Retailers, growers and suppliers are invited to join the British Ornamental Plant Producers (BOPP) in tackling the production challenges faced by ornamental growers at a Technical Seminar and AGM.
This year’s seminar ‘Creating a sustainable future for ornamentals’ will focus on identifying sustainable and cost-effective solutions for dealing with water treatment along with moving towards more sustainable growing media and guidance on coping with the loss of neonicotinoid pesticides.
The event takes place on Thursday 19 September 2013 in the Avon Lounges, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry and will help any nursery prepare their businesses for a sustainable future.
Project 4 of the Sustainable Growing Media Task Force is looking to identify how sustainable growing media mixes/products are. Paul Alexander, Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), will provide an introduction on what the project is hoping to achieve with some information on how it is trying to determine sustainability.
With the loss of neonicotinoids raising concern for growers around pest management, John Adlam, Dove Associates will provide answers to the key questions; how can growers respond to the loss of neonicotinoids? When and how can they still be used and what does the future hold for more pesticide losses?
Other speakers include Anna Cook, BOPP Scheme Manager, who will outline BOPP activity and strategic plan for the future, and Paula Edgington, Paula Edgington Associates, who will provide an update on the new Global G.A.P requirements. Melvyn Rutter, Yes Reed Beds, will offer insight in to managing water and pesticide waste. Dr Erika Wedgwood, ADAS will outline the latest findings from HDC funded project PO/HNS 188 baiting and diagnostic techniques for monitoring Phytophthora and Pythium spp. in irrigation water on ornamental nurseries. David Denny, Horticultural Trades Association, will provide an update on the HDC (CP100) peat monitoring project, and David Coop, Westland Horticulture, will discuss how BOPP members have tackled the need to improve sustainability. Paula Edgington, Paula Edgington Associates Ltd, will return to close with the dos and don’ts of new product development.
HTA Business Development Manager Donna Hanlon comments “This event is unashamedly technically-focussed and packed with both engaging and informative speakers addressing the challenges facing ornamental growers right now. Our aim to make sure growers leave knowing how to achieve a sustainable future for ornamentals.”
Places cost just £10 + vat per person for BOPP members and £20 + vat per person for non-members. Visit www.the-hta.org.uk/events to download a booking form and secure your place(s) today.
For more information contact the HTA Events Team by emailing events@the-hta.org.uk or call 0118 930 3132.
