Avoca Garden Centre County Wicklow
Floristry Ireland :: Horticulture Trends Latest News, Trends, Courses, Services, Products, Suppliers & Jobs for Floristry Sector in Ireland: Garden Centre, Landscape, Architecture, Nurseries, Arboriculture, Sports Turf, Greenkeepers & Fresh Produce Sectors
ill-timed and badly thought out climate change legislation, which he understands is to be discussed at a cabinet meeting today.
He said, “Hastily-introduced climate change legislation will be very damaging to the role that the agri-food and other sectors can play in Ireland’s economic recovery. Before the Government moves ahead with any legislation on this matter, it must take full account of Ireland’s sustainable model of farming and change the flawed method of calculating greenhouse gas emissions, to accurately reflect carbon sinks from soils and forestry.”
Mr Bryan added, “The Government’s Food Harvest 2020 Report identifies major growth in exports and jobs from the dairy and livestock sectors. If this legislation is introduced with the unrealistic reduction targets currently proposed it will have a very negative impact on the potential of the sector.”
“It is ludicrous that Ireland could introduce emission reduction targets way in excess of those proposed by other countries, while at the same time countries such as Brazil destroy Amazonian rainforests and allow their greenhouse gas emissions spiral out of control.”
The IFA President said, “Any climate change legislation must take account of the carbon sinks associated with permanent pastures and forestry. This is essential because Ireland has the largest carbon absorbing permanent pastures in Europe and the greatest potential to expand the forestry sector.”
The current proposals contained in the Programme for Government go far beyond demands from the EU Commission and will have a very negative impact on our sector. The Green Party could do much more for climate change by resolving the chaos their inaction has created in the renewable energy sector. An immediate package of measures must be introduced which includes a realistic REFIT tariff to support carbon neutral energy production from the micro and bio and micro energy sectors.
Concluding, the IFA President said, “Ireland’s grass-based production system ensures that we produce beef and milk with lower carbon intensity than other exporting nations. Over the past 20 years emissions from milk and beef production have all declined in Ireland. We have a low carbon model of food production and Government policy must not undermine the sector’s ability to drive exports and jobs as part of our economic recovery.”
Rebecca Smithers.
http://m.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/dec/08/replantable-christmas-trees-festive-success-story?cat=money&type=article
Potted and replantable Christmas trees have proved to be a 'surprise hit' say retailers
Potted and replantable Christmas trees have surprised retailers with their popularity with consumers this year.
Shoppers are showing their green credentials this year by creating a record demand for ecologically sound, replantable Christmas trees. The trees, which have roots and can be grown in the garden or in tubs ready for following Christmases, present a viable alternative to the annual hassle of getting rid of a Christmas tree.
Tesco says demand for the "green" trees – available in its stores in three sizes – have been the "surprise hit" this year. Its most popular so far is a miniature version that is about 50cm high, comes fitted with lights and costs £10. The other varieties are 2-3ft and 3ft plus high.
Tesco horticulture buyer Shama Mehan said: : "The miniature tree with lights has become a surprise hit with shoppers and we've already sold tens of thousands of them. We initially trialled them last year and they were snapped up very quickly but this year their popularity has exceeded all our expectations and we have had to order more – and we're still only in the first week of December."
The miniature trees are a variety called Picea, which originally come from Scandinavia but were grown in Holland. Its 3ft high trees are a variety called Nordman Fir while the 2-3ft ones are a variety called Blue Spruce. Both come in one-foot-high pots.
Tesco said the huge demand echoes a major trend in the last year for plants with sales now growing twice the rate as for flowers. Every Christmas over six million real Christmas trees are sold in the UK, but many of which are grown in European countries: resulting in environmental costs created by the transport required to import them to the UK.
B&Q is also reporting strong sales of its potted Christmas trees, which range in size from 40cm to 140cm. This year it has also introduced the smaller Grow Your Own tree for £6.98, saying it marked the start of a new trend for families to buy more than one type of tree.
Annette Hill, assistant buyer in horticulture at B&Q said: "There appears to be a growing trend for households displaying more than one tree, giving parents and kids a chance to stamp their mark. We're also seeing more people than ever buying Grow Your Own trees, especially families with young children, who want to start a tradition so the kids can see their tree grow over the years. When Christmas is over they can put the tree outside in the garden and bring them back inside the following year."
To ensure the survival of a pot-grown tree indoors, you need to give it plenty of water about twice a week and make sure it is not placed too near a fire or radiator. Decorate with only small lights to reduce the heat exposure.
You'll be saving yourself money over the years as they grow. But just be aware that they can grow as much as two feet in a year and once they get much bigger than 5ft they can become difficult to handle. The British Christmas Tree Growers' Association has some handy tips.
Also remember to reintroduce it to the cold outside gradually after Christmas so it does not get a nasty shock. If you are keeping it in a pot outside, rather than in the soil, repot it in a bigger tub each spring so its roots have space to grow.
Homebase also sells live trees, starting at 1.5ft in height and available in Norway Spruce, Fraser Fir, and Nordman Fir. Prices range from £7.99 for the 1.5ft Norway Spruce to £69.99 for a 5.5ft Norway Spruce.
Roger Hay, secretary of the British Christmas Tree Growers' Association, said: "This Christmas, with the decline in availability of trees from the continent, we're hoping more people than ever will support our British growers with a homegrown tree. British Christmas trees are one of the most environmentally friendly crops there are. Opting for a real, UK-grown tree will ensure you're making the most sustainable choice possible and trees bought at Homebase have a tiny carbon footprint, sourced as they are from British growers."
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Last Thursday, Monrovia customers found an e-mail in their inboxes containing two letters. The first letter, signed by Monrovia leadership, read (in part):
“Our banks have expressed their concern by giving us until January 31 to show significant improvement [$20 million] to our 2011 bookings or face a distressed sale of our inventories";
“Accordingly, we are offering you the opportunity to add to your spring bookings now and until January 31 [reductions of 35%-50% on products]”; and
“Candidly, we are being advised by our lenders and their advisors to sell to the big box channel if we are unable to significantly increase our booked orders. We will not sell our brand into the big box channel but the quality of our plants, even in a black pot speaks for itself. We are aware that this affects your competitive advantage.”
Monrovia has long been an independent-only grower of premium nursery products. Which is why a possible move into the big boxes prompted a group of 75 garden retailers to pen a letter of support (also included in the Monrovia e-mail):
“We, as Independent Nurseries, cannot afford this to happen,” the letter of support reads. “We agree that we shall increase our spring bookings by a significant amount to help Monrovia Growers reach their goal.”
Monrovia’s response
I was traveling when all this went down, but Green Profit Editor-at-Large Ellen Wells was hard at work in her Boston office, so she called Monrovia for the story. Here’s her report:
I spoke with Monrovia CEO Miles Roseland Friday to learn more. Sales, Miles says, had been “fine” for a six- to eight-year period—then for the last two years they’ve “slowed”—recession-related, he says.
As for two of their three banks (one wants out of the industry), “They are encouraging us to sell our plants into all channels and to find ways to increase our profitability as a company.” The one channel Monrovia currently isn’t in is the mass market.
Asked if there would be a reluctance to go in that direction, Miles assured customers that Monrovia “wouldn’t go into that channel with our brand, and we haven’t been in business there so we don’t know exactly how to do it, but we’re going to look into it.”
“Humbling and quite remarkable” are how Miles describes the IGC letter of support. “When our garden centers became aware of our need to go into all channels, they said ‘Let us help you sell more plants. If you can pass savings on to us, we can try to pass savings on to our customers. Maybe we can order a little more.’”
Premium nursery material in the mass-market channel—even in an anonymous black nursery pot—can and will be a threat to sales at IGCs. Does Monrovia feel they’d lose a lot of support from customers if they were to go into the big boxes, even if it wasn’t in a branded form? “We’re hopeful that our customers will understand the need for us to survive, and appreciate that we’re offering a differentiated product with a brand to them,” says Miles.
