Next in our series of team member introductions is Linda Peacock, our Industry Liaison & Technical Specialist.

We started this series to share more about the roles we have, and how each of us interact with you, our readers and growers, in our day-to-day activities.

I’ve been with KVH since its earliest days in 2011, working with growers and technical teams from all growing regions to build knowledge around best practice, particularly in terms of management of Psa.

I was a long-term member of the Psa Steering Group and now am part of the Technical Working Group in the crop protection and market access innovation space where Psa related projects are considered alongside the wider scope of crop protection risks. I enjoy connecting industry players with researchers, to support projects and surveys which underpin both the crop protection and biosecurity industry space.

My role has expanded over time to focus more on wider biosecurity, including managing and looking into reports of unusual symptoms seen on vines and fruit, and coordinating KiwiNet members as well as regional coordinators who all help growers and KVH build biosecurity awareness and preparedness.

Meeting and sharing knowledge with a wide range of great people across the industry is the best part of my job, especially on-orchard and at field days and workshops where I can help turn technical advice into practical, easy, day-to-day activities for all growers and contractors.

When I’m not working, I enjoy gardening and cycling, kayaking, and walking adventures in the great outdoors.