Over 200 participants, including growers, agronomists, and researchers, attended the inaugural Vegetables Big Day Out in Pukekohe, New Zealand. The event was hosted by the Te Ahikawariki Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence (VICE) with contributions from A Lighter Touch, Plant & Food Research, and various vegetable product groups.
The event opened with remarks from Biosecurity and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard and Ngāti Tamaoho Trust representatives. Attendees engaged in infield demonstrations and classroom sessions over two days.
Field demonstrations showcased integrated pest management (IPM), illustrating how beneficial insects are housed in native plants around crop perimeters, ready to combat pests. High-tech solutions were also featured, including a drone for spraying, a robotic tractor, and an electric weeder.
The drone demonstrated was scheduled for forestry spraying, while the robotic tractor is under trial by strawberry and grape growers in New Zealand for mowing and weeding tasks.
In classroom sessions, Edith Tuhimata from Ngāti Tamaoho presented a cultural indicator for freshwater quality, integrating Māori and scientific perspectives to establish water quality baselines.
A panel of young industry participants discussed their pathways into the sector, emphasizing visibility and seizing opportunities. The panel included diverse roles such as growers, an agronomist, a scientist, and an advocate.
International perspectives were shared by visiting growers from America, Canada, and Australia, who, along with Minister Hoggard, expressed appreciation for the event. Hoggard provided insights on upcoming resource management legislation, urging the industry to voice its opinions when proposals are announced.
Source: Vegetables NZ