Science and Innovation Summit, NZPPI Sector meetings, NZPPI Conference, Young Achiever, Pest alerts, Work with MPI, Webinars, Trees that Count, Technology & growth ...
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It's time to REGISTER for the
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Plant Producer Science and Innovation Summit |
4 & 5 May 2017 - Scion, Rotorua
We're kick starting NZPPI’s science, innovation and technology strategy, and we need your help.
Speakers are drawn from a who’s who in plant, and plant production, science and innovation … and discussion includes:
- A large SE Asia nursery became fungicide-free using kiwi ingenuity.
- CRIs and Universities want to use government funds to work on new science projects for PPI, but they just need to know what we want!
- There are opportunities to use science and technology to reduce waste stream issues and for nurseries to become more sustainable.
- New science can speed up the PEQ process and save time and money.
- Robots and automation are being developed to make nurseries more productive ... read more about Mike Duke's work here
- Endophytes can revolutionise the nursery industry as they have for pasture grasses.
- New and rapid tools for detecting pathogens – even in irrigation water.
- Visits to Timberland's new automated container nursery and a tour through Scion's diagnostic and biosecurity facilities.
And, we'll wrap up with getting to work on identifying the key issues for plant production that can be addressed by science and technology.
Join us - It’ll be one of the most exciting things to happen in our plant producer industry in decades ... Speakers, Programme, Registration at www.nzppi.co.nz/ppsis
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NZPPI Sector Meetings |
UPDATE 20/4/17
Thursday evening 4 May, Rotorua venue TBA
Your chance to shape how sectors work together
NZPPI’s Board includes five members who represent plant producers who sell to customers in the:
- Retail supply chain.
- Landscape, amenity and revegetation supply chain.
- Orchards and vineyards supply chain.
- Forestry supply chain.
- Food production supply chain (other than orchards and vineyards).
Late afternoon, early evening on Thursday 4 May, NZPPI Board members will host discussion amongst these groups to help shape how producer sectors work, what’s important to them, what they want from NZPPI and their Board member, how they and NZPPI communicate … You’re invited ... registration form at www.nzppi.co.nz/ppsis.
And, we'll sort more details about the meeting venue duing the Summit session on the Thursday.
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5-6 July, Novotel, Hamilton
NZPPI is a step change for our industry and we are seeking your attendance to make our inaugural conference a huge success.
We’ve a lot to talk about at conference. NZPPI’s well underway - in less than a year we’ve a new model in place, we’re stronger, more resilient and about to release a new strategy; it focuses strongly on improved engagement with members, influence among those who impact how we all do business, building a toolbox that delivers results and services that add tangible benefit to our members, growing a passion for industry and business innovation and building recognition of our industry as a group of professionals.
“Stepping Up” will strongly advance some of these matters, with plant producer and grower sessions on biosecurity, workforce capability, science and R&D, continuous improvement and more. Industry partner members will join producers for some of these alongside a parallel programme of specific interest to retailers and industry suppliers.
... more at www.nzppi.co.nz/conference
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This annual award, sponsored by Horticentre Trust and HortFertplus, aims to reward and encourage young people who are excelling in their chosen career.
Applicants must be under 31 years who have a love for the nursery and garden industry and have an excellent knowledge of the products they deal with plus can demonstrate managerial ability. If you, or someone you know, exhibits these skills and aspirations, encourage them to enter now.
Applicants are assessed by a panel of industry professionals, and three finalists selected. The finalists are accommodated to attend the NZPPI Conference where they participate in a series of activities to test their skills whilst being scored and assessed by the judges. The winner is announced at the Gala Dinner.
... here
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MPI continue to work with DOC in response to the discovery of the disease-causing fungus myrtle rust in Kermadec pohutukawa trees on Raoul Island.
This serious fungal disease is spread by wind and attacks plants of the myrtaceae family which includes many New Zealand natives (pohutukawa, rata, kanuka, manuka and ramarama).
Myrtle rust has not yet been detected on mainland New Zealand so industry members can help by looking out for symptoms on native myrtaceae trees for powdery, bright yellow or orange-yellow pustules on leaves, tips and stems.
NZPPI’s working with MPI to help raise public awareness – we’ve sent the alert out though Go Gardening’s email newsletter and Facebook page, and it will soon feature in the Go Gardening magazine.
... see the MPI media release and read more at www.nzppi.co.nz/myrtlerust
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If you think you have seen this fungal disease in New Zealand call MPI’s Exotic Pests and Diseases hotline - 0800 80 99 66.
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This stink bug continues to be one of the biggest biosecurity incursion risks. MPI’s working hard to keep it out and border and post-border work has detected both live and dead bugs on imports and in personal luggage.
Hitch Hiker Risk - keep an eye out
In winter the stink bug hibernates in sheltered spaces; in buildings and vehicles for example. Thus cargo, containers, vehicle imports, personal luggage and mail are risk pathways for entry into New Zealand, especially during our spring to autumn seasons.
Four members responded to our call for feedback on imports last month ... thanks. We passed details onto our horticulture sector partners and have communicated with them and the importing agents about what to look for.
