Potatoes New Zealand

Field Days
2024-06-12 08:00 - 2024-06-15 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Mystery Creek, 125 Mystery Creek Rd, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for cutting edge technology and innovation.

12th World Potato Congress
2024-06-23 08:00 - 2024-06-26 17:00 | Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
In 2024, Australia will host the 12th World Potato Congress in Adelaide from 23-26 June, marking a pivotal moment for the global potato industry.

Beyond the opportunity to showcase the excellence of the potato sector on the world stage, this congress aims to catapult potatoes into the spotlight as a compelling, nutritional and health-conscious food choice, both domestically and internationally.

Early Bird Registrations available.

Accommodation information and prices on the World Potato Congress website when registering.

Tours available following the conference.

Prices available upon Registration.

Register Online

Organiser

Venue

Nelson - Young Grower of the Year
2024-06-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Richmond Showgrounds, 358 Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson, 7020, New Zealand
Young Grower of the Year is an annual competition funded and run by Horticulture New Zealand to select the finest young grower in the country.

Fruit and vegetable growers compete in separate regional competitions. Winners of the six regional competitions will meet at the final to compete for the National Young Grower of the Year title.

The winner of the National Young Grower of the Year goes on to compete at the Young Horticulturist of the Year, run by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture Education Trust.

Please note that the six regional competitions are run independently of the national event. Separate sponsorship packages are available directly with the regions and are not managed by Horticulture New Zealand.

Gisborne - Young Grower of the Year
2024-06-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Kaiaponi Farms, 55 Matawai Road, Gisborne, 4071, New Zealand

Bay of Plenty - Young Grower of the Year
2024-07-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Mount Maunganui College, 565 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, 3116, New Zealand

Introduction to Managing Risk in Horticulture
2024-07-25 13:00 - 17:00 | Alexandra Bridge Club, 52 Boundary Road, Alexandra, Canterbury, 9320, New Zealand
This workshop was developed specifically for the Horticulture sector. It is an introduction to managing risk in horticultural businesses and gives frontline managers and owners the tools they need to identify and control risks that may harm their workers.

Complimentary course at no cost to the grower or packhouse. (Funded by HortNZ in partnership with ACC).

Date: Thursday, 25 July 2024Time: 1-5pmLocation: Alexandra Bridge Club, 52 Boundary Road, AlexandraCost: Free

To book your place(s) email training@impac.co.nz with HortNZ Alexandra in the subject line and list your attendees name + email addresses in the email. RSVP by Friday 12 July latest.

Non Chemical Weed Management Workshop
2024-07-26 09:00 - 17:00 | PIA Events Centre, 55 Ward Street, Pukekohe, New Zealand
Presented by Dr Charles ‘Merf’ Merfield. A complete overview of non chemical weed management as part of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) including addressing herbicide resistance.

Date: Friday 26 July 2024Time: 9am to 5pmLocation: PIA Event Centre, 55 Ward Street, Pukekohe 2120Cost: $450.00 (incl. GST)

The purpose of this in person workshop is to give a complete overview of non-chemical weed management as part of Integrated Weed Management (IWM) and will include addressing herbicide resistance.

Merf is head of the BHU Future Farming Centre and Merfield Agronomy Ltd and co-owner and director of PhysicalWeeding. He is also the OrganicNZ 2024 Organic Leader of the year for excellence in science communication.

The primary audience is cropping (horticulture and arable) farmers & growers as it is these production systems that have the largest challenge with weeds. Perennial crop (e.g. vines, apples) producers will also benefit with one section dedicated to perennial crops (see below). For anyone dealing with herbicide resistant weeds, this workshop is the start of your solution. There are also some benefits for livestock / pasture systems in terms of the overall concepts of non-chemical and integrated weed management.

Consultants and advisors working with farmer and grower clients, particularly in cropping, will gain considerable benefit, especially regarding the latest technologies. Scientists, especially those dealing with herbicide resistance and working on the transition to non-chemical weed management, will gain valuable insights. The content assumes a reasonable level of understanding and practical experience of commercial agriculture and horticulture systems including weed management. This is a really full on and intense workshop – bring your thinking head! Plenty of caffeine is provided!

