Several upcoming events for the vegetables sector offer growers across the country the opportunity to learn from technical experts, and connect with other growers.
The Vegetables Research Roadshow, a series of biodiversity grower group field walks and the Vegetables Big Day Out will all share knowledge and resources from the A Lighter Touch (ALT) programme, as well as other vegetable sector-focused research and technology.
Beginning next week on February 24 in Dargaville, the Vegetable Research Roadshow is hosted by Vegetables NZ and Vegetable Research & Innovation. Also supported by ALT, it visits a further six regional centres in April and May, and will feature the latest insights on managing key pests and diseases, smarter nutrient management in vegetable crops, updates from ALT and Te Ahikawariki/VICE, and new tools, technologies, and research outcomes.
Attendees at last year’s Vegetables Big Day Out inspect a mobile insectary pod.
On February 25, the series of biodiversity grower group field walks begins, also near Dargaville. These “open paddock” events hosted by local growers are designed to help extend knowledge gained from the Vegetables New Zealand-Onions New Zealand-A Lighter Touch biodiversity project. Other field walks will be held in Nelson, Horowhenua and Hawke’s Bay in March and in Gisborne in April.
At the field walks, growers trialling different components of biodiversity planting such as annual flowering species, native perennials, cover crops and mobile insectary pods, will share their experiences, and the regional insights they have gained.
The Vegetables Big Day Out (VBDO), hosted by Te Ahikawariki/VICE and supported by A Lighter Touch, is being held on March 5 at the Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm. The day explores latest research, on-farm technology and practical solutions for the future of vegetable growing in New Zealand.
General admission to this event is sold out but spaces are reserved for levy paying growers, so growers not yet registered to attend should contact VICE@hesl.co.nz. The VBDO is sponsored by Horticentre, Carbon Robotics, AgWorld and MG Charitable Trust, Corteva, Seed & Field and is also supported by MPI On Farm Support.
Register now if you haven’t already got your ticket to these events. We look forward to seeing you there!