What Monrovia wants IGCs to know is this:
* They’re in full production and have lots of plants to sell;
* They’re prepared to offer good pricing so they can pass savings along to consumers;
* They’re not asking you to take away from other growers; and
* They’ll continue to offer high-value, high-quality plants.
“Response has been very favorable,” says Miles. “If they [IGCs] are willing to increase their business, that should give us the basis to find bank support.”
The conference call
On Tuesday, Monrovia held four conference calls with customers and other interested parties (like me), sharing details of the issue and opening the phone lines to questions.
They explained that one of their three banks doesn’t want to be in business with an industry that has inventory on the books for more than 12 months. That bank has apparently been burned by other nurseries, and so wanted out of this field. “We’re faced with the need to replace one of our three banks, and that is what has precipitated this outreach,” said Miles.
He was quick to add, “We’re not asking you to cancel from other growers. We recognize that other growers are in the same situation as we are, the same marketplace. We hope you’ll see the opportunity to add to your bookings with us, but we’re not asking you to cancel with someone else just to give us an advantage.”
Monrovia has more than 3,000 independent garden center customers. Quick math says each customer would have to increase its business by $6,700. Is that impossible?
“We certainly don’t think so," said Bob Smiland, chief sales & marketing officer. "You can do the math yourself, but 3,000-plus locations, you don’t have to buy too much more per location to get to that number. So this is not something just for the larger multi-store operations or super-destination garden centers."
Will they enter the mass market?
That’s what one caller asked. Replied Miles, “The simple answer is, we really don’t know at this point. We haven’t done business in the box channel for 15 years, and really are not familiar with it, but it wouldn’t be prudent for us, facing our demise, so to speak, to not consider all the channels, and that’s what we are doing. So at this point we really can’t give you a definite answer one way or the other.”
But he added, “Our approach into the box channel is not with the brand. The brand is something that’s been built by the independent garden centers, and we want to keep that exclusive to your channel.”
That was the only probing question. Otherwise, the few comments were pledges of support. Said one caller, “Do what you can for Monrovia in this tough time. They’ve been here for us for many, many years.”
Added a representative from a multi-store independent, “I just can’t envision this industry without Monrovia. When things do turn around, we’re going to depend a lot on the guaranteed availability from Monrovia and being able to introduce their new varieties to our customers.” With that, he pledged to increase purchases this year by 25%.
Awards are presented to the best buyers in each category and the buyer is held in more esteem than the store owner, or that is how it seems to come across to a visitor looking at the industry.
Having seen the French industry and the industry in other countries I can see why the French put so much emphasis on the buyer. Heroic buyers can make a big difference. I talked to Brond Wagenaar,
a French garden centre consultant, concerning the awards and how they are judged. He informed me that they are judged based on the following criteria.
Botanic
First stop was Botanic
Their Suresnes store, overlooking the Seine just outside Paris, is the flagship store in the chain and offers some interesting new trends in garden retailing. As a consultant I often advise retailers that a lifestyle retail store has to be on one level as it is difficult to get garden customers to travel from one floor to another. This store breaks those rules and is located on three levels and it works.
The lower level is the garden department, the second level is seasonal, including a balcony of outdoor plants and the top level is the pet department. Keeping pets and balcony gardens are the key interests of the local consumers and this business does a great job in serving both.
The middle market is the Jardiland and Truffaut market. Jardiland is a 800 million euro business started 30 years ago and now has 217 stores aiming to be the IKEA of the garden industry in France, Spain and Italy. Truffaut, a 440 million euro business is part of the De Haize supermarket family and has 55 stores spread across France, but has a critical 50% market share of the Paris market.
The challenge for these businesses is that 25% of their business comes in 25 days.
In fact Jardiland quoted the “three” concept in their business.
The business relies on THREE months...15 March until 15 June
THREE days...Friday, Saturday and Sunday
THREE hours...2.00pm until 5.00pm
Scarfs and Tea Towels
A new business to me was Garden Price, operated by three ex Truffaut team members .Their aim is to own the bottom of the market. They are the place you come when you want to buy on price. They locate themselves in retail parks near a Truffaut as they realize that their customers will have to finish their shopping at a fully fledged garden centre. You go to Garden Place for a limited range based on price. The stores are a warehouse with pallets and racking as shop fixtures.
During my visit Christmas lead up was in full swing, I asked what happened in January as stock turn was clearly critical to the business. I was told that while other garden centres moved into garden furniture which does not pick up in sales until March , they move in to tea towels and scarfs to keep female customers coming in and buying product.
The French market has moved forward in the last five years. It is clear that some retailers have a clear vision of where they want to be in the future and are focused on getting there. They realize that the buyer is a critical player in that process and they are recognised as the retail heroes.
John Stanley is a retail business coach, speaker and author. John films retail stores with new ideas and films great display ideas or retail trends as he travels around the world for his internet TV program. Members of his Club can view the TV program for free and receive team training for free. John has authored several successful marketing and retail books including the best seller “Just About Everything a Retail Manager Needs to Know”.
John Stanley helps retailers:
· Increase sales per square metre
· Train staff to increase the average sale per customer
· Better manage stock, merchandising and display to maximise potential
· Marketing more effectively to convert more lookers into buyers
For more information on John Stanley or how to become a Member of his Club, visit www.johnstanley.com.au or email info@johnstanley.com.au
The noise levels of the rolling ½ and ¼ steel euro pallets CC Rolly and CC Dolly from Container Centralen (CC) have been tested by TNO (a Dutch independent scientific research organisation) to acquire the PIEK certification. Noise levels of both pallets stay within the maximum of 60 dB(A) to classify for this certification. This means that CC is the first company in the world to obtain a PIEK certificate in the category “goods carts” (load carriers). This milestone within goods deliveries was furthermore awarded a so-called ‘Noise Oscar’ November 9.
At a ceremony held by the British Noise Abatement Society at the House of Commons November 9, Container Centralen and its range of low-noise returnable transport items were awarded the Highly Commended accolade.
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Chairman Kildare Growers
The master classes will cover the follwing categories:
The Future Foundation will provide information on trends and Westland Horticulture’s technical team will provide information on specific products to enable retail staff to pass this on to their customers. Westland Horticulture head of marketing Keith Nicholson said: "The 2011 Westland Masterclasses are a must for all garden retail staff, as one of the leading companies within this area we will be using our knowledge along with those from outside professional organisations to reinvigorate gardening within centres across the UK."
Westland Masterclass Date - Dublin: City West Hotel – 3rd February 2011.
The classes are free of charge and restricted to 30 delegates per course. A refundable booking fee of £35 is required.Executive Summary This “Plan for the Development of Horticulture in Teagasc 2010-2013” addresses both the ongoing need for change identified in Teagasc 2030 and the Teagasc Change Programme 2009-2013 as well as the need for maximising resources of horticulture in Teagasc against a background of a deteriorating budgetary position. The horticultural sector contributes over €360 million (CSO, 2008) to agricultural output at farm gate level and provides over 6,000 jobs in the production sector. In addition the amenity services sector has a value of over €2 billion and employs an estimated 12,700 people. There is considerable potential for development of horticulture at both production and value added levels. Fruit and vegetables play a very important role in addressing the nation’s health problems and horticultural pursuits contribute to a positive lifestyle. The need for ongoing industry modernisation remains a key priority to attain the efficiencies required in a competitive global horticultural industry. New EU regulations concerning pesticides were enacted in November 2009. These together with the volumes of existing regulations including the Nitrate directorate, hygiene regulations etc will have major implications for all growers as well as the input and output service industries. The goal of Teagasc will be to provide growers and the industry with the knowledge and skills to abide by these regulations while enabling growers and the industry to deliver increased profit from productivity. The primary recommendations are listed below: 1. Exploit the development potential of horticulture, prioritising mushrooms, fruit/vegetable, nursery stock/cut foliage and turfgrass sectors. a. Support innovation that adds value in the food sector taking advantage of the positive healthy profile associated with fruit/vegetables. b. Support innovation that creates diversity in the nursery stock/cut foliage sector. c. Use Producer Organisations to drive investment and consolidate market developments where possible. 2. Integrate horticultural research, advisory and education services in one programme under the leadership of a dedicated programme manager. This will better service the needs of the horticultural sector and enable rationalisation of Teagasc resources. Horticultural activities will be located at a) Ashtown/National Botanic Gardens b) Kildalton. Potato development work will be associated with the tillage crops and potato expertise in Oak Park. 3. The drivers of the horticultural programme will be a) Profit from productivity; b) Innovation for added value; c) Energy efficiency and d) stakeholders needs. 4. Teagasc will form a “Horticultural Commodity Team” comprising representatives from Teagasc, Bord Bia, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and stakeholders representing sectoral interests including growers and the industry. This team will provide leadership and coordination to the horticultural industry. Enterprise teams will be established to provide leadership to the individual sectors. A Joint Programme Development Team with representatives from Research, Advice and Education will draw up the annual Teagasc Horticulture Business Plan. 5. Key appointments required subject to resources are: a. entomologist to service the needs of all horticultural production; b. Specialist-Researcher on potatoes; c. Specialist-Researcher on mushrooms; d. Post doctorate or post graduate researcher on cut foliage; and, e. Knowledge transfer person dealing with horticultural web content, publications, short courses and public events.