This includes a colour handout printout of the presentations. It also includes full catering includes tea, real coffee and snack on arrival, morning and afternoon teas and finger food lunch.Registration is essential as places are limited.

To register please email charles@merfield.com including:

Your / your business name and address for the invoice.

The number of people from your business who will be attending and their names and emails.

A bit of your background, e.g., farmer, grower, consultant, farm system, e.g., vegetable, fruit, so they have an idea of who is coming.

Any dietary requirements.

For more information, please visit: Charles Merfield – One day seminar-workshop on non-chemical weed management

Official launch of Sustainable Vegetable System (SVS) Tool
2024-08-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Plant and Food Research, Lincoln, Plant and Food Research, Canterbury Agriculture and Science Centre, Gerald Street, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7608, New Zealand
Invite Only Event

The Sustainable Vegetable System (SVS) tool has been developed through industry collaboration to guide growers in their Nitrogen management and ensure vegetable growing is sustainable.

The tool supports better growing practices, minimises environmental impact, and enables the industry to meet ever changing standards. It also guides growers in optimising the use of inputs, which will have positive environmental, economic and social outcomes. The tool will be officially launched on Friday 2 August.

Emerging leaders training
2024-08-12 08:00 - 17:00
Emerging Leaders is an emotional intelligence, communication and mindset development programme for supervisors, team leaders and front-line managers. The Programme supports current and emerging leaders with the core skills required to understand and manage themselves and others.​

​The Programme delivers practical techniques to build a positive mindset, increase resilience, create deeper connections with others and increase performance and accountability.

The training covers all four areas of Emotional Intelligence:

Self-awareness: the foundation of emotional intelligence and self-leadership

Self-management: understand and manage your emotions to achieve results

Social awareness: grow your skills to connect and engage at all levels

Relationship management: build trust, influence others, and lead high-performing teams

Growing a Greener Future
2024-08-12 08:30 - 18:30 | JW Marriott Hotel, 22-26 Albert Street, Auckland, 1546, New Zealand
A New Zealand Plant Protection (NZPP) Society symposium focusing on the future of crop protection in New Zealand is being held in Auckland in August.

The symposium will bring together leading scientists, kaitiaki, international experts, representatives from government agencies, sector and industry leaders to share new and emerging science and technologies needed for crop protection into the future.

Themes for the day include:

Trends in crop protection – global to local

Emerging science and future tools – commercial realities and opportunities

Creating momentum – enabling systems.

Webinar: Growing healthy spuds
2024-08-15 11:00 - 12:00
Join the PotatoLink team for a webinar on Growing healthy spuds – Cultural disease management strategies in potatoes with Dr Amy Charkowski, Associate Dean for Research at Colorado State University, and Frank Mulchay to explore the various cultural management practices that can be leveraged to prevent and reduce disease in potato crops.

With cultural practices playing an important role in an integrated disease management approach, this webinar will delve into the various practical strategies.

Registrants will receive the webinar recording.

Date: Thursday 15 August 2024

Time: 9:00 –10:00 am AEST

Registration: Click here to register

Arable Awards 2024
2024-08-15 18:00 - 23:00 | Air Force Museum of New Zealand, 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch, New Zealand
The innovators and heroes of New Zealand’s arable industry will be recognised at a special event in Christchurch, on August 15 2024.

​Federated Farmers, the Foundation of Arable Research, United Wheat Growers and the Grain & Seed Trade Association have been working together to make the New Zealand Arable Awards a showcase of the sector’s people and products, recognising, celebrating and rewarding excellence.

​If you have any questions regarding the ticket pricing, hosting options or the categories, please contact Kristie at events@fedfarm.org.nz

Soil Wealth and ICP NZ Update
2024-08-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Plant and Food Research – Pukekohe, 49 Cronin Road, Pukekohe, Auckland, 2120, New Zealand
Protecting crops and maintaining healthy soil is vital for vegetable growers to improve productivity, profitability and sustainability.

