My background is in plant science. During my PhD study, I compared maize silage and winter forage crops (kale, swede and fodder beet) to investigate forage crop productivity, forage quality and forage cropping systems in minimising nitrate leaching losses in New Zealand farming. My current research is investigating the effect of alternative seed-packaging bags on seed quality and seed-borne endophyte viability during storage since there is an environmental concern for the current plastic bags used in the seed industry. The research will focus on (i) the biological aspects of seed and its relationship with packaging bags and storage environments; (ii) the bag’s suitability in operation, transport, and logistics; (iii) the manufacturing and environmental cost of seed packaging materials; and (iv) product stewardship. This is an industry-wide project, including academics, research institutions and commercial stakeholders through an industry partnership aiming to achieve sustainable packaging of New Zealand seed and so reducing farm plastic waste.