Director of Horticulture at Teagasc Jim O’Mahony is making ready for the public domain and all interested industry sectors. Stay tuned to HortiTrends for this and other latest news updates!
Marketing has gone through a revolution over the last few years and month
All these new ways of developing and growing your business have been proven to work by retailers and small business, but the real challenge is implementationin your own business.
The down turn and uncertainty in the market place due to the financial meltdown in 2008 has resulted in most small businesses considering downsizing and either shedding staff or not recruiting more staff.
In 2010 many economies around the world are still “soft” with governments bringing in stricter governing regulations and as a result retailers are still nervous about growth in the economy. This really came home to me when I had a conversation with my local travel agent. We were having a conversation about marketing and she mentioned that the challenge was not developing new ideas, but having the time to implement those ideas. She was confident that if she had the time she could develop her business and spread the message about how good her service was helping her customers.
She is aware of the marketing secret for 2011...it is TIME .Those businesses that can find time to develop their marketing strategy are those that will prosper in 2011.
I was recently working with a client and his reaction was very similar. His comment was “I am too busy to do marketing, I need all my time to just keep the business afloat, when the business is going well I will give myself more time to do the marketing”.
The extra pressure that retailers and small business are feeling at present is resulting in less people doing more work and as a result they are not having time to develop their business. This strategy will work in the short term, but in the long term it will result in a reduction in customers as other businesses gear up to develop their marketing strategies and attract customers away from your business.
TIME SAVERS
The key to developing your business in the next few months is going back to the basics of management and looking at how you can use time more effectively to allow you and your team to develop marketing strategies for the business in 2011.
My top 7 Tips are as follows
1 Write down your goals as far as marketing is concerned. What do you want to achieve and by when. I think the key is to write them down rather than just think about them and to put a date to the time you will have achieved these goals.
2 When travelling give yourself a target to achieve. I am a typical “Road Warrior” and use the time at airports and on flights to achieve work goals, you may not be an air traveller, but travel time can still be a valuable time to catch up and research what marketing you need to develop.
3 Do not procrastinate. Set a deadline, write it down and do it. Tell work colleagues and family members what you are doing so they can help you develop your goals.
4 Balance your time between traditional marketing and social media marketing. It is easy to get engrossed in one at the expense of the other. You will need both techniques in your tool kit for 2011.
5 Is there something that you can delegate to allow you to invest more time in the things that will make a difference in your business? For some of us it may be worth delegating the marketing, for others it may mean delegating other areas of work.
6 Measure the success of marketing. Measure how you are achieving more customers and the increase in the average sale per customer. This will give you the motivation and confidence to develop your marketing skills
7 Reward yourself when you have achieved your goals in marketing.
I am confident that 2011 will result in more unique marketing ideas being presented to all of us and it will be easy to feel swamped by all these ideas. My advice is to keep it as simple as you can, set some goals and make sure you achieve them.
John Stanley (CSP) is one of the top 10% of speakers in the world today, an acclaimed retail consultant and WA Entrepreneur of the Year 2009. The author of several marketing, customer service and retail books including the best seller “Just About Everything a Retail Manager Needs to Know”, his company is WA Small Business Champion 2009 – Educational Services and WA Small Business of the Year 2010 for Export Services. John was voted one of the “Power 100” in 2010 by the UK Horticultural Press. Visit his websitewww.johnstanley.com.au or email linda@johnstanley.com.au to see how he can help you grow your business.
Garden and Landscape Design Seminar, Saturday 29th January 2011
Inspired: What drives successful design?
Design is borne of many things; Ego, empathy , passion, skill, history, belief, knowledge, vision, bravery, economy and emotion all play their part in stimulating designers to solve problems, satisfy desires and overcome challenges. What drives and constitutes successful design is a somewhat more complex issue. While consensus may be reached on intent, function and aesthetics, the shifting sands of time alter perception, attitude and environment making it an essentially ephemeral agreement; And one which design professionals have debated for eons.
To frame a contemporary vision of what drives successful design, the Garden and Landscape Design Association (GLDA) have enlisted the genius of some of Europe’s most respect design professionals for a day of insight, opinion and debate. Now in its 15th successful year, the GLDA design seminar, which is aptly entitled, Inspired: What drives successful design? Will take place on Saturday 29th of January at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. The speaker line-up for the eagerly awaited 2011 seminar features multi award-winning design professionals of national and international acclaim, including Tom Stuart-Smith, Róisín Heneghan of Heneghan Peng Architects, Hugh Ryan MGLDA and James Doyle of James Doyle Associates.
As the design calendar event of the year places are already being snapped up. To secure your place at this exciting event you are encouraged to book early. For tickets and further information contact the GLDA office on: 01 2940092, info@glda.ie or via www.glda.ie.
This event is proudly supported by Bord Bia, Ireland’s Food Board.
| "Operation Chip It" News | November 3, 2010 |
Facts about “Operation Chip It”
Different messages about ‘Operation Chip It’ are circulating in the media. Some are correct, but there are also many misunderstandings. The short and simple facts are as follows:
Scan your CC Containers – YOUR Guarantee!Containers without a genuine CC RFID tag are not accepted in the CC Pool System. Therefore, we recommend that you always scan the containers you receive. More information
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John and Linda Stanley, the owners of John Stanley Associates are having a year of awards.
This is the third recognition of their endeavours in the last twelve months. Twelve months ago the couples business was awarded the Small Business Champions Award for Training and Education in Western Australia and John was awarded Small Business Champion Entrepreneur of the Year for Western Australia.
In July the UK horticultural press placed John in the top 100 most influential people in the UK horticultural retail industry; this was for the second year running and he was the only non UK resident in the list.
This latest award is in recognition of the amount of work the couple do outside of Australia helping small businesses to grow and prosper. On the awards presentation night, John and Linda could not be present to accept their award as they are working with retailers in Hungary, Czech and Poland. Their Eastern European work is a combination of conference presentations, consultancy and retail workshops. The couple work in 28 countries on all Continents where businesses exist, they have worked in Czech before, but this is the first time they have worked in Poland and Hungary. Their first trip to Poland has already resulted in four more trips being organised to work with the industry.
You can take a look at their calendar of work on their website www.johnstanley.com.au
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE: SMG), the world's leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, today announced that Jim Hagedorn has decided to continue to serve as both chairman and chief executive officer. In 2008, Mr. Hagedorn announced his intention to retire as CEO during this fiscal year.
"The success we've seen over the past two years has been exciting, but it really just reinforces how much more opportunity remains for our Company and the lawn and garden category," Hagedorn said. "While I thought I wanted to step aside after I turned 55, I've decided I want to stay engaged in the business and, with the approval of our Board of Directors, intend to do so."
ScottsMiracle-Gro also said that Mark Baker, who was hired as president and chief operating officer two years ago, has departed the Company and the Board of Directors.
