The panel discussion will take place from 10:15 AM to 11 AM at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. (Image source: AIPH)

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) will be moderating a panel session at 10 am tomorrow at GreenTech RAI Amsterdam to discuss sustainable growing media solutions and industry readiness

Delving into the topic of sustainable growing media, the panel session will explore the industry’s response, the challenges it poses, and the innovative solutions being developed. After trialling peat-free substrates for two decades, the Farplants Group, one of the UK's largest wholesale ornamental plant growers, has built a wealth of experience in peat-free growing. The company's technical manager (trials and new product development), Gracie Barrett, will be one of the panel speakers at tomorrow's event. 

Barrett's research on peat-free substrates has emphasised the importance of understanding the distinct properties of different component materials and the challenges of inconsistency and nutrient leaching, thus making her an expert in this field. “The substrates we use are predominantly wood-based, and a reasonable proportion of our crops are now final potted into peat-free substrates," said Barrett. "Most of our products will be potted peat-free by 2026."

Other panellists include secretary general of AIPH, Tim Briercliffe, director of portfolio management at Kekkilä BVB, Nedeljko Basic, peat specialist at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, Van Nguyen and owner and CEO of Greenhouse Sustainability, Henri Potze. 

The panel discussion will take place from 10:15 AM to 11 AM at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. The panel is part of the ongoing event, GreenTech Amsterdam which is taking place from 11-13 June. 

For more information, visit: https://www.greentech.nl/amsterdam 

The DLG-Feldtage 2024 not only offers exciting insights into the world of agriculture, but also valuable opportunities for pupils, students and job seekers. (image source: DLG)

This year’s DLG-Feldtage commences with the theme: ‘Crop production out of the box,’ scheduled to take place from 11-13 June in Erwitte near Lippstadt, Germany

In a survey conducted by organiser, the DLG (German Agricultural Society) in the run-up to the event, the majority of participants stated that they planned to use the DLG-Feldtage 2024 to update themselves on the latest in crop protection, crop production and plant breeding, including seeds and varieties. The respondents were particularly interested in the topics of soil protection, crop rotation and strategies for adapting crop cultivation. 

The machinery demonstrations were another highlight, closely followed by the topics of precision farming, sustainability and environmental protection as well as oil and protein crops and alternative proteins.

This year’s event will also feature numerous premieres and machinery demonstrations with live commentary. 

One of the main focus of the DLG-Feldtage 2024 is organic farming, which enables farmers to discuss the latest developments and innovations in organic farming with representatives of the organic value chain. An organic lunch event will also be organised on 12 June. On 13 June, DLG-Feldtage 2024 will hold its ‘Value Chain Day,’ focusing on the entire food chain. 

In addition to offering exciting insights into the world of agriculture, the event also offers valuable opportunities for pupils, students and job seekers.

For more information, visit: www.dlg.org

Mr Smija discusses the significance of the company’s presence at the event, their overall market growth and level of competition in Southeast Asia, among other interesting insights. (Image source: FEAG)

FLIEGL’s sales manager Asia, Mr Sebastian Smija speaks with Far Eastern Agriculture at AGRITECHNICA & HORTI ASIA 2024, that took place from 22-24 May at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) in Bangkok, Thailand 

Mr Smija discusses the significance of the company’s presence at the event, their overall market growth and level of competition in Southeast Asia, among other interesting insights.

Can you tell me a bit about your company and the type of products you manufacture?

Sebastian Smija (SS): FLIEGL is a German, middle-stand, family-owned company, and we specialise in transport. We produce all kinds of trailers for the agricultural industry. 

What is the significance of your presence at AGRITECHNICA ASIA, this year?

Sebastian Smija (SS): AGRITECHNICA Asia, here in Bangkok, is a place that is easy to reach for most of the important buyers or decision makers from Southeast Asia. So on this show, we are not only here because of the Thai market, but for the whole Southeast Asian market and countries.

Which regions are your target markets in Southeast Asia?

Sebastian Smija (SS): Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, a bit into Cambodia and Laos.

Can you like shed some light on the latest products that you are presenting/launching at this show?

Sebastian Smija (SS): We did not really launch anything here at the show because the market here is a developing market. So, the machines that are not necessarily new in Europe, are new here. So for this market, our important product is normally the spreaders either for solid or liquid manure, to spread organic fertiliser. That is what we normally present here. And that is what we sell mainly in these markets.

What makes your products unique and what is the level of competition that you generally receive?

Sebastian Smija (SS): Competition here, depends a lot on size. That is why we sell and also exhibit mid size to large machines, because there is no competition for that. There is no manufacturer that produces such a machine, here in Thailand.

Do you mostly focus on large scale or small scale farms?

Sebastian Smija (SS): Large scale farms, because the smaller the farm, the more competition you have. If there is local Thai, or Vietnamese competition, we have no chance and we are too expensive.

Have you collaborated with the Thai government or local organisations and companies here?

Sebastian Smija (SS): Here in Thailand, we cooperate with the companies, yes. They use our machines and also distribute them if needed. With the government or government organisations, not really.

How is your market growth now in comparison to the past few years?

Sebastian Smija (SS): Steadily growing. During Corona, the sales were still good. We did not have any problems with selling the machines.

But production was more affected, because parts were missing, and so on. 

What are your short and long term goals?

Sebastian Smija (SS): Our goal—why we are here—is to represent the brand, to keep the awareness where such a machine can be bought up. Because if you look around, there is no one else presenting such a machine, but it is an important machine for the husbandry industry and many pig farms that have cows or chicken or whatever. Many farms still underestimate the value of organic fertilisers and our aim is to show what these machines can do for them. In terms of improving yields as well as a proper disposal of animal waste.

Since these machines are very new, are you providing any training programmes to the younger generation or to farmers on how to use them efficiently? 

Sebastian Smija (SS): We don’t have enough interest for these, but in the future, I hope that there is enough interest and enough serious projects. Then it would make sense to do training on demonstrations and field days and this kind of promotion.

What are some of your best selling products?

Sebastian Smija (SS): Our best selling products are the products with this type of technology—i.e. in the front, there is a push off system, a hydraulic system to unload the machines so that you don’t need any chains or the machine doesn't have to tip up—that is very successful. 

ZALUX’s products will be on display at GreenTech Amsterdam, which is scheduled to take place from 11-13 June this year. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Drawing on its global proficiency in horticultural science and technology, ZALUX, a member of the German group Trilux (Market Leading Company for Professional Lighting), is delivering a groundbreaking line of LED luminaires that profoundly amplify the growth of crops and plants in horticultural settings

ZALUX develops biologically efficient lighting solutions tailored to flowers’ and fruits’ vegetative and generative growth cycles. 

The harmonious integration of greenhouse design, plant biology, and specialised lighting systems holds the promise of unparalleled crop yields and sustainable agricultural practices. By meticulously considering these factors, ZALUX can tailor a lighting system that meets any grower’s unique needs, ultimately fostering optimal plant growth and unlocking maximum yield potential.

“ZALUX lighting solutions are designed to combine the expertise of our European specialists in protected lighting for demanding and aggressive environments, and the advice of horticultural experts,” said head of farming at ZALUX, Patrick Rüschenbaum. “Compared to conventional lighting technology, you can save up to 60% energy with LED luminaires. 

ZALUX’s products will be on display at GreenTech Amsterdam, which is scheduled to take place from 11-13 June this year.

For more information, visit: www.zalux.com