During this period, A Lighter Touch (ALT) continued to support New Zealand growers through collaborative research, extension and industry engagement activities. Key achievements included hosting the final Crop Protection Gaps Workshop, releasing a Buttercup Squash Soilborne Disease Toolkit and publishing new economic analysis on the value of resistance management.
ALT also delivered expert-led grower engagement activities, including soilborne disease farm visits and the first of a national series of spray workshops focused on improving spray efficacy and resistance management. The programme’s collaborative approach was further recognised through selection as a finalist in the 2026 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards.
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