"While I will miss the good friends I have made over the past two years, my decision to leave is the right thing for the Company," Baker said. "Jim is a strong and charismatic leader and I continue to share his vision for ScottsMiracle-Gro. I wish him and all 8,000 associates good luck and I am confident in their continued success."
Additionally, Barry Sanders has been named president of the Company, effective immediately.
Sanders joined ScottsMiracle-Gro in 2001, overseeing the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system as well as the consolidation of the North American Consumer business. He later led the sales force in the U.S. and was then promoted to lead the Company's Global Supply Chain. In 2008, Sanders was selected to lead the U.S. Consumer business and, earlier this year, was named executive vice president of the entire Global Consumer segment.
"I am confident that the leadership team here is as strong as we've ever had," Hagedorn said. "Barry has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to drive profitable growth and has repeatedly set a clear direction for his team, and has been tenacious in driving results.
"I also want to acknowledge the important contributions that Mark Baker made to this Company. As President and COO he helped us implement changes that will benefit us for years to come. And the insights he provided during his seven-year tenure on our Board made our discussions more productive and truly helped to guide the vision and strategy of our Company. I look forward to continuing my 20-year friendship with Mark. He leaves us on good terms and I want to thank him for all he has done," Hagedorn said.
It is with great sadness that we report the recent death of a popular and hardworking horticultural colleague. I asked Jim's colleagues in Teagasc for a few words.
“The death has recently taken place of Jim Kelleher, Teagasc Nursery Stock Specialist advisor. Jim was based at Kildalton for a long number of years both as an advisor and lecturer in horticulture. He started his career in County Wicklow where he served in the early 80’s. During his time at Kildalton Jim was seconded to Avonmore/Glanbia where he headed up the emerging forestry division before returning to Kildalton. Jim made a very significant contribution to horticultural development. In January 2010, despite the onset of his illness, Jim was a key driver of plans for the Nursery sector as outlined in the “Plan for the Development of Horticulture in Teagasc 2010-2013”. Socially Jim was great company – a renowned raconteur and able musician! Jim will be sadly missed by his clients, colleagues and friends in Teagasc and particularly at Kildalton.
All at Teagasc send our sympathies to Jim’s wife Kathleen and family.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Jim at the National Plant Fair, Punchestown 2009.
Photo: Koraley Northen

John Whelan
The leap in exports was driven by an aggressive 12.8pc growth in merchandise exports, according to the Exporters Association (IEA) third quarter review.Good growth in merchandise and services exports brought total Irish exports for the third quarter to €40.4bn, marking a 9.3pc increase on last year.
The Association’s chief executive John Whelan said the export effort continues to show Ireland the “way out of the recession”.
The review said that merchandise exporters gained from a broadening out of the growth across most of the main international trading markets. Exchange rate competitiveness and continued buoyancy in global trade also assisted the acceleration in export growth.
Whelan said the euro exchange rate with the dollar in the three months toSeptember was, on average, 10pc lower than it was in 2009. “This helped Irish manufactured goods exports to the US rise by 32pc in value,” continued Whelan. “This reversed the losses in exports to that market over the last two years. This indicates clearly that Irish exports are now competitive into the US, provided the US Treasury does not re-enter the currency market to weaken the dollar.”
Whelan added that the exchange rate with sterling also improved during the quarters, helping exports to the UK rise by 4pc. This was particularly important for the indigenous sector which trades heavily to the UK market, said Whelan.
The agri-food sector increased its export sales by 14pc. Services exports grew 4.9pc, a more modest growth than its aggressive pattern in the first half of the year. The Association expects export sales will continued to be strong for the rest of the year, and therefore has revised its forecast for the year to €158.9bn in total exports.
It added that Irish exports could grow faster next year if the Budget 2011 is supportive of the export sector and does not increase the cost of exporting from Ireland. The IEA Pre-Budget Submission outlines the key routes to export expansion that should be supported in the Budget.
Whelan stated that despite the strong overall performance of Ireland exports, it is hard to overstate the difficulties faced by exporters in 2010. He said volatile exchange rates, reduced trade finance for expansion, withdrawal of bank bond guarantees, withdrawal of invoice discounting cover and credit insurance difficulties all are problems which exporters still face.
However, he concluded, “There is clear evidence that exporters can drive their way out of this recession and bring economic growth with it, but it is essential that the upcoming Budget supports export growth and does not increase the cost of doing business in Ireland.”
The UKLA shortlist has been announced and the details on the six finalists are revealed here...
A shortlist of six UK landscapes were announced on 12 October as contenders for the first-ever UK Landscape of the Year soon to be revealed at the Landscape Convention Conference in November…
The six finalists from the transformed heritage coastline in Durham to a bustling city-based network of green spaces in Sheffield, represent the rich variety of work going on the profession today. The shortlist is:
The winning landscape will go on to represent the UK in the European Landscape Award, which takes place in Strasbourg in March 2011.
Commenting on the announcement, Natural Environment Minister, Richard Benyon, said: “Whether you’re in a town or in the countryside there are areas around us that we should rightly be proud of. A good landscape makes us feel part of a community and gives a sense of pride in where we live.”
Helen Phillips, Natural England Chief Executive, was equally emphatic: “All landscapes are important. They form the link between human society and the natural world, and provide vital natural support services – such as food, clean water, climate change regulation, flood prevention and, of course recreation. All six shortlisted landscapes showcase what can be achieved when communities and partners come together to support the landscapes around them.”
Professor Keith Nicholson, a board member of Scottish Natural Heritage says, “We are really pleased to see the Dundee project win the Scottish heat of the award. This project has demonstrated real commitment to sustainable landscape in the local community. Looking after our landscapes is a responsibility shared by everyone. The Dundee project has embraced that responsibility wholeheartedly and we wish it every success in the finals.”
Project profiles: your guide to the UKLA shortlist
Full details of all schemes are available at:uklandscapeaward.org/results
| The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has called on the Irish Government to make job retention and development a primary goal of its four-year budgetary policy. Speaking at the publication of the federation's pre-Budget submission, the Director-General Tom Parlon said: "The Government’s fiscal consolidation targets for the next 4 years won’t be achieved without economic and employment growth. If this is to be achieved, the Government has to protect productive spending in the Budget. "The Capital Investment Programme is particularly crucial in this regard. Cutting capital investment again will only serve to further depress economic activity and as has been illustrated over the past two years, put more pressure on the Exchequer as a result of further unemployment. Cutting productive investment is a false economy." Mr Parlon continued: "There are a range of measures that the Minister can introduce, at no cost to the Exchequer, to help support the economy. A good example is stamp duty. Persisting with a high transaction tax when there are no transactions makes no sense, either from the economy’s or the Exchequer’s perspective." "Introducing a 0 per cent stamp duty rate may encourage more interest in commercial and residential property transactions and therefore generate additional incomes for the State," he added. |
The show has now seen a fall of 49.5% since its peak in 2003 (source ABC).
Confusingly, and quite worryingly - official Glee media partner - Hort Week, headlined their story 'Glee hails visitor uplift to 13,000'. I might be missing something (perhaps it's an industry code?) but Glee posted 14,617 in 2009 and only 13,050 in 2010 - a fall of just under 11%?
Hort Week will have to explain how it's come to its conclusion because I don't understand it.
Here's the audited* figures from 2003 to date.
2010* 13,050 (unaudited)
2009 14,617
2008 18,119
2007 22,202
2006 24,530
2005 25,157
2004 24,761
2003 25,886
The Hard Landscaping Show 2011, due to have been opened by journalist Matthew Wilson, has been cancelled after organisers failed to sell enough stand space to make the February 2011 event viable.
Event director, Stephen Callaghan, told DIY Week: "Trading conditions in the landscaping industry remain very tough," and went on, "Many of our major exhibitors are struggling to commit and this has been making it difficult for us to achieve our goal of significantly growing the show for 2011."
Callaghan is proposing that the Hard Landscaping Show will return in February 2012 and has intimated that the event may go to bi-annually.
by Phillip Voice.
