The trials in China are part of S&W Seed's continuing effort to expand worldwide markets TagďźšS&W Seed Company,Basic info, Policy,Company dynamics, Variety/species Summary ďźš China's alfalfa industry is growing quickly as it seeks to meet the demand for high-quality forage from the domestic dairy industry. Founded in 1980, S&W Seed Company is a global agricultural company, headquartered in the Central Valley of California, the US. The company is the largest producer of non-dormant alfalfa seed varieties in the world, with production operations in the San Joaquin and Imperial Valleys of California, as well as in South Australia. China's alfalfa industry is growing quickly as it seeks to meet the demand for high-quality forage from the domestic dairy industry. In early 2012, the central government launched a USD84.95 million (RMB525 million) program called Development of Alfalfa to Revitalize Domestic Dairy Industry to promote alfalfa planting. Because of this, the planting area of alfalfa has grown quickly, generating rising demand for high-quality alfalfa seeds. The trials in China are part of S&W Seed's continuing effort to expand worldwide markets for its proprietary alfalfa seed varieties. Mark Grewal, president and chief executive officer of S&W Seed, commented, "We see big opportunities for our dormant varieties in China. China has recently expanded the importation of alfalfa hay to feed its livestock due to insufficient domestic supplies, the lower quality of alfalfa within the country and a lack of substitute forage alternatives. If our initial alfalfa hay trials validate quality, yield and persistence goals for our varieties in China, we will be well positioned to participate in a large and growing market." He concluded that the company is working hard to develop relationships with key leaders in the alfalfa planting industry to successfully bring S&W alfalfa varieties to the farming community of China. US-based S&W Seed, one of the world's leading alfalfa seed suppliers, announced on July 15, 2013 that it will conduct alfalfa hay trials in China for five dormant alfalfa varieties that it recently acquired or developed. They are Trophy, SW4328, Rhino, M777 and Runner. The trials will start in the next few weeks, depending on regulatory approval. The trials will evaluate the capabilities of S&W Seed's dormant varieties, with respect to factors including forage quality, yield and persistence in key parts of China. Results are expected within the next twelve months. All five varieties are reported to have dormancy ratings from 2 to 4. Dormant alfalfa varieties grow well in cooler climates such as the northern regions of China, where the majority of China's alfalfa is grown, such as Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Ningxia and Shaanxi. With early regreening in spring and fast regeneration after mowing, alfalfa varieties of dormancy ratings 3 and above have seen larger planting areas in northern China.
Although S&W Seed has historically sold "non-dormant" alfalfa varieties for use in warmer climates, the company's tests in China reflect its ambition to move into "dormant" seeds. Seed China News is a monthly publication released by CCM. It offers timely update and close follow up of China’s various kind of seed market dynamics, analyze the market data and trends. Major columns include market dynamic, company dynamic, raw material supply, price update, import & export analysis, consumption trend & competitiveness. About CCM CCM is dedicated to market research in China, Asia-Pacific Rim and global market. With a staff of more than 150 dedicated highly-educated professionals, CCM offers Market Data, Analysis, Reports, Newsletters, Buyer-Trader Information, Import/Export Analysis, and Consultancy Service. For more information, please visit http://www.cnchemicals.com. Guangzhou CCM Information Science & Technology Co., Ltd. 17th Floor, Huihua Commercial & Trade Mansion, No.80 Xianlie Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510070, China Tel: 86-20-37616606 Email: econtact@cnchemicals.com