The 2.00pm event is titled Transitioning to peat-free: Industry debate and is chaired by Matt Appleby, HortWeek editor.
Guests are: Neil Bragg (Growing Media Association & Bulrush), Andrew Dobson (Boultons Nurseries), Alistair Griffiths (RHS), Geoff Caesar (Allensmore Nurseries), Steve Harper (Southern Trident).
The recent HortWeek TV debate featuring Griffiths, Ken Cox, Catherine Dawson (Melcourt) and Harper attracted thousands of views and dozens of questions. There will be more live Q&A at September's event, which will be screened live at HortWeekTV.
Other Four Oaks seminars include:
Tuesday 5th September – Educate, Collaborate & Innovate zone – House T
10.00am Transitioning to peat-free: Technical seminar with Sean Whitworth & Jack Haslam (Fargro)
Fargro will discuss how they are using their unique position within the industry to work with growers, media manufacturers, innovative producers of novel additives and ingredients, and key industry bodies/NGOs like the RHS and growing associations to ensure that the transition to peat-free growing in UK horticulture is as seamless as possible. They will provide information on some exciting products that will be vital components for future growing in peat-free, sharing their findings from work with growers and the RHS, to explain how you can best use them on your nursery to grow a high-quality crop that is both sustainable and cost-effective.
11.00am Re-thinking Your Growing Strategy: Technical seminar with Andrew Wilson (ICL)
As growers shift towards peat-free growing in ornamental horticulture, rethinking the growing media strategy becomes crucial. It involves a comprehensive reassessment of nutrition and irrigation programs. Alternative substrate materials are explored to ensure optimal plant growth and health. Precision irrigation techniques and tailored nutrient formulations are adopted to adapt to the changing media composition. ICL’s Technical Manager Andrew Wilson discusses.
Complimentary £5 lunch voucher for all attendees courtesy of ICL
12.00pm Imports, exports & biosecurity:
Leading industry figures discuss the challenges & issues, Chaired by Matt Appleby (HortWeek)
Jacob Kolff (Kolff Plants) Patrick Fairweather (Fairweathers) Bruce Harnett (Kernock Park Plants) Sally Cullimore (HTA)
Jason Pollock, Plant Health (Defra)
+ APHA surgery in the Educate, Collaborate & Innovate zone for one-to-one advice on import & export issues
2.30pm What can horticulture businesses do to address the skills gap?
Leading providers share information for employers, Chaired by Rachael Forsyth (HortWeek)
Apprenticeships, training schemes & bursaries – Part 1 – practical advice for businesses
Martin Emmett (NFU) Kevin Thomas (Lantra) Holly Youde (APL/ Urban Landscape Design Ltd) Rupert Keys (Task Academy) Wayne Grills (BALI)
Wednesday 6th September – Educate, Collaborate & Innovate zone – House T
10.30am How can horticulture businesses deliver sustainability?
Champions of sustainability in the sector share their experiences, Chaired by Peter Burks (Garden Centre Association)
Geoff Caesar (Allensmore Nurseries) Shaun Herdsman (SPJ Partnerships and Horticultural Packaging Consultant) Liam Cleary (Old Railway Line Garden Centre)
11.30am A world of opportunities
Graduates of industry schemes & scheme providers share their knowledge, Chaired by Lilidh Matthews (YPHA)
Apprenticeships, training schemes & bursaries – Part 2 – practical advice for candidates
Kyle Ross (Wyevale Nurseries) Jack White (Allensmore Nurseries) Neil Gow (Colegrave Seabrook Foundation) Suzanne Moss (RHS)
+ YPHA surgery in the Educate, Collaborate & Innovate zone for one-to-one advice on applications & interviews