More coverage:
Hort Week - Hard Landscaping show postponed until 2012 due to 'tough trading conditions'
The Landscaper Magazine - SHOW MOVES TO 2012
The Hard Landscaping Show website.
As a landscaping and gardening industry analyst, I've been appalled in recent years at the way the landscaping and horticulture industry has largely ignored the end user when organising trade events.
The emphasis has always seemed to have been on the product or services supplier's relationship with the ultimate buyer, and the practitioner - the guys and girls who use machinery and products, day in and day out - too often referred to as 'tyre kickers', are all but forgotten in the development and sales process.
It's time that practitioners' experience knowledge is fed back into development and fine tuning of equipment and machinery because they are the ones who get to know, warts and all, how a piece of equipment feels and responds handles or how a product works, during the course of their work.
The day has arrived whereby the practitioner, rightly, is becoming recognised as the driver of the landscape and garden industry - their opinion, views and advice should be ignored at peril.
Managers have had their time and not made a difference: how can someone who sits at a desk all day possibly know what machine to buy when they are not out in the fields and dealing with conditions underfoot? It's all well and good acting as a middleman and feeding information back to developers but as always, something will always get lost in translation.
Machinery, equipment, product developers and manufacturers should have the opportunity to talk directly with the practitioner: The Landscape Juice Network was the first ever landscape and horticulture professional trade network to bring together everyone from the landscaping and garden world and now we are close to launch of our brand new industry Trade Show called Creating Landscapes.
I guess it's a case, proverbially at least, of putting my money where my mouth is.
If you are a product, equipment, machinery or plant supplier, why not come over and participate in landscaping and gardening's specialist industry event?
I'm delighted to welcome Stephen Ingram to the Landscape Juice Network as part of the Creating Landscapes' team.
Stephen is an independent exhibition and event organiser having previously worked within the event market and have organised the likes of The Royal Smithfield Show, The CLA Game Fair, The National Amateur Gardening Show and The Royal Bath & West of England Show.
For further details, you can email Stephen directly at stephen@hale-events.com Keep an eye out for the official launch.
To frame a contemporary vision of what drives successful design, the Garden and Landscape Design Association (GLDA) have enlisted the genius of some of Europe’s most respect design professionals for a day of insight, opinion and debate.
As the design calendar event of the year places are already being snapped up. To secure your place at this exciting event you are encouraged to book early. For tickets and further information contact the GLDA office on: 01 2940092, info@glda.ie or via www.glda.ie.
This event is proudly supported by Bord Bia, Ireland’s Food Board.
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The hedge in your back garden may hold crucial information for scientists assessing the country's biodiversity as the latest 'citizen science' survey by the Open Air Laboratories Project (OPAL) gets under way.
The OPAL team is inviting members of the public to collect as much information as possible about the hedges in back gardens, parks and open spaces all over the country, particularly in urban locations.
'We know quite a lot about hedges in the countryside and how important they are, but how much biodiversity do they contain in cities?' said Jonathan Silvertown, head of the OPAL Biodiversity Observatory. 'They might be even more important in urban areas where natural habitats are more scarce.'
Hedges are already known to support a wide range of life, but the survey hopes to find out which hedges best support insects and small mammals. Participants select a three-metre stretch of hedge and record information about the appearance of the hedge, how many flowers, fruits and nuts it contains, which insects they find there and other evidence of animals using the hedge, such as holes and burrows.
Once results arrive, they are placed on an online map and the survey team rates each hedge according to its importance for wildlife, building up a picture of the state of hedgerows around the country.
The biodiversity survey is the fifth in a series of surveys carried out under the five-year OPAL project, set up in 2007 with a grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Other projects already under way that you can join in with include:
The National Biodiversity Data Centre has produced a knowledge gaps document 2020 Vision - Improving Ireland’s biodiversity knowledge base as one output from the recent Biodiversity Knowledge Quest event hosted by the Centre. The document provides a brief summary of the biodiversity knowledge gaps workshops and proposes a list of the key knowledge gaps that could be filled over the next 10 years. This document is a consultation document.
Interested parties are invited to make written submissions on the content of the document to info@biodiversityireland.ie. Submissions should be received by Friday 29 October 2010. Feedback is particularly sought on two questions; 1. Would filling of the key knowledge gaps listed in Table 1 make a significant contribution to expanding our knowledge base over the next 10 years? 2. Are there any gaps or errors in the tables presented in Appendix I? The document can be downloaded from http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/Knowledge-Gaps-Document-_for-consultation_.pdf
The Minister reaffirmed his belief that a vibrant Agri-Food Industry is a key part of the Smart Economy and will play a key role in leading our country to better economic times. The Minister said "the importance of research and innovation was emphasised in the Food Harvest 2020 Report as a prerequisite to achieving the growth targets for the agrifood sector. In response to the Report I am therefore delighted to launch these very significant research initaitives".
Over the course of the Spending Review period, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will reduce resource spending by 29% and capital spending by 34%. The Department’s Administration budget will be reduced by 33%.
Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL)
| £ billion | |||||
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | |
| Resource DEL | 2.3 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 1.8 |
| Capital DEL | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| TOTAL DEL | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 2.2 |
In this table Resource DEL excludes depreciation
Defra will reprioritise its spending, focusing tax payer’s money on British farming and food production; enhancing the environment and biodiversity; and supporting a green economy resilient to climate change.
The Department will manage its reductions by:
Maximising the use of matched European funding for the Rural Development Programme for England, enabling a £66m reduction in domestic contributions. This will allow environmental stewardship schemes to remain open to all farmers. Defra will prioritise schemes that will be most beneficial to the environment, increasing the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme by 80%.
Reducing waste and bureaucracy:
Making efficiencies
In addition to the above, the Department will be adopting the following idea, suggested through the Spending Challenge process:
Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said:
“Our strategic aim is to deliver on the Prime Minister’s pledge that the Coalition will be the greenest Government ever, whilst playing our part in tackling the economic deficit that we have inherited.
“This settlement reflects the need to make significant savings alongside meeting the priorities we have set and maintaining important frontline services in respect of flood defences, environmental protection and animal health monitoring.”
Compost Quality Assurance Scheme Tender
Source: rx3
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Rx3 published a request for tenders for a compost quality assurance scheme on 6th October 2010 on the e–tenders website. The closing date for the procurement process is 16th November 2010.
This proposal is being developed in accordance with the recommendations in the Market Development Programme for Waste Resources 2007 - 2011, which is sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Further information and documentation relating to this notice is available on the eTenders Web Site athttp://www.etenders.gov.ie/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT175257
Amsterdam, 15 October 2010 – The International Horti Fair is strengthening its position as an innovation platform and its focus on internationally-oriented horticultural businesses. With this in mind, the International HortiWeek was announced during the Horti Fair, which was held this year in the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre from 12 to 15 October. Horti Fair 2010 was a successful, high calibre trade exhibition which put great emphasis on innovation, knowledge exchange and actually doing business.
Satisfied participants
Although the 2010 fair was compacter than previous editions as it had 530 exhibitors from 36 countries, it was just as complete as in other years. For four whole days the Horti Fair House of Technology & Innovation was the centre of debates and interviews with key players in the horticultural industry. According to the jury members, the quality of the products on display in the House of Quality ranged from good to very good. A Horti Fair pavilion such as Career Plaza clearly meets a need as it brought more than 1,200 students and school pupils into contact with the horticultural industry.
The exhibitors were very satisfied with the quality of the visitors. Patrick Lek of Lek/Habo Groep BV commented, ‘We’re certainly not dissatisfied: the mood has been positive and we have been visited by many people with investment plans, which is, after all, where it all starts. As a business, you have to be here. And despite all the focus on abroad, we are certainly not forgetting our Dutch visitors.’ Roy O’Mahony of CleanGrow, which was shortlisted for the Horti Fair Innovation Award and ended in fourth place, said, ‘We have achieved maximum exposure here and met very interested and well-informed visitors from all over the world and many key players. An amazing week!’
