The cart is empty 
Mushroom Issues at Horticulture 2012
- 13 September 2012
The current economy now puts more pressure than ever on the mushroom sector to have the latest technical knowledge and practical information for improved efficiency and to facilitate decision making. This year, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is celebrating the centenary of its Greenmount Campus, near Antrim. To mark this historic anniversary, the College is running a one day event on Wednesday 19 September 2012 with a programme of technical and business seminars, a trade exhibition, tours and working demonstrations, all under the title of ‘Horticulture 2012’.
What can mushroom people look forward to specifically at Horticulture 2012?
Mushroom growers who are interested in applying for the Biomass Processing Challenge Fund can discuss the programme with DARD’s Climate Change and Renewable Energy Branch. The Biomass Processing Challenge Fund which is open to owners/occupiers of agricultural holdings throughout Northern Ireland aims to encourage farm businesses to install biomass fuelled technologies primarily to aid agricultural activities at farm level. Farm businesses must have a DARD business ID to be eligible.
Growers can also discuss the upcoming Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) with representatives from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) Renewable Heat Branch. Subject to the passage of appropriate legislation in autumn 2012, DETI will introduce the Northern Ireland Renewable Heat Incentive for the non-domestic sector.
People will also be able to attend a programme of technical and business seminars targeted at those working in the mushroom sector. The associated trade exhibition offers a tremendous opportunity for visitors to meet suppliers and service providers, from a large number of local and national companies and organisations.
Other tours and demonstrations, scheduled at intervals throughout the day, around the Campus include super fruits, arboriculture, cut flowers, floristry demonstrations and landscape and production facilities.
Horticulture 2012 Technical Seminar Programme
11.00 Registration
11.30 Better Spray Applications, Paul Miller, Specialist Advisor, Spray Applications (NIAB)
12.30 Impact of changing pesticide availability on horticulture DrJon Knight, R&D, Horticulture Development Company
13.00 Protected crop structures (Glass versus Polytunnel) JerryCropley, Cropley GlassHouses Ltd
13.30 Feeding soft fruit crops under protection, Mike Daly, The Agrology House, Lincoln
14.00 Controlling pests in indoor and outdoor crops without chemicals, David Foster, Koppert
14.30 Looking after your soil for better crops DrSuzanneHiggins, AFBI
15.00 Feeding vegetable crops, Mike Daly, The Agrology House
15.30 Renewable energy for horticulture, Nigel Moore, CAFRE
16.00 Improving soils using quality compost and digestate DrIanGarner, WRAP
16.30 Impact of changing pesticide availability on horticulture DrJon Knight, R&D, Horticulture Development Company
17.00 What’s new in amenity grass? David Johnston, AFBI
17.30 Feeding sports turf, Mike Daly, The Agrology House, Lincoln
18.00 Controlling pests in sports turf without chemicals DavidFoster, Koppert
18.30 Adding value to produce, Christine Haydock, CAFRE
19.00 Better Spray Application, Paul Miller, Specialist Advisor, Spray Applications (NIAB)
20.00 Protected crop structures (Glass versus Polytunnel) JerryCropley, Cropley GlassHouses Ltd
20.30 Renewable energy for horticulture, Nigel Moore, CAFRE
Horticulture 2012 Business Development Seminar programme
11.00 Registration
11.30 Plant Health Update (Topical pests & diseases) John Finlay, Agrifood Inspection Branch, DARD, Dr Alistair McCracken, AFBI, DrStephenJess, AFBI
12.10 Invasive Species - Be Plant Wise, John Early, NIEA
12.30 Business management: planning for profit, Charlie Kilpatrick, CAFRE
13.00 Taxation issues for horticulture businesses, Anne Douglas, CavanaghKelly
13.30 Sourcing funds for business investment, Rosemary Peters Gallagher, Moore Stephens
14.00 H&S in the workplace Malcolm Downey, HSENI
14.30 What you need to know about Employment law, Patricia Coulter, Labour Relations Agency
15.30 Common Agriculture Policy Reform (2014-2020 Update) NormanFulton, DARD
16.00 Fresh Produce Market Trends, Lorcan Bourke, Bord Bia (Irish Food Board)
16.30 Fresh Produce Supply Chain Report, Sarah Dawson, NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Chairman
17.30 How to build a brand, Lewis Cunningham, Wilson’s Country Ltd
18.00 Business management: planning for profit, Charlie Kilpatrick, CAFRE
18.30 Taxation issues for horticulture businesses, Anne Douglas, CavanaghKelly
19.00 Sourcing funds for business investment, Rosemary Peters Gallagher, Moore Stephens
19.30 Managing Waste and Environmental Compliance, Neil McCauley, McQuillian Envirocare
20.00 H&S in the workplace, Malcolm Downey, HSENI
20.30 Plant Health Update (Topical pests & diseases), John Finlay, Agrifood Inspection Branch, DARD, Dr Alistair McCracken, AFBI, DrStephenJess, AFBI
21.10 Invasive Species - Be Plant Wise, John Early, NIEA
Source: DARD - Mushroom Issues at Horticulture 2012
