Minister O’Connor addressing plant producers this week

Minister O’Connor addressing plant producers this week

Over a hundred plant producers, industry partners and garden centre retailers from around the country are preparing for the NZ Plant Producers conference in Christchurch this Wednesday, tomorrow.

The Minister’s opening address is at nine thirty on Wednesday morning. His address is expected to cover some recent biosecurity and import matters as well as research and development initiatives.

NZPPI Chief Executive Matt Dolan says, “With the government budget in a couple of weeks we will be very interested in any signals of new investments in primary industries and, career training initiatives for horticulture in particular.”

“The conference has key sessions on robotics, biosecurity and agribusiness. We are looking to the changes industry will need to make in operations and team skill sets to make the most of new science and technology.

“Our plant producers are constantly searching for new methods and ideas to gain efficiencies in production, biosecurity and plant strength. They contribute around $600m to the economy and this is rising,” Matt Dolan said.

The Horti Centre Young Achiever of the Year Competition runs on Tuesday and Wednesday. The winner is announced at the NZPPI Gala Dinner at the Sudima Hotel Wednesday evening.
For a full conference programme click here.

Ends.

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