International Horti Week 2011
Next year, the Horti Fair will be held from Tuesday 1 to Friday 4 November 2011. This will be during the first edition of the International HortiWeek, the week during which both the Horti Fair and the FloraHolland Trade Fair are held in association with one another. Joint promotion, carefully coordinated exhibition concepts and shuttle services will be elements of the cooperation between them. Other hot items will be the linking of the home market and internationalisation.
New director of the Horti Fair
There are other changes as well, because Frans-Peter Dechering will be the new director of the Horti Fair from 1 January. He will succeed Wim van der Loo, who is retiring. Dechering has long international experience of horticulture. He has built up a large network of contacts in both the vegetable and floriculture sectors and among suppliers to Dutch and foreign horticulture firms. ‘The horticultural industry is changing and the Horti Fair is changing with it,’ comments Dechering. ‘Cooperating with the participants to ensure that the Horti Fair fulfils a proper commercial function and at the same time strengthening horticulture nationally and internationally will be a real challenge and involve a lot of hard work.’ Besides the fresh blood for the executive board and this summer’s appointment of the new chairman, Ewald van Vliet, the establishment of the exhibition committee and the introduction of the International HortiWeek, the Horti Fair has taken major steps towards strengthening its position as a leading national and international horticultural showcase for the coming years.
Visitors from over 70 countries
The daily Breakfast Briefings held before the fair opened pulled in more visitors and participants than last year. The Horti Fair itself attracted 23,256 trade visitors from over 70 countries. Almost 80% of the visitors to the Horti Fair 2010 took or were involved in decisions on the purchase of products and services exhibited at the fair. 35% of the visitors actually made a purchase or requested a quotation during the fair. The prospects for next year are good: no fewer than three quarters of the visitors stated that they planned to return in 2011.
Horti Fair Innovation Award
The Horti Fair Innovation Award 2010 was won by Berg Product BV for its BergBand conveyor belt system, which was praised in the jury report for ‘the power of its simplicity, the wide range of applications in horticulture both in the Netherlands and abroad, and the relatively low capital outlay’. Second place went to Frans van Zaal for its Van Zaal Container Submerger System, and third place to Bercomex for its Furora universal grading and bunching machine. For the first time in the history of the award, numbers 4 and 5 were also named. These were CleanGrow for its ‘multi-ion meter’ and the consortium represented by Klimrek for its ‘vertical crop protection’. As international trade jury chairman Gijs Kok noted, ‘This shows just how closely the top shortlisted firms are matched in terms of innovative capacity.’ Bas Lagerwerf of Berg Product was pleased with the award and satisfied with the quality of the visitors to his stand. He commented, ‘Dealers from all over the world come together here. After all, to see innovation you have to come to the Horti Fair!’
Best Participant Award
The Best Participant Award went to Bercomex for what the jury described as ‘the innovative strength shown throughout its exhibition presentation and the power of its communication both before and during the Horti Fair’. The award is presented each year to the exhibitor making the best use of Horti Fair as a communication instrument. Roland Kroese, managing director of Bercomex, says, ‘The Horti Fair is very important for our business. Not only as an opportunity to display innovations but also as a way of strengthening our dealer network and meeting customers who come from all over and whom we would not otherwise meet.’
Interpolis Quality Cup, plant stands and Csizik Trophy
This year the Interpolis Quality Cup was awarded to the firm of Fa. G.J.A. van Santen of Honselersdijk for its Hydrangea macrophylla Pimpernel Classic. The prizes for the best stands in the plant categories were assigned by the Permanent Judging Committee (VKC) to Floricultura (9.7), Anthura (9.5) and Floriade (9.3). The Csizik Trophy for the most attractive flower arrangement at a stand was won by Zuidkoop Natural Projects.
Prospects for Horti Fair 2011 already good
Interest in the Horti Fair 2011, which will be held under the umbrella of the International HortiWeek, is already good. ‘Contracts have already been signed and over 80 options for stand space have already been taken,’ says Wim van der Loo, the departing director. ‘In all my years as director of Horti Fair I have never before experienced anything like this. The exhibition concept of the Horti Fair 2011 in Amsterdam RAI, the cooperation with FloraHolland, the Technical Trials and other horticultural initiatives geared to the International HortiWeek in the first week of November 2011 are clearly proving popular in the industry.’
Date: Thursday, 21st October 2010
Time: 12:30-14:00
Venue: TCD-UCD Innovation Academy Space, 2-3 Fosters Place, Dublin 2 (map)
Topics:
Solar Energy:Reaching a new Solar Industry in Ireland - Mazhar Bari, CEO Solarprint
Delivering Renewable Power to the People - Tim Cooper, Coolpower
Abstract:
Delivering Renewable Power to the People
The Green Building in Temple Bar set out to demonstrate the viability of incorporating "state of the art" energy conservation and renewable energy technologies in a mixed use city centre building in 1994. These technologies included solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and small wind turbines that are typical of the renewable energy micro-generator installations being rolled out in huge numbers throughout Europe and the US.
Ten years later support from SEAI and a Directive from the EU made it just about possible to "grid-connect" these micro-generators. Coolpower Limited was set up in the course of this to serve as a vehicle for operating these grid- connected micro-generators. This grid-connected system has operated continuously since then generating a total of c.12,000 kWh and more importantly creating the first and largest set of accurate performance data for grid-connected micro-generators in Ireland.
Today Cool Power Products (a spin-off company from Cool Power Limited) manufactures EMMA (Energy and Micro-Generator Manager) control units which are used for optimising the output from small/micro-generators, stabilising networks and facilitating large scale deployment of distributed generation. EMMA GVS (Grid Voltage Stabilisation) allows micro-generators to be installed where there are network limits/constraints, allowing installations to proceed without the need for network upgrades. EMMA technology is CE certified and has being widely deployed with micro-generators across UK, Ireland and France.
The presentation will give an overview of the development of EMMA technology, which is playing a key role in facilitating the roll-out of small and medium sized generators that are delivering clean sustainable renewable power directly to the people.
To register for this seminar, please click here
| Title: | Request for Tenders - Compost Quality Assurance Scheme (CQAS) |
| Published by: | Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government |
| Publication Date: | 06/10/2010 |
| Application Deadline: | |
| Notice Deadline Date: | 17/11/2010 |
| Notice Deadline Time: | 15:00 |
| Notice Type: | Invitation to Tender |
| Has Documents: | Yes |
| Abstract: | International market driven quality assurance schemes have long been recognised as having a positive impact on collection and treatment of organic waste in other jurisdictions as well as the on quality of the end-product (i.e. compost) itself. In Ireland, it is considered that the development of a compost quality assurance scheme will instil further confidence in consumers as to the quality of, and benefits to, using compost products. A quality mark/logo/label, as part of a compost quality assurance scheme, will also assist consumers in identifying high quality compost products. The purpose of this Request for Tenders is to appoint a contractor to conduct a 3–phase project: - (i) to develop a compost quality assurance scheme and associated documentation (Phase 1), (ii) to trial the compost quality assurance scheme for a 12 months (Phase 2), and (iii) to operate on a pilot basis the compost quality assurance scheme for a further 12 months (Phase 3). This proposal is being developed in accordance with the recommendations in the Market Development Programme for Waste Resources 2007 - 2011, which is sponsored by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. |
| Women and Agriculture Conference 2010 | |
| Looking positively at ourselves, our families and our farming business is the theme of this year's Women and Agriculture conference which takes place on the 20th October in the Lyrath Hotel Kilkenny. This key event for farm women promises to be jam packed, informative, entertaining and fun day. Over 600 women attended last year's conference and the feedback was "do it again". Bookings are coming in so to be sure of your place log on to www.irishcountryliving.ie or phone 01 4051189 and book today. €50 per person includes lunch and teas. Programme for the Day9.00 Registration with tea/coffee and pastries9.30 Official Welcome, Matt Dempsey, Editor of Irish Farmers Journal 9.40 Official Opening, Helen Brophy, CEO of National Dairy Council | |
| Session 1: Our farming business 10.00 Up the Energy I10.10 Looking after your most valuable asset - Professor Patrick Wall, Associate Professor of Health, UCD11.00 Break11.20 Pension issues for farm families - Margaret Healy, Chairwoman of IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee 11.35 Real life family dilemmas from the Money Mentor including 5 key messages for farm families - Peter Young, Irish Farmers Journal12.15 Financial Matters including nursing home support, civil partnerships and co-habitation, transferring the family farm and what to expect in the Budget - Declan McEvoy, Senior Tax Planning Consultant with IFAC Accountants 12.45 Questions1.00 Lunch Session 2: Ourselves and Our Families2.00 Up the Energy II 2.10 Growing up together, dealing with teenagers and young adults and how best to manage the adult to adult relationship with the child who remains on the farm - David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist and popular presenter of RTE series, Families in Trouble and Teens in the Wild 2.55 EU food labelling – understanding the health claims made for food - Dr Mary Flynn, Chief Specialist, Public Health Nutrition3.30 Flourishing under fire – "happiness is not an accessory in our lives but essential for survival, recovery and flourishing" - Dr Maureen Gaffney 5pm Close with Mairead Lavery, Editor Irish Country Living | |
John Stanley
The last few years have been tough for many retailers. Many have relied on discounting to get them through a difficult retailing period, but the discount formula was always a short term measure and the winning retailers had to find a new strategy to ensure they could grow their business.
