NZFGA Day Conference, Thorndon Hotel Wellington Prior to AGM.
NZFGA provided a full programme for its one day conference on the 11th September in Wellington. Eight major presentations were made and minor input included short presentations from Joy Knight, chairperson of Florists of NZ Incorporated [FLONZI] and the flower sector representative at the YHOTY.
Also senior MPI managers Shane Olsen, Edwin Massey and Megan Dymond covered Biosecurity issues and GIA
The chairman welcomed everyone and gave thanks to the Executive, Chris Smellie, Debbie Pascoe and our Sponsors – Horticentre Trust & UFG Auction House.
Major presentations followed: -
Andy Warren NZFGA Representative for PMAC & GERMAC
Andy began with the vision for PMAC [Plant Market Access Committee]
our vision is that New Zealand plant exports have access to international markets that are second to none and contribute strongly to profits for New Zealand’s growers and exporters.
He then proceeded to various aspects of PMAC – goals; who we are; funding; what we do; communication; current issues; effectiveness.
Andy then turned to GERMAC a pan industry consultative committee and again provide the vision.
vision
a vibrant New Zealand plant industry
enhanced by the importation of plant material
our purpose is to promote the value and importance of plant material imports through a safe and effective import system.
Followed by aspects – the industry members; role of GERMAC; terms of reference; barriers to imports.
Import Health Standards [IHS] were then examined – prioritisation and requirements for revision.
Plant Variety Rights [PVR’s] were then discussed with reference to the ‘International union for protection of new plants and varieties’ [UPOV] NZ’s involvement with UPOV and current updating triggered by the signing of TPPA.
Daniel Schuurman – Microbial health & Links to Nutrition
In what could be described as the anchor presentation Daniel of ‘Biologix’ [NTS] covered aspects of ‘Nutrition Farming’ including
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Immune system response
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Microbial relationships
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Nutritional Factors
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Insect control.
In the course of his presentation Daniel gave detail in the following areas: - Plant defence systems, active, induced, & bio chemical synthesis. An example of system activated resistance [SAR] and induced system resistance [ISR]. Discussion on the microbes that are immune system supporters, the microbes themselves & their actions.
Daniel then moved onto nutritional factors covering - Plant sap pH; cell strength from both calcium & silica.
Daniel concluded by presenting arguments against using chemical controls.
Daniel’s presentation is a must for any growers wanting to improve their crop performance and understanding of plant chemistry and microbial effects.
Biologix provide courses in NZ & attendees get a complete manual. Over 300 pages and 1,000 slides are presented. Enquires to NZFGA.
Huub Kerckhoffs Light Quality – LED’s Bring it on
Huub who has a Ph D from Wageningen University NL and currently lectures at Massey University, provided an insight into light and its importance.
Huub began with an outline of his background in the Netherlands, followed by the basis of photosynthesis and its importance in our biosphere. He then moved on to the ‘spectral distribution of light’ and the wavelengths plants use.
Photo morphogenesis was then discussed along with its effects on plants. Huub then proceeded to transfer those concepts to light impacts in horticulture – light in greenhouses, direct & diffuse light, LED’s and the future of greenhouse lighting.
This was followed by multiple applications of LED lighting over many types of flower crops.
Again this is essential reading for any growers wishing to improve their performance; this technology has huge global applications.
Marco Van den Borg Horticentre Regional manager at Massey.
Marco presented details on three innovative new products having an impact in horticulture.
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Airocide – a plug in air purification system, improving shelf life.
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Liquidseal – A safe biodegradable preserving sealant for the surface of flowers.
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Redu Systems – Coatings for greenhouses, 6 coatings now available.
Shading; reflection of light heat; maximising light diffusion; reflecting blue or green light.
The Redu wizard is an app which helps assessing what is needed.
Frans Van Dorsser – Import Stats & PCA Conference
Frans is an Auckland Rose grower and executive member. Frans updated the flower import statistics through to July. Frans also provided some feedback from the “Protected Cropping Australia” conference earlier in the year saying it is great forum for growers to communicate and learn, something he feels is lacking amongst NZ flower growers.
Daniel Paul – The Power of PR
Daniel is the principal of the Wellington ‘PR Company’ with whom the NZFGA has had a long association.
Daniels presentation was entitled – ‘ Simple Rules for Effective Advocacy’
Looking at an association determine – What is its job?
What is its member’s demands?
How are they satisfied?
What can be done well?
What are common mistakes?
Influencing Policy on a Shoe String –
How to manage interaction with politicians, media, stakeholders, etc.
Bruce O’Brien General Manager for UFG gave a presentation for the ‘National Flower Promotion Group’
The groups objective is to Publicise advertise and promote flowers to the NZ public branding the products as NZ grown.
Specific campaigns mounted by the Group are –
Valentine’s Day
Mothers’ Day
Tulipmania
Spring has sprung
What is in season [promoting such flower types as Peonies, Hydrangea, dahlia]
Other activities are – Sponsorship of flowers on TVNZ breakfast show
Street hand out of flowers
Working with charities
Normalising flowers by having them everywhere.
John Liddle CEO for the Nursery & Garden Industry of NZ.
John gave a presentation entitled “Collaborate or Die” about the future of Trade Associations. John addressed this under the following headings: -
Industry bodies are under threat
Industry bodies are rationalising
Implications of rationalisation – big getting bigger, small getting smaller.
The need for collective actions, with the following case studies –
Government Industry Agreements
Legionnaire’s disease.
Greenhouses and Fire Regulations.
Industry bodies need to explore and build a value proposition, explore potential synergies – shared services & mergers. [A good example of this sort of exploration is the ‘Plant Producers Summit’.
Presentation notes from the speakers are available from ‘NZ Flower Grower Association’ for most of the major presentations. These are free to association members and those who attended the day conference in Wellington. For other growers there is a charge of $25 for one set of notes $30 for two sets and $35 for three sets or more. To enquire contact [email protected]
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