South Africa has a long and vibrant history in seed production of horticultural crops:

• 1865: The first seed company was created in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province.

• 1907: The first law (Seeds Act) was passed.

• 1914: the first small scale cabbage seed production was done in the Gamtoos Valley.

• 1917 – 1937: further laws passed in terms of seeds, pest control; and weed control.

• 1942: Establishment of National Seedsman Association.

• 1943: Introduction of Seed Certification Scheme for vegetable seeds.

• 1945: First vegetable seed export.

• 1950: South Africa becomes a member of ISTA.

• 1973: First hybrid onion seed production in Oudtshoorn.

• 1989: Establishment of the South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR)

• Currently: Productions and export for all the major international vegetable seed companies.

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Vegetable seed production is focused in the three areas: Western Cape -, Northern Cape - and Eastern Cape Provinces.

South Africa as a production location presents several advantages:

• Agro climatical conditions: low rainfall and low disease pressure but adequate underground sources of water.

• Many isolations due to the extended production area and Karoo region.

• Due to the topography in the Western – and Eastern Cape Provinces there is a large selection of micro-climates to suite various crops.

• Capability to produce small quantity productions due to the availability of small acreage farms.

• Experienced seed growers with specialized infrastructure (forced air drying facilities and pre-cleaning equipment).

• Excellent logistical infrastructure (final seed cleaning and global shipment by air and sea).

• Highly competitively priced productions.