A Successful Vegetable Big Day Out

With more than 200 attendees at the first ever Vegetable Big Day Out in early February, the event was considered a great success. Importantly, the event was attended by representatives from across the sector: growers, agronomists, researchers, government officials, and tech suppliers all gathered in Pukekohe at the Plant and Food Research Centre, Cronin Road. 

The event was hosted by Te Ahikawariki Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence (VICE), and supported by ourselves, A Lighter Touch, Plant & Food Research, and various vegetable product groups from across the country. 

The two day event was officially opened by Biosecurity and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard, alongside Te Tautara o Pukekohe Trust representatives Roimata Minhinnick and Edith Tuhimata. Attendees were able to participate in a range of indoor and outdoor presentations on a wide range of topics, across the applied research demonstration farm.

The produce sector in Aotearoa New Zealand is working hard to share knowledge and research across the sector for the benefit of all. Growers have limited opportunities to have important conversations directly with government representatives, or gain a deeper understanding of a research paper directly from an agronomist or scientist (often specialists in their field). Events like these are a great way to share best practice and the latest technology, and join the next wave of Kiwi vegetable innovation.

With topics such as integrated pest management, biodiversity, resistance management, Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS), cover cropping, careers in the vegetable industry, technology demonstrations being covered, the event had plenty to offer attendees.

“We enjoyed the excited buzz of attendees and observing meaningful relationships being built throughout the two day event. We hoped an event like this would serve to bring our sector closer together as they share and impart their knowledge. It was fantastic to see this in action.” 

James Kuperus, Onions NZ Chief Executive.

‍

Some of our key highlights:

‍

1. The latest tech in action

From a sprayer equipped drone, to a small robotic tractor, and an electric weeder towed behind a normal tractor. It was invaluable for growers to see these future tools put through their paces.

‍

2. Thoughtful baselines for water quality 

A new cultural indicator for freshwater quality, developed by Edith Tuhimata (Manager of the Environmental Unit at Ngāti Tamaoho) and how this indicator is being applied in and around the Pukekohe area. Combining Māori perspectives with scientific ones, Edith provided some thought provoking ideas about what should be done to preserve or improve water quality, for generations to come.

‍

3. Hearing from the newest in our sector

A robust panel discussion was held by some of our newest to the industry - hearing wide ranging perspectives from the newest generation to enter our sector was enlightening and awe inspiring. The sector feels like it’s in safe hands!

We also enjoyed receiving feedback from attendees. Here’s a selection of comments from our post-event survey:

• “The opportunity to bring the industry together and cover both research and practical updates.” Industry representative
• “As a small community Grower the capacity and technology was exceptional to see as well as integrating with bigger growers was awesome.” Grower
• “High quality information with an emphasis on testing and results in NZ conditions.” Other Industry
• “Networking and opportunity to talk to researchers about the work being demonstrated” Government employee
• “Great range of topics, loved the indoor/outdoor flow, attracted a nice mix of people from different parts of the sector.” Researcher

Keen to learn more? You can also check out the article from Vegetables New Zealand. We encourage you to keep an eye out for the new VICE website (vegcentreofexcellence.nz) - coming soon!