the New England region, the influences that shaped his passion for native plants, and the work Biobank Seed undertakes to collect, process, and store native seed for future restoration projects. The discussion provides fascinating insight into the complexities of native seed collection, including the importance of genetic diversity, responsible harvesting practices, seed storage, and the vital role that skilled seed collectors play in supporting healthy ecosystems.
A major focus of the conversation is the recent Native Seed Supply Forum held in Uralla, which brought together scientists, government representatives, industry experts, and seed suppliers to address the growing demand for native seed across Australia. Benjamin explains the challenges facing the sector, including supply bottlenecks driven by large-scale environmental restoration, mining rehabilitation, carbon farming, and biodiversity programs. He discusses key outcomes from the forum, including the need for greater training, improved access for seed collectors, stronger collaboration across the industry, and the development of seed production areas to help meet future demand. This is an engaging and informative conversation that highlights the critical role native seed plays in Australia’s environmental future. We encourage everyone interested in conservation, restoration, biodiversity, and regional innovation to listen to the full podcast and discover why strengthening Australia’s native seed supply chain is becoming one of the most important environmental challenges of our time.
2026-06-05 – Banking Native Seeds – Benjamin Field [Herb]