Last week the Malley’s hosted a sellout Open Farm Day at their orchard in Whangarei to showcase to the public how kiwifruit and berries are produced.

Open Farms are about providing a better understanding about food production and helping bridge the urban rural divide that has become a polarising issue in recent media and political campaigns.

KVH attended the event as an opportunity to showcase our biosecurity story and to help the public understand why biosecurity matters not only to the primary sector, but to all New Zealanders as a means of protecting the kiwi way of life. In particular, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) was a focus to raise awareness of the potential impacts of this pest to homeowners and horticulture alike, and the role all New Zealanders can play in looking out for the pest with the catch it, snap it and report it message.

The event was well attended with almost 300 people taking part and providing positive feedback about their experience and the interesting things they learnt.

If other growers wish to host an event like this details can be found on the Open Farms website which includes lots of helpful information about how to register, how to plan for your day, and how to run your event in a way that showcases what you and your family are most proud of.

Please email KVH if you’re interested in having us attend to promote awareness for biosecurity threats as part of your event.