Lettuce seed production in Australia has been inportant since the late 1960's when the need for seed free from Lettuce Mosaic Virus (LMV) arose.

Prior to that time, USA, France and Italy were the major producers of field grown lettuce seed. Australia was uniquely placed to provide disease free seed due to the absence of insects in the dry, arid climate.

An additional benefit was recognised - that of being in the Southern Hemisphere. This afforded an 'off-season' supply that could supplement and spread the risk from traditional producers in the Northern Hemisphere.

The past 30 years has seen Australian produced lettuce and seed became an important part of the world's seed supply.


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