Friday, 14 February 2014 10:06

Open day follows Biological Farming Conference

Written by Pamela Tipa

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

THE SECOND national conference on biological farming systems has been gaining popularity with farmers, researchers and biological companies.

Now, thanks to Waiariki Institute of Technology, the public will have an opportunity to learn about and experience a bit of biological farming systems.

Waiariki is assisting with the organisation of the Biological Farming and Sustainability Open Day taking place on Saturday, February 22, at their Mokoia Campus from 10am to 2pm.

Entry to the Open Day is free and the general public are encouraged to attend. "Our aim for the Open Day is to promote biological farming concepts to the general public and also to connect the public with the biological farming community and sustainability groups," Professor Guna Magesan (pictured), conference coordinator.

A number of biological fertiliser companies, sustainability groups, research and educational institutes will be exhibiting and sharing their knowledge.

Public organisations such as Scion, Waiariki, Te Puni Kokiri and Bay of Plenty Regional Council will be promoting their work.
Dr Michael Quintern of Noke Ltd, a well-known scientist in the area of waste management and sustainability, will explain the concepts of vermicomposting. He will set up worm farms and put some worm capsules into dishes to demonstrate hatching baby worms.

Denise La Grouw, promoter of Rotorua Sustainable Backyards, will share her share passion with the community about our future.
Andre Prassinos from Biobrew, a recent award winner, will be displaying their work.

Similarly, other companies such as NZ Nature Farming, Homeopathic Farm Support, and Farmlands will be setting up stalls to promote sustainability and biological farming.

The Open Day will be held after two days of technical sessions of oral and poster presentations. The conference will be inaugurated by Mayor of Rotorua Ms Steve Chadwick.

More than 150 farmers, Māori land owners, soil and environmental scientists, consultants, ecologists, land management specialists, and representatives from government agencies, universities, crown research institutes, regional councils, fertiliser companies, agricultural and horticultural businesses are participating in the conference.

The theme of the conference is "Biological farming under different land uses", reflecting the vital role of biological farming in sustaining our economy, our environment, and our communities

Featured

Massey Adds New Majors in Agritech, Animal Science

Interest in agritech and production animal systems has prompted Massey University's School of Agriculture and the Environment to new majors to its popular animal science degree.

Ballance Returns to Profit, Announces $18.2m Rebate

Ballance Agrinutrients chief executive Kelvin Wickham says despite a tough year, he is pleased the business has returned to profit.

Mark Cameron Steps Down, Reflects on Farmers' Voice

When Northland farmer Mark Cameron entered parliament six years ago, the Beehive was a lonely place.

What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?

Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.

Ex-National MP: Coup Attempt Could Cost Luxon the Election

I think it's going to greatly weaken National at the election. That's the view of a former senior National MP on the recent attempted coup against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

RMA Reform Still on Track Despite Wellington Drama — Feds

Despite political shenanigans in Wellington, farmers are confident that Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms will get over the line in this term of Parliament.