An opportunity to see what’s happening in China

This China Grower Tour of Learning is an opportunity for New Zealand growers to get an inside look at the latest greenhouse technology, energy solutions, production systems and equipment being used in one of the world’s largest horticultural markets. The tour will include visits to commercial greenhouse operations, manufacturers and technology suppliers, with a particular focus on heating and energy, climate control, automation, irrigation, fertigation, crop production and labour efficiency. The aim is not simply to see new technology, but to learn from how it is being applied at commercial scale and consider what could be relevant and useful for New Zealand growers. A translator will travel with the group throughout the tour, making it a great opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and learn directly from the growers, suppliers and manufacturers we visit.

Key dates

(Optional) Hortifloraexpo
9th–11th April 2027, Shanghai

Tour of Learning
12th–18th April 2027 inclusive

(Optional) Shouguang International Vegetable Science & Technology Expo
Dates TBC – possibly 20th April

Focus for the Tour of Learning

Seeing suppliers and manufacturers of the following technologies and, where possible, visiting greenhouse operations where these systems are in use:

• Biomass heating systems
• Waste/waste-wood burning systems
• Heat exchangers and heat recovery
• Ground-source heat pumps
• Solar PV and battery energy storage
• Integrated greenhouse heating and climate-control systems
• Other energy-saving or alternative heating technologies that may be relevant to New Zealand growers

Itinerary

Day 1 – Monday 12th April

Shanghai – supplier visits

Meet in Shanghai to depart from the airport or hotel early morning.

• Visit LEAFA – multi-span film greenhouse
• Huili – PC sheet production line and greenhouse cladding samples
• Shantong Road Factory
• Shanghai Yongor Screen Factory – climate screens, insect nets, ground covers and thermal insulation materials

Focus: Shanghai suppliers and greenhouse materials/equipment

Lunch and dinner included

Stay: Hongqiao area

Day 2 – Tuesday 13th April

Shanghai to Beijing – Kingpeng greenhouse visit

Travel to Beijing by bullet train in the morning.

Visit Beijing Kingpeng – 21-hectare glass greenhouse complex.

Areas of interest will include:

• Climate control
• Screens
• Heating and ventilation
• CO₂
• Irrigation
• Drainage recovery
• Crop performance
• Quality consistency
• Labour efficiency
• Operating data

Focus: Large-scale greenhouse operations and integrated greenhouse systems

Dinner included

Day 3 – Wednesday 14th April

Beijing – greenhouse and equipment visits – transfer to Chiping

• Kingpeng Greenhouse Park – lettuce production in a smaller greenhouse, allowing comparison of what systems may be scalable
• Fenglong Factory – motors, screens and film rollers, plastic film and film-fixing systems

Focus: Compact systems, ventilation and greenhouse equipment

Train and transfer to hotel in Chiping.

Day 4 – Thursday 15th April

Chiping – Weifang – Shouguang

• Greenhouse visit in Chiping – 8-hectare strawberry operation
• Train to Weifang
• Greenhouse and equipment supplier visit in Weifang
• Transfer to Shouguang hotel

Focus: Large-scale crop operations

Areas of interest will include irrigation, substrate, drainage, production records, biological controls, hygiene, staff workflow, product traceability, harvest workflow, packing and general operational practices.

Day 5 – Friday 16th April

Shouguang – greenhouse crop technology

Visits will hopefully include:

• Shouguang Vegetable Standardisation Centre
• China Shouguang Vegetable Town – Dutch-style hanging cultivation
• Haier Si Seedlings – seed production and technical exchange
• Boyun IoT – smart fertigation and greenhouse data systems
• Lisente Greenhouse – semi-closed greenhouse and workshop

Focus: Greenhouse crop technology

Areas of interest will include different crop varieties, grafted seedlings, high-wire cultivation, semi-closed systems including climate control, fertigation, sensors and energy-saving technologies.

Lunch and dinner included

Return to Shouguang hotel.

Day 6 – Saturday 17th April

Shouguang – Boxing – Qingzhou

Transfer to Boxing – approximately 80 km.

Visit a recently constructed greenhouse at Pangjia Town – semi-closed, Dutch-style greenhouse growing cherry tomatoes.

Transfer from Boxing to Qingzhou – approximately 80 km.

Visits in Qingzhou will hopefully include:

• Xinfeng Plastics – greenhouse film manufacturer
• Zhongrun – fan and cooling systems
• Qingzhou Chuaanyi – water treatment and recycling equipment
• Qingzhou Xiangneng HVAC – heating and energy solutions

Focus: Greenhouse equipment and energy

Areas of interest will include film performance, fan efficiency, water recycling, heating solutions and climate-control systems.

Lunch included

Overnight: Qingzhou

Day 7 – Sunday 18th April

Qingzhou – Zhucheng – departure

Visit Elite Company, Zhucheng – greenhouse work vehicles, internal logistics and automatic packing options.

Focus: Labour efficiency, internal logistics and automation

Transfer to train/airport for departure.

Please note the following about this trip

• Minimum numbers will need to be guaranteed for the Tour of Learning to go ahead.
• There will be a maximum number of growers that can be accommodated.
• A translator will accompany us every day and provide English translation.
• The itinerary above is subject to change both before the trip and during the trip.
• The schedule is tight, so if you are considering coming with us, please be aware that early mornings and late evenings will be required.
• Distances in China are vast, so there will be time spent travelling by train and private bus for local visits.
• We will endeavour to visit greenhouses growing tomatoes, cucumbers and likely strawberries.
• We will adhere to all hygiene guidelines imposed by our hosts. However, when visiting different greenhouse operations, it is advisable to bring clothes and shoes that you do not wear at your own operation. You should also consider leaving these items in China after the trip.
• A valid passport and, if required, a visa for travel to China and any transit points will be the responsibility of each individual travelling.

Cost and flights

Growers will need to book and pay for their own flights into Shanghai and out of Beijing.

Growers will also contribute up to NZ$1,500 towards the cost of meals, accommodation and transport between cities.

The final cost will depend on the exchange rate when bookings are finalised and the total number of growers attending.

Covered Cropping NZ will pay for:

• Buses within each city
• The cost of a translator accompanying the group for the whole week

Expressions of interest

At this stage, please consider the information above and email Dinah Cohen at dinah.cohen@tomatoesnz.co.nz if you are interested in joining this Tour of Learning.

Numbers will be strictly limited, but we also need a minimum number of growers to make the trip worthwhile.

Please email your expression of interest by 21st September.

Once numbers are confirmed, a $500 deposit will be requested to secure your place. Further details will follow.