Wednesday, 12 August, at LaValla, Tuakau, South Auckland

Greenhouse growers from across New Zealand are invited to attend the Covered Cropping New Zealand Conference and AGM on Wednesday, 12 August, at LaValla, Tuakau.

The event is open to all growers and the wider covered cropping industry, providing an opportunity to hear from industry experts, discuss current challenges, and connect with others involved in protected cropping.

The day will begin with registrations from 10.30am, with presentations starting at 11.00am. A range of practical and forward-looking topics have been selected, covering some of the key opportunities and challenges facing growers today.

The keynote presentation will be delivered by Arlet Dechering from Delphy Academy, who will discuss “How Plant Growth is Impacted by Humidity Control” — an increasingly important topic as growers look to improve climate management and maintain plant performance.

Other presentations and discussions throughout the day include:

• Resistance Management in the Protected Crop Paradox: When Ideal Conditions Favour Fungal Diseases – presented by Francis Ferrada-Hartley, Master of Science student, Massey University – Bioeconomy Science Institute.
• Making Every Drop Count: Practical Land Application of Drain Nutrient Solution – presented by Andrew Barber from AgriLink, exploring opportunities around nutrient recovery and responsible water management.
• Whitefly Control: What’s Working, What’s Not, What’s the Future? – a grower discussion led by cucumber grower Robert Lindsay, focusing on current control strategies and future challenges.
• Tackling Greenhouse Thrips: A Discussion About What Good Control Looks Like – presented by Daniel Sutton, NZVeg Research and Development Manager.
• Growing with AI – presented by Stefan Vogrincic, Grower2Grower, The NZ Covered Crop website and consultant, exploring how artificial intelligence is developing as a tool for growers, consultants and the wider horticulture industry.

Alongside the presentations, attendees will take part in Lunch & Learn small group sessions, allowing further discussion around key technical and operational topics.

The conference will finish with dinner and drinks from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, providing the opportunity for the industry to recognise and celebrate Barry O’Neil, who is stepping down as Chair of Covered Cropping New Zealand after many years of service and contribution to the sector.

The Mini Conference and AGM are open to greenhouse growers, industry suppliers, consultants, researchers and anyone involved in covered cropping. Support is available for South Island growers wishing to attend.

If you are unable to attend the AGM in person, members are encouraged to still participate by completing a proxy vote.

Event Details

📅 Wednesday, 12 August
📍 LaValla, 131 Dominion Road, Tuakau
⏰ Registration: 10.30am | Presentations start: 11.00am

Registration is available through Humanitix:
https://events.humanitix.com/growing-stronger

Sponsors:

Growers Invited to Share Knowledge on Tomato Leaf Mould

Researchers are seeking input from people actively involved in tomato crop protection decisions, including growers, staff, advisors and consultants, to better understand how the industry recognises and manages Tomato Leaf Mould (Fulvia fulva).

The anonymous survey takes only 5–7 minutes to complete and will contribute valuable information to a wider research programme investigating this important tomato disease.

The research is specifically focused on Tomato Leaf Mould caused by Fulvia fulva in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and does not include leaf mould diseases affecting other crops.

Growers and industry professionals are encouraged to take part and help researchers better understand current practices and challenges.