One producer had just received some Italian machinery. They immediately inspected with a fine-tooth comb (no bugs found), and fogged and steam cleaned it just to make sure. Fantastic effort.
Ruud Kleinpaste on BMSB
... more at www.nzppi.co.nz/bmsb
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If you've purchased goods that have been recently sourced from Europe, Asia and the US, please check for any sign of BMSB hibernation. This includes personal goods such as items purchased over the internet - see MPI's web-page and fact sheet.
If you find one, or suspect you've found one, catch it, photograph it and call MPI’s Exotic Pests and Diseases hotline on
0800 80 99 66.
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NZPPI Member Guides |
Last month we released our Nursery Stock Valuation Guidance and Cyber Security Checklist. This month we've distributted guidance on the Employment Process and a sample Drugs & Alcohol Policy. Soon Spray Drift Response guidance heads member's way. They join our Workplace Health and Safety Workbook and EMA membership deal in a compilation of member-exclusive materials.
If you missed yours, contact Frances Palmer, frances@nzppi.co.nz.
Not a member! Talk with us, and get more detail at www.nzppi.co.nz/membershipinfo
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NZPPI Work with MPI |
GERMAC (plant imports) met late February. Most of the discussion related to identifying opportunities to improve the import process. Some twenty processes were identified and prioritisation begun. Other agenda matters … Level 3B PEQ capacity, the new PEQ facility standard - more about the latter here PEQ facility standard implementation update - http://mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/draft-facility-standard-for-post-entry-quarantine-for-plants.
… more at www.nzppi.co.nz/germac
PMAC (horticultural exports) also met late February – some key issues included updates on:
- EU regulation change likely to result in more products will need to be accompanied by phyto certificates
- MPI’s established an Exporter Regulatory Advice Service
- Food safety WTO notifications
- Certification review project
- ICPR and MPI search engine upgrades on the MPI web site
- Fruit Fly preparedness project
... more at www.nzppi.co.nz/pmac
Pelleted Seed - importers and users met in March and began work to identify Biosecurity assurance steps in this production and import pathway. MPI are revising the seed import health standard (with consultation scheduled for mid year), and have asked for our input at this stage
… more at www.nzppi.co.nz/pelletedseed
Tissue Culture Import Health Standard - emergency measures to address the risk from xylella have been implemented. While essential, these greatly impact the ease and cost of importing tissue of some species from some countries. We're working with importers to identify overseas production labs and opportunities for the latter to become accredited suppliers.
… more at www.nzppi.co.nz/tcihs
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Webinars identifying mites and viruses |
Two webinars are being held to help production nurseries with their pest and disease management
Mite identification and management
Date: 27 April 2017, 10am
Topic: This webinar will cover the major pest mite groups likely to be encountered in a production nursery, including identification and management options.
Click here to register
Virus identification, vectors and management
Date: 18 May 2017, 10am
Topic: How to identify virus-like symptoms and steps to confirm if a virus is present, as well as managment strategies.
Click here to register
... & more detail here
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Coming Up |
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Trees That Count |
Kiwis Challenged to Plant a Native Tree on Arbor Day
New Zealanders are being challenged to plant a native tree on Arbor Day 2017 (5 June) to set a record for the most trees ever planted on one day in New Zealand.
The challenge comes from Trees That Count, an ambitious new programme which aims to increase native tree planting in New Zealand – to help restore and enhance the environment, encourage biodiversity in cities, clean air and waterways and make a tangible difference to climate change.
Funded by The Tindall Foundation, and delivered by Project Crimson Trust in partnership with Pure Advantage and the Department of Conservation, Trees That Count is a conservation programme developed to inspire every New Zealander to join the movement to plant millions more native trees for future generations.
… more at www.treesthatcount.co.nz
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Technology will enable horticulture growth |
… from Mike Chapman, Hort NZ
"Horticulture is growing economically, and doing so sustainably. One feature of growth is that it means there is money available to invest in improved production.
Horticulture grows through exports; this is proven by the fact that over the two years from June 2014, exports grew an incredible 40%. So the first key ingredient has been satisfied: money to fund more growth," writes Mike Chapman, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand.
"One of the more difficult issues facing horticulture is getting skilled and reliable labour for all tasks, be they entry level, in the laboratory, in our off-shore markets, for IT and technology support, or in management. "Technology, therefore, has a significant contribution to make to the continued growth of horticulture; it is affordable and can increase production per hectare, in turn enabling further investment in technology.
… more here www.hortidaily.com/article/33307/Technology-will-enable-horticulture-growth
… and so we’ll see you at the Plant Producer Science and Innovation Summit, 4 & 5 May 2017 - Scion, Te Papa Innovation Park, 49 Sala Street, Rotorua … www.nzppi.co.nz/ppsis
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©2017 NZPPI
New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated
PO Box 3443, Wellington 6140
Level 5, 23 Waring Taylor Street, Wellington
P: 04 918 3511 | F: 04 499 9589
E: info@nzppi.co.nz | W: www.nzppi.co.nz
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