Vegetable growers implementing biodiversity planting to support crop pest management are opening their farm gate this summer to help extend knowledge to other farmers.
The growers will be hosting “open paddock” field walks at their properties in vegetable growing areas around New Zealand to help extend knowledge gained from the Vegetables New Zealand-Onions New Zealand-A Lighter Touch biodiversity project, which is located at the Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm.
By incorporating biodiversity into the farm system through native perennial planting, annual flowering species, cover crops and mobile insectary pods, the goal is to enhance beneficial populations, leading to fewer insect pests in crops, and less insecticides required.
At the field walks, growers trialling different components of biodiversity planting will share their experiences, lessons learned and regional insights they have gained. Technical advisors to the project will also be present to answer questions.
Five locations across New Zealand are planned:
- Dargaville at 1746 Pouto Rd, Te Kopuru on February 25, 9.30 – 11.00am
- Nelson at 22 Blackbyre Rd, Appleby on March 17, 11.00 – 12.30pm
- Levin at 44 Joblins Rd, on March 18, 10.30 -12.00 noon
- Hawke’s Bay at Centre for Land and Water, 21 Ruahapia Rd, Waipatu, on March 19, 10.00 – 12 noon
- Gisborne (location to be advised), on April 22, 11.00 – 12.30pm
To attend, please complete the online form below.
Biodiversity grower group field walks
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Read more about the biodiversity grower group:
Season plans for biodiversity grower group, November 2025
Grower group seeding biodiversity on farm, March 2025
