A Recap of the NZPPI Conference 2024
Generous knowledge-sharing and an air of ‘cautious optimism’, that’s our take on the NZPPI Conference this year. When you bring together a group of horticultural innovators and change-makers, it makes for lively discussion, and we came away from the conference feeling inspired about the road ahead.
Here’s a quick recap of the highlights:
NZPPI Conference Theme: Innovation and Integrity.
Innovation resonates with us at PrimeHort. Every day our customers strive for a competitive edge in their businesses, and we mirror their goals with smart nursery automation and tailored products to help them succeed. We also recognise that integrity in our industry is vital. From supplying high-quality, reliable products and building trust with customers, to understanding the challenges the horticultural industry faces – we live by a motto of ‘Smarter Growing’ in everything we do.
Operating with innovation and integrity is essential as growers face the future, and this conference explored some incredible new technologies and systems to a very engaged audience.
Machinery Demos at Annton Nursery.
One of the highlights for our team was the opportunity to present advances in nursery automation at Annton Nursery in Cambridge.
We extend a hearty thanks to Annton Nursery who were wonderful hosts. Owner, Steve Burton and his team have purchased a few pieces of machinery from PrimeHort, including a DaRos Potting Machine, Soil Mixer and a FiberCell Paper Pot Machine which became the focus of our presentation.
There is nothing like standing around a machine and seeing it in action! This proved hugely valuable for growers to see firsthand the features and benefits of a paper pot machine, while measuring it up against their own operations.
To recap, the main features of the 2 Row FiberCell Paper Pot machine include:
- Sustainable paper-based growing to reduce plastic.
- Production capacity between 18,000 cells per hour (2-row machine) to 36,000 (4-row machine).
- Two machines in one! Produce two rows simultaneously, 15-120mm diameter.
- Flexible e.g. one row can be switched off.
- Compatible with all quality/fine potting media.
- Easy length adjustments of paper pots (no tools needed).
- Easy adjustment of the paper pot media density.
- Multiple paper options available.
Coir Fibre Presentations.
Our time at Annton’s also gave us an opportunity to present our free Coir (Coco Peat) Trials. We showed growers the different blends of Coir and discussed its merits as a sustainable and cost-effective growing media solution.
A Coir Trial allows growers to compare the results of Coir against their existing potting mixes. This risk-free approach lets them see firsthand Coir’s impact on plant health, growth rates, and overall crop yield.
If you are interested in a free Coir Trial we would be happy to assist. Find out more here.
Final Thoughts.
Day two of the conference was held at the Novotel Hotel in Hamilton where we heard from a variety of keynote speakers, including Hon Andrew Hoggard, the Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety. The new minister highlighted the importance of producers sharing a voice when it comes to issues like plant imports. He was very open to new ideas and innovation, particularly around streamlining the biosecurity requirements for plant clearance into New Zealand via the Import Health Standards (IHS).
Kara Beaumont, manager and co-owner of Ardmore Nurseries shared how the 4th industrial revolution could be relevant and favourable for their 50-year-old nursery.
Samantha Baldwin, Science Group Leader at Plant & Food Research shared a fascinating insight into emerging growing systems, including gene editing of plants.
Overall, the general mood among conference attendees felt collaborative and fairly optimistic. We fielded strong interest in paper pot growing systems and ways to optimise productivity via nursery automation. It was great to see people swap knowledge regardless of whether they were in competition or not. Sharing best practices raises everyone up – developing skills, innovation and a brighter future.
If you would like further information regarding the products and Nursery Automation we presented at the NZPPI Conference, including Growing Media solutions and Coir Trials, we would be delighted to assist.
Please Contact us today.