The global recession has lasted longer than many predicted and as a result retailers have had to change tactics to grow their businesses.
I first observed a strategic change coming from the fast food sector and I talk about this in the October edition of Retail World Report on my members site. As countries went into the recession many fast food companies benefited as consumers downgraded from more expensive restaurants and graduated towards cheaper food offers. In the USA, for example, the fast food retailers have trained their consumers into thinking about a hamburger as a known value product and as a result they have been forced to keep the product below the five dollar price barrier to ensure they generated traffic to their stores. This policy can only last so long before increasing costs and the need to improve the bottom line means a new strategy has to be developed.
The fast food retailers had a dilemma; they could not destroy the loyalty they had built with the $4.99 customer market, but at the same time they needed to attract new customers whom they wanted to spend more plus they wanted existing customers to spend more too.
The answer was to keep their existing range and price structure, but create a new category in store that was more profitable and market this to their consumer base.
Value and Premium
The solution was to develop the existing product range as a Value range and to introduce a new range at a Premium level. This strategy resulted in deluxe hamburgers and ribs being introduced into the menu at a much higher price point.
In the UK it has resulted in MacDonald’s developing an upmarket coffee strategy and in 2009 that meant they moved over 84 million cups of coffee. According to an article in the Daily Mail [Sept 23, 2010] the next stage is to develop espresso coffee as a premium product.
The Premium and Value approach is not confined to fast food; supermarkets are also going down the same avenue. In the same newspaper it was reported the Sainsbury’s have launched a “Taste the Difference“ range which will be promoted by Jamie Oliver the celebrity chef. Sainsbury’s have launched a Premium range that contains 1,100 different S.K.U’s and one billion pounds worth of sales last year. Research carried out by Kantar Worldpanel [Daily Mail 23 Sept 2010] highlighted that the supermarkets that have seen the fastest growth in the last twelve months have developed a value and a premium strategy. One reason for the growth is that consumers are shifting from restaurants to home cooking using premium products in a tight economy.
How Does this Apply to You?
How does this apply to you? The changes taking place in the food industry in developing a value and premium range are just as important for any retailer. The market is changing and many would argue that the middle price point products are disappearing. Some buying decisions are being made on value, whilst on the same shopping trip other decisions are being made based on premium buying decisions, products positioned in the middle range are today often overlooked by consumers.
This means that every retailer needs to stand back and relook at the category range they are stocking and ask themselves:
1.
2. Is there a premium range and is this being promoted as a premium range?
3. What products do we have in the middle of the range and should they be on the shelf?
And what about the Discounting?
Discounting strategies will continue and are needed to ensure products stay fresh in the customers eyes. The most successful large retailer, Tesco, has a very successful discount policy and use it as a customer draw. The company has a policy of graduated discounting, which is something all retailers need to adopt. It is based on product life cycles and set time limits, all stock is monitored. The discount starts at 25%, then moves to 50% and then to75%. Once a product passes a certain time date in the UK it is sold for a penny as it goes through the till. According to the website moneysavingexperts.com they recently monitored 50 items at one time that were being managed in this way.
The key is to manage the stock and to ensure stock turn is profitable.
John Stanley conducts monthly training on his Members site that helps all retailers keep up with current changes in the marketplace. Visit his website for details www.johnstanley.com.au
John Stanley is WA Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 and his business JSA is WA Small Business Champion – Education 2009. He is an acclaimed conference speaker, retail consultant and author. For more information on how he can help your business grow, visit his website www.johnstanley.com.au, or his resources site www.johnstanleyretailguru.com.au
The Tree Council of Ireland in association with the Arboricultural Association [Irish Branch] and the Society of Irish Foresters present a seminar on Amenity Trees and Woodlands: A Guide to their Management in Ireland
Monday, 18th October 2010National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Co. DublinAmenity trees and woodlands are an indispensable part of our everyday landscape, helping to create places where people want to live, work and play. Planning and managing the resource, particularly within the built-up environment, requires the input of a wide range of professionals and stakeholders. It also requires an awareness and understanding of best practice, both in relation to individual tree care and overarching issues.
Click here to download further information, programme and booking form in PDF format [PDF 506K]
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Style, fun & function These are key concepts to have in mind. Conifers are so diverse, you can maximise visual value in-store by including varieties with unusually coloured leaves or exciting shapes. Many of the golden conifers available in this country are dwarf varieties which can provide colour and interest in tight spaces, when many other garden plants are dormant. ![]() Dwarf species, (e.g. Pinus mugo) are full of natural humour. Take ‘Mops’ that almost spherical little tree that works so well in beds and borders, or Pinus pumila (Dwarf Siberian pine). And it isn’t just the benefit of what we see, it has been proven scientifically that the needles of conifers trap and neutralise those deadly disease-causing particulates, thereby improving air quality around our homes and workplaces. This is a strong promotional message that will have resonance with today’s customers. Some more species suggestions for special promotion | |
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| Colour your Life makes big splash at GLEE! Did you make it to the Colour your Life seminar at GLEE on September 22nd? It was great, with retail guruPhil Rogers (IKEA, ASDA and Warner Bros) and Mark Long (Director of PPH UK bureau) offering some great ideas on how to engage with customers, get more out of Colour your Life and benefit from theGreen Community Award. We had loads of feedback from the floor with some leading retailers including Paul Cooling (Coolings Nurseries) and Neil Gow(Burcot Garden Centre) contributing their thoughts to the session. Gillie Westwood (Chief Executive GCA) commented on the changes in our industry and Steve Fry of Dorset Based Gardens Group spoke on the benefits of being involved in the Green Community Award. Gary Buttle from Ned Yates’ garden centre spoke about the benefits of using Colour your Life POS. If you didn’t make it, don’t worry... You can see a copy of Phil's Top Retail Tips by clicking here.... |
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Have you seen the poster service tutorial? The online poster service is brilliant and we can vouch personally for the quality of the materials available. Why not have a look at the tutorial film on Youtube? It takes you through the steps to create wonderful POS that will help to boost sales in-store. Just look at what some campaign users have to say about its benefits: | |
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| X Factor - Now plants have their own talent show! | |
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'Cultilène cares' is the substrate supplier's philosophy. ,,We supply not just substrate products but services as well, besides assisting our customers in choosing the best growth medium. With respect for our living environment, naturally. Because all our products are made from natural raw materials and contribute to the use of less water, energy and nutrients," explains Van Gils. As well as the new philosophy and new products, the Cultilène stand will also be showcasing the X-fibre technique. Cultilène is the sole substrate supplier that uses this technique to produce an optimum imitation of the natural root environment for plants.