Since 2014, the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (Soil Wealth ICP) project has provided research and development (R&D) extension services, products and communication on improved soil management and plant health to the Australian vegetable and melon industry. The Australian melon industry joined the project in 2023.

The project responds to increasing economic, consumer, environmental and technological demands on vegetable and melon producers. It delivers integrated, independent, research-based information to growers and advisers to support business decisions on soil management and plant health.

As part of their Study tour to New Zealand, come hear about the Soil Wealth and ICP project, what it has achieved, and current activities. Have the chance to hear directly from growers involved in the project and where they see the value of this work.

Location: Plant & Food Research, 49 Cronin Rd, Pukekohe Date: Wednesday 28 AugustTime: 8:00 am – 10:00am

A coffee cart will be available from 9:30am

Horticulture Conference 2024
2024-08-28 08:00 - 2024-08-30 17:00 | Mercury Park, 81 Truman Land, Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Horticulture New Zealand proudly presents the RSE and Horticulture conferences 2024.

Merged into a three day event with speakers and content relevant to the horticulture sector.

The conferences will focus on providing a platform for our industry to share its stories, ideas and inspiration that are aligned with the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan.

Potato Days UK
2024-09-04 08:00 - 2024-09-05 17:00 | Nocton Estate, Nocton, Lincoln, LN4 2GR, United Kingdom
Potato Days UK is a field days event where the complete potato production and supply chain is on show. Combining trade stands with crop plots, expert talks and discussions with live machinery demonstrations, it is a unique opportunity to explore the latest innovations and developments in the sector at first hand. Although new to the UK, Potato Days is part of the well-established Potato Europe family of sector-specialist events.

Introduction to Managing Risk in Horticulture
2024-09-05 13:00 - 17:00 | Hotel Ashburton, 35/11 Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700, New Zealand
This workshop was developed specifically for the Horticulture sector. It is an introduction to managing risk in horticultural businesses and gives frontline managers and owners the tools they need to identify and control risks that may harm their workers.

Workshop outcomes for participants:

Understand the legal requirements for risk assessment

Define the key terms including hazard, harm, risk and risk controls

Explain the steps within the risk assessment process

Apply three specific tools to identify hazards

Define a critical risk and the importance of managing these

Understand what a safe system of work is and its importance

Complimentary course at no cost to the grower or packhouse. (Funded by HortNZ in partnership with ACC).

Date: Thursday, 5 September 2024Time: 1-5pmLocation: Hotel Asburton, 11-35 Racecourse Road, Ashburton 7740Cost: Free

To book your place(s) email training@impac.co.nz with HortNZ Ashburton in the subject line and list your attendees name + email addresses in the email. Please RSVP by Friday 9 August.

Potato Europe
2024-09-11 08:00 - 2024-09-12 17:00 | Potato Europe, Rue de Foreste, Villers, St Christophe, 25590, France
POTATOEUROPE 2024 is the place to be for French and international participants in the potato sector.15,000 visitors including 3,000 from 50 other countries will be present in over 40 hectares of space that will host a number of events:

The commerce space, a crossroads of international exchanges

A technical space dedicated to innovation: genetics resources and species innovations, disease prevention and protecting cultivations, managing water, fertilisation, cross-breeding, storage and preserving tubers.

Conferences on current issues

400 exhibitors

Harvesting, reception, and optical sorting sites

Annual General Meeting
2024-09-12 15:30 - 21:00 | Hotel Ashburton, 35/11 Racecourse Road, Ashburton, 7700, New Zealand
Potatoes New Zealand is joining with the Canterbury Growers Association to hold our respective Annual General Meetings (AGM) on 12 September 2024 in Ashburton, Canterbury.All growers are encouraged to attend to network with growers, board members and Potatoes New Zealand staff as well as have your say.

There will be a Fairfield Freight Hub Tour prior to the AGMs. After the AGMs there will be a guest speaker and delicious dinner.

