His address will cover current knowledge on the long-term benefits of using compost applications to increase crop yields and benefit grower returns. Content will be relevant for both conventional and organic vegetable producers.

Alexander’s presentation will be on Tuesday, 11 October, 6am-7.30am, at the Tuakau Pub, Tuakau, for vegetable growers from the Pukekohe region.

A horticulturist with over thirty years of experience working with compost and other organic recycled products, his consulting company, R. Alexander Associates Inc., specialises in product and market development for organic recycled products. He has authored several landmark publications related to compost end use, including the Field Guide to Compost Use, as well as various specifications for compost use in agriculture.

Alexander developed then managed the US Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance Program (national compost quality programme) for a decade. 

He is an Industry Liaison to the American Association of Plant Food Officials (State Department of Agricultural officials responsible for registering fertilisers and soil amendments), and is also the recipient of the US Composting Council’s Hi Kellogg Award for Outstanding Service to the Composting Industry, as well as its ‘Clean Water Award.

A graduate of Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture, he completed research on bio-solids utilisation in agriculture.

Attendance to Alexander’s presentation is a free, but registration is essential as seats are limited. A buffet breakfast will be available for those attending the presentation. To secure a seat please contact  Envirofert’s Sales and Technical Advisor, Elenka Nikoloff:  Mobile 021 860 300 or e-mail.