Farmlands Horticulture hosted their annual Subtropical Crop Technical Update in Tauranga last week, this year broadening the scope of the three-day conference to also include a biosecurity presentation by KVH as well as an update on latest Psa research findings from the Zespri Innovations team.



Forming a key link with growers, the Farmlands team are looking to be proactive in understanding the biosecurity risks posed to their large horticultural client sector. Staff from Northland to Motueka attended and KVH presented their organisational role in the building of a resilient kiwifruit industry. Diseases of high risk to the kiwifruit industry and current border pressure from the most unwanted pests was highlighted. Of these, it was clear that incursions by pests such as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) would undoubtedly have effects, spilling over to other horticultural and agricultural sectors. Farmlands recognises the importance of biosecurity and as a result are looking to roll out the discussion presented at the seminar via KVH to other Technical Reps involved in high value crops such as the pipfruit and viticulture industries as technical sessions take place.

Keeping a look out for unusual pests and symptoms and starting a conversation about biosecurity with growers both in-store and on-farm was considered a hugely valuable and proactive role all staff could be engaged in on a daily basis and a contribution towards building a biosecurity team of 4.7 million.