Schedule – Thursday 12 September

Time Activity Location 3.30pm Fairfield Freight Hub Tour 109 Works Road, Ashburton 5pm Canterbury Growers Association AGM Hotel Ashburton 35/11 Racecourse Road, Ashburton 5.30pm Potatoes New Zealand AGM Hotel Ashburton 35/11 Racecourse Road, Ashburton 6.30pm Guest Speaker: Gemma McCaw Hotel Ashburton 35/11 Racecourse Road, Ashburton 7.30pm Dinner Hotel Ashburton 35/11 Racecourse Road, Ashburton

Registrations have now closed.

Announcing Guest Speaker: Three-time Olympian – Gemma McCaw

After drawing the curtain on her stellar hockey career, three-time Olympian Gemma McCaw is dedicated to sharing her skills and knowledge in the field of health and wellness. With a degree in Sport and Exercise Science and a Diploma in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, the Sunday Series founder works with women to help them reach their full potential.

Her innate understanding and experience gained from her decade-long Black Sticks journey where she amassed 254 international test caps has given her a unique insight into resilience-building, teamwork and fostering good habits. It’s also given her the skills to cope with the highs and lows of high-performance sport, all learnings which can be transferred to everyday life.As a busy mum to three daughters Charlotte, Grace, and Ella she knows all too well the challenges many of us face on a daily basis when it comes to juggling the demands of home, work, happiness and health.

N Use Optimisation Workshop
2024-09-18 10:00 - 15:30 | Plant and Food Research, 74 Gerald Street, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7608, New Zealand
This workshop provides a unique opportunity for commercial vegetable growers in Canterbury to hear firsthand from the developers of the Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) tool.

The tool has been designed to assist growers in making decisions to optimise Nitrogen use. It is a simple to use computer application that will be available to all growers.

The benefits of using the tool include:

Nitrogen fertiliser guidance (improve efficiency and reduce costs)

Integrated soil nitrogen testing and budgets

In-season nitrogen fertiliser decisions based on the season in front of you

The foundation for informed decisions and knowledge building

Assistance in meeting regulatory requirements

Improvements in freshwater outcomes

Enhanced environmental credibility and social licence to operate.

See more in this short SVS tool YouTube video

Workshop details

Growers attending the workshop will be walked through the tool by those that developed it. They will be able to use the tool immediately to assist in making sound decisions around N use. The workshop will have both indoor and outdoor components.

When: Wednesday 18 September

Timing: 10am – 3:30pm

Where: Fitzgerald Room, Plant and Food Research, 74 Gerald Street, Lincoln

What to bring: a laptop

Lunch will be provided.

RSVPs

Register your interest in attending for catering purposes.

If you have any questions, please contact Mark Shelly, HortNZ Regional Extension Officer, on: 027 322 5644

Introduction to Managing Risk in Horticulture - Pukekohe
2024-10-22 08:30 - 12:30 | Plant and Food Research – Pukekohe, 49 Cronin Road, Pukekohe, Auckland, 2120, New Zealand
This workshop was developed specifically for the Horticulture sector. It is an introduction to managing risk in horticultural businesses and gives frontline managers and owners the tools they need to identify and control risks that may harm their workers.

Workshop outcomes for participants:

Understand the legal requirements for risk assessment

Define the key terms including hazard, harm, risk and risk controls

Explain the steps within the risk assessment process

Apply three specific tools to identify hazards

Define a critical risk and the importance of managing these

Understand what a safe system of work is and its importance

Complimentary course at no cost to the grower or packhouse. (Funded by HortNZ in partnership with ACC).

Date: Tuesday 22 October Time: 8.30am to 12.30pmLocation: Plant & Food Research, 49 Cronin Rd, Pukekohe 2676Cost: Free

To book your place(s) email training@impac.co.nz with Hort NZ and the location in the subject line and list your attendees name + email addresses in the email. Please RSVP as spaces are limited.

