Major Horticulture Conference Set To Address Sustainability In The Sector
- Sarah-Jayne Gratton
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
‘Resource Efficiency in Horticulture’ will be firmly on the agenda next month when a major one-day conference takes place.
Held at The East Malling Trust (EMT), the high-profile event will bring together some of the leading minds in academia, business and policy on November 6th to discuss how the UK can advance sustainability in the edible horticulture sector.
An exciting cohort of industry experts and early career professionals have already signed up to attend and will hear keynote addresses from the British Growers Association’s Jack Ward and Anna Taylor.
The latter, who is Executive Director of the Food Foundation and a member of the Government’s Food Strategy Advisory Board, will explore the role of horticulture in helping solve food poverty and in supporting a healthy UK population.
Delegates will also gain an insight into the latest findings from seven ongoing research projects, enjoy short poster talks from three universities and, in the afternoon, will be steered through current funding and collaboration opportunities.
Dr Oliver Doubleday, Chair of The EMT, commented: “We are really excited about getting lots of growers, researchers, policymakers and industry together under one roof to discuss some of the key talking points from our sector, including pre and post-harvest efficiencies, water, energy and labour-saving strategies and waste management and climate smart practices.
“The key focus will be on how we can collectively deliver healthy, fresh produce to the UK, whilst reducing resource consumption and improving environmental impact.”
He continued: “We’ve created a real dynamic mix of expert speakers, interactive research talks and an important insight into how organisations can access future funding and innovation opportunities through UKRI and Innovate UK.
“We have a limited number of spaces left and people have until October 24th to register to ensure they are part of the conversation.”
Attending on behalf of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) will be Kelly Shields, their Technical Director, who commented: “FPC are delighted to support this event which seeks to bring together research opportunities and great minds with the horticultural challenges posed today”.
Dr Geraint Parry, Executive Officer of the AAB, remarked: “It’s important that we can bring together researchers, who make the scientific findings, with the people who make future policy and funding decisions. This meeting provides an exciting mix of relevant cross-sector participants.”
Organised by the Association of Applied Biologists (AAB) and The East Malling Trust, the conference will feature a guided tour of the Produce Quality Centre and Growing Kent and Medway facilities at the Bradbourne House estate.
EMT’s Chair Karyn Hood will also expand upon the organisation’s new strategy to support horticultural research and investment in the sector, whilst providing the first insight into its £multi-million Greentech plans to create a state-of-the-art campus in Kent.
Dr Doubleday concluded: “Our event wants to attract the brightest minds in our sector and there will be strong interest from young professionals and researchers keen to make their mark in horticulture. We’ve even put aside a £200 spot prize for the best poster talk!
“It’s so important that we galvanise the next generation to get involved in discussions that will shape our industry for years to come.”
The ‘Resource Efficiency in Horticulture Conference’ is sponsored by Growing Kent & Medway, University of Greenwich, FPC and the National Resources Institute.