2024 Canterbury Forum – Nitrogen: Friend or Foe?
2024-10-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Lincoln University, Springs Road/Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
8.50amWelcome &; OpeningProfessor Grant Edwards, Vice Chancellor, Lincoln University9.00amEmeritus Professor Keith Cameron, Lincoln UniversityIntroduction: The Nitrogen cycle in soil – a background presentation to illustrate the flow of N from the atmosphere into the soil, through different organisms and oxidation states, and onwards through different farming and natural systems.9.30amProfessor Rich McDowell, Chief Scientist, Our Land and Water National Science ChallengeNitrate in New Zealand waterways. What is waxing, what is waning, and why.10.00amDr Tim Davie, Director, Environment CanterburyGroundwater in Canterbury. Where are the high nitrate levels found, how are they changing and why might they be high?10.30amMorning Tea11.00amDr Murray Close, Principal Scientist, ESRWhat happens to nitrate as it moves out of the vadose (rooting) zone, and how might we better manage it (regardless of where it comes from) when it reaches ground/stream water system?11.30amWarwick Catto, Science Strategy Manager, Ballance Agri-Nutrients LtdThe where, when, and how much of synthetic nitrogen use in NZ farming systems.12. noonAssociate Professor Jacqui Keenan, Dept of Surgery, University of OtagoOther colorectal cancer risk factors in Canterbury.12.30pmLunch1.15pmDr Mike Beare, Principal Scientist, Plant & Food ResearchBetter nitrogen management by matching supply to demand: Does the answer lie in the soil?1.45pmDr Alistair Black, Senior Lecturer, Lincoln UniversityNitrogen and plant growth. Can we design pasture production systems that require less synthetic N fertiliser?2.15pmProfessor Jacqueline Rowarth, Lincoln UniversityThe Dairy Dilemma (epitomising the debate on friend or foe, economics or environment, production or protection)2.45pmEmeritus Professor Alison Stewart, CEO The Foundation for Arable ResearchHaving the confidence to cut back on N use in an arable cropping system?3.15pmClosing – Professor Jon Hickford, NZIAHS3.30pmNZIAHS Annual General Meeting

Introduction to Managing Risk in Horticulture - Hawke's Bay
2024-10-30 08:30 - 12:30 | Landwise, 21 Ruahapia Road, RD10, Hastings, Hawke's Bay, 4172, New Zealand
This workshop was developed specifically for the Horticulture sector. It is an introduction to managing risk in horticultural businesses and gives frontline managers and owners the tools they need to identify and control risks that may harm their workers.

Workshop outcomes for participants:

Understand the legal requirements for risk assessment

Define the key terms including hazard, harm, risk and risk controls

Explain the steps within the risk assessment process

Apply three specific tools to identify hazards

Define a critical risk and the importance of managing these

Understand what a safe system of work is and its importance

Complimentary course at no cost to the grower or packhouse. (Funded by HortNZ in partnership with ACC).

Date: Wednesday 30 October Time: 8.30am to 12.30pmLocation: Landwise/The Green Shed, 21 Ruahapia Rd, RD10, HastingsCost: Free

To book your place(s) email training@impac.co.nz with Hort NZ and the location in the subject line and list your attendees name + email addresses in the email. Please RSVP as spaces are limited.

Webinar: New Breeding Techniques - What are they, and what do they mean for potatoes
2024-11-07 11:00 - 11:30
Join Rowan Herridge from Otago University as he talks about ‘New Breeding Techniques – What are they, and what do they mean for potatoes’. This will be an insightful webinar where you can learn more about gene editing and what it means for New Zealand potatoes.

Rowan Herridge is a Research Fellow at the University of Otago. He received his PhD in 2012 from the University of Otago and went on to postdoctoral studies at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. Upon returning to New Zealand in 2018 he has been investigating biotechnological approaches for F1 hybrid breeding and self-incompatibility in important crop species, including ryegrass, clover and potato.

Introduction to Managing Risk in Horticulture - Levin
2024-11-13 11:00 - 14:15 | The Library Café / Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 10 Bath Street, Levin, Levin, Manawatu, New Zealand
This workshop was developed specifically for the Horticulture sector. It is an introduction to managing risk in horticultural businesses and gives frontline managers and owners the tools they need to identify and control risks that may harm their workers.

Workshop outcomes for participants:

Understand the legal requirements for risk assessment

Define the key terms including hazard, harm, risk and risk controls

Explain the steps within the risk assessment process

Apply three specific tools to identify hazards

Define a critical risk and the importance of managing these

Understand what a safe system of work is and its importance

Complimentary course at no cost to the grower or packhouse. (Funded by HortNZ in partnership with ACC).

Date: Wednesday 13 NovemberTime: 11am to 2.15pmLocation: The Library Café, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 10 Bath Street, LevinCost: Free

To book your place(s) email training@impac.co.nz with Hort NZ and the location in the subject line and list your attendees name + email addresses in the email. Please RSVP as spaces are limited.

Hort Business Summit (Australia)
2024-11-15 10:30 - 20:00 | Le Méridien Melbourne, 20 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
In today’s challenging business environment, staying informed is crucial for success.This Summit is designed to provide valuable insights into the current state of the horticulture industry, including property market and vegetable consumption trends, workforce solutions for regional Australia, advice for long-term business productivity and sustainability, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and network with fellow professionals!

Fireside Chat: Weather Data in New Zealand
2024-11-19 14:00 - 15:00
A free webinar exploring the management and use of high-quality weather data for commercial and research purposes in New Zealand.

Join Mike and Cody from HortPlus for a fireside chat discussing some of the key weather data collection challenges and opportunities in New Zealand.Mike and Cody will share two decades of experience building and managing a national weather station network, touching on some of the ‘lightning bolt moments’ along the way.Who should attend?Anyone who is interested in learning about the technology powering New Zealand’s primary sector weather stations, data quality challenges, and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of weather monitoring.Whether you’re a researcher, work for a primary sector organisation, or make use of weather data for your business, this webinar offers valuable insights into harnessing weather data for better decision-making.A chance to explore and connectDon’t miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, climate, and industry. There will be an opportunity to ask your questions in a Question and Answer session about weather data in New Zealand at the end of the event.

Register free of charge via LinkedIn using the link below. Alternatively, if you don’t have a LinkedIn account and want to attend, please register by emailing media@hortplus.com.

Canterbury Growers Meeting
2024-11-20 16:15 - 19:00 | AgResearch, 17 West Belt, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
Meet the Horticulture Canterbury Growers executive team and new regional representative for Canterbury and Otago. Hear updates from product groups, HortNZ and the latest on the Young Grower of the Year competition. All growers are welcome to attend.

Please note – special short presentation from HortNZ Policy team on N leaching layer modelling work being undertaken.

4.15pm Tour of AgResearch new glasshouse facility

5pm Horticulture Canterbury Growers meeting

6pm HortNZ grower rotation workshop

7pm Drinks and nibbles

Webinar: Gene editing in New Zealand crops: Something different, something similar, something coming
2024-11-22 11:00 - 11:30
Join Dr Zac Hanley from Plant and Food Research as he talks about ‘Gene editing is a technology’. Gene editing is causing changes in breeding programmes and regulatory regimes around the world. This will be an insightful 30-minute webinar on what gene technology might mean for New Zealand.

Dr Hanley works at Plant and Food Research as the General Manager for New Cultivar Innovation.

Crops 2024
2024-11-27 09:30 - 17:00
Attend CROPS 2024 for the latest in FAR research and product information.

Full programme coming soon.

Thanks to the Platinum Agronomy sponsors: ADAMA, BASF, Bayer Crop Science, Corteva and Syngenta.

Webinar: Optimising Nitrogen Use: Sustainable Vegetable Systems Tool from Aotearoa
2024-11-27 15:30 - 16:30
Join Soil Wealth ICP for an insightful webinar on the Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) project, which is focused on understanding and quantifying the dynamics of nitrogen (N) in vegetable production within Aotearoa‒New Zealand. This project aims to equip growers with the SVS Tool to support grower decision making and the information they need to determine the optimal nitrogen fertiliser rate for their crops — balancing maximum yield with improved environmental outcomes.