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House of Software: third successful edition on its way
For the third year in succession, the House of Software will be one of the extra attractions at the trade exhibition for professional (greenhouse) horticulture.Participants in this pavilion represent all links in the chain from breeder through retailer. This special interest pavilion (stand 01.0428) provides visitors with a complete and future-focused picture of the latest developments in software for greenhouse horticulture.
The Horti Fair internetcafé is part of this pavilion, where participants also introduce new products and services, such as the low threshold step-up to software updates from Sercom. New products and services from other participants like Distel Software, Florecom, Hawe Systems Europe, SDF Tuinbouwautomatisering and Wevab have not yet been announced. Discussions are still in progress with a number of sector colleagues concerning their participation in the Horti Fair House of Software.
The oldest of the companies has been specializing in horticulture for no less than fifty years and they are all presenting a wide range of products: advice/communications, automation, control systems, certification, internal transport and delivery systems, logistical systems (software), management software, software applications for horticulture, and registration programs.
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The second theme of the opening is 'Innovation', in the context of which the prestigious Horti Fair Innovation Award will be presented to one of the participants nominated for this prize.
The first day of the Horti Fair will be brought to a close with exhibitors, guests and associates during a Happy Hour that starts at 18.00 hours (walk-in 17.30 hours) on Tuesday 12 October.
Let's end it here and now. Glee (that's the garden centre and pet product exhibition at NEC Birmingham and not the popular TV programme of the same name) is not, never was and never will be, a place to promote the world of landscaping and horticulture.
The Emap marketing machine has been allowed to generate whirls of positive spin, unchallenged - but aided and abetted by the trade press - for far too long.
I've not read or heard one positive review from a landscaper or gardener who has attended the show and it proves - to me at least - what Dan Thurlow told me about doing more for our industry was just not true (if I'm wrong here Dan, I'd be happy to be shown otherwise).
Emap have got to be honest with us all, and themselves and return the show to grass roots level and that is, first and foremost, as a pet and garden centre event. I told Emap before, we do not want our exhibitions stands to be tucked away behind the pet stands as an afterthought.
Landscaping and gardening is a serious business and it contributes a great deal of money to the UK economy so it deserves to be treated with more respect.
I did a search on the Glee website using the search words "landscape" or "landscaping" and it returned just 10 results.
I know my comments may stimulate a debate amongst Glee supporters that my intention is just to knock other shows because it's mine and Landscape Juice's intention to run our own event.
Let me dispel any of these thoughts before they grow roots. Yes we are going to put on an industry event for landscapers and gardeners in 2011 - and the integral and peripheral businesses that go hand in hand - but Creating Landscapes (as the show will be named) has grown from need: in a way, I've decided to put my money and reputation where my mouth is and I've spent the last eighteen months or more talking and listening to the industry practitioners who feel left out and neglected.
There just isn't an event for landscapers and gardeners that is centric to their needs - Landscape Juice, in conjunction with our partners - Hale Events - have worked hard to research what has been missing so we can deliver a rich and profitable experience.
As always, I want to hear your comments and if you are a landscaper or gardener and you did think it was worthwhile attending or if you are a an exhibitor who sells to landscapers and gardeners and you feel the show was benefit then please do leave a comment.
| "Operation Chip It" News | September, 2010 |
Andersons Transport: “We plan to use RFID to its full potential!”There is a great deal of concern about the implementation of RFID in the horticultural industry supply chain. This is understandable as the introduction of new technology or significant change always takes some getting used to in the beginning. However, RFID is widely used already, but we don’t even notice it: At toll roads, in supermarkets, at the airport, in hospitals, etc. Before long RFID will be an integral part of horticultural logistics too. Andersons Transport
Andersons Transport and changes to the industry“I am convinced that Andersons Transport will benefit significantly from taking a proactive approach in embracing the introduction of RFID technology,” says Scott Cumming. “It is clear that early adopters of the new technology who communicate effectively with their clients will be able to enhance their customer offer, and they will create enhanced benefits to each end of the supply chain.” |

On Thursday, 7 October 2010 primary school children all over Ireland are encourage to put away their school books and spend the day learning about trees in a fun, relaxed and engaging environment. The aim of ‘Tree Day’ is to create a learning experience that will enthuse and enlighten all children by making them aware of the magic, beauty and importance of trees and the wider environment. The event is sponsored by Tetra Pak
and supported by the Department of Education and Science. Many schools take the opportunity to
participate in guided woodland walks at over 120 locations throughout the country. These walks are hosted by Tree Council member organisations including Coillte, the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the Heritage Service of the OPW, the Dublin local authorities and private owners.
Tree Day was first held in 1997 and has since grown from strength to strength with hundreds of thousands of pupils estimated to have taken part in a woodland walk for the day. It ensures that each child who passes through the primary school curriculum will have eight full days of education about trees during the primary school cycle.
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To arrange a walk for your school please click here for details of a contact in your area
Each year a different tree is celebrated on Tree Day. Tree Day 2010 will celebrate one of our most common natives, the birch tree. A poster with the theme “The Year of the birch” has been circulated to all primary schools with a factsheet about birch.
To support Tree Day, the Tree Council has developed a comprehensive resource pack on the subject of trees. It is complimentary to the science syllabus of the school curriculum and covers over 40 topics on the subject of trees such as “why trees are planted,” “wildlife in woodlands” “trees in poetry” and a range of interesting and fun science experiments and worksheets to stimulate project work and practical activities, both in the classroom and in the school grounds. The Tree Day Manual is available in all schools and is also free to download from the left column of this page.
Eanna Ni Lamhna, Vice President, Tree Council of Ireland with some schoolchildren at the National Botanic Gardens where details of Tree Day 2010 were announced. Posing with a birch tree above and the broom called a besom - a broom made from birch twigs.
The UK Organic Trade Board (OTB) is to launch a £2million campaign following its successful application to the EU for matching funding for the £1 million it has raised from the organic business world. The OTB was set up by the organic industry to develop, promote and support organic trade. One of its key objectives is to double the value of the market for organic products in the UK within the period 2008 to 2013.
A website www.whyiloveorganic.co.uk is already in operation and the main campaign will start in September, with press ads running towards the end of the year in conjunction with PR and digital promotion.
A modest growth in the organic market is expected in 2010 following a fall in sales in 2009. Huw Bowles, Chairman of the OTB, said the campaign would “give us a great chance for growth in all organic sectors so sales start to increase again. We’re not forcing consumers to subscribe to all the benefits we mention, but simply consider making the switch if they haven’t already.”
Basic details and application form are available from the VEC here….
It’s 16 hours a week. Phone the college on 063 83604 for more info on what would be involved.
Both suppliers have scanners that are capable of supporting the RFID solution that has been developed in co-operation with IBM. All scanners are able to clearly verify the authenticity of the CC Container. Other features, integration options and prices vary, and are explained in more detail below.
I finished my Floristry course at Greenmount Campus in June 2010 and was thrilled to be invited to help leading UK designer, Amanda Canning, with her floristry demonstrations at the RHS Tatton Park Show in July. I was accompanied by my two friends Dorothy Blair and Pat Hunter whom I met and trained with at Greenmount.
Our first experience at Tatton involved joining a willing band of volunteers within the British Florist Association marquee to prepare costumes for a Catwalk Show featuring West End musicals. We made a range of body adornments for the dancers and quickly learned that everything has to be BIG for the stage. We also contributed by making a range of accessories to enhance the costumes. For example, Pat made a beautiful bustle for ‘My Fair Lady’ and Dorothy and I made the head for beast in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – it’s wonderful what you can do with floristry materials!
The highlight of our trip was supporting and assisting Amanda in her floristry demonstrations. We assisted with the preparations for the designs, stage design set up and scene changes and, of course, learning to be in the right place at the right time so that our designer was presented with everything she needed to complete her creations. We also had a bird’s eye view behind the stage as Amanda completed an outstanding range of commercial floristry designs.
The BFA marquee also hosted the International Design Competition for 18-25 year olds which took place over the three days we were there. It was a privilege to see such talented florists push the boundaries of traditional floristry to create a host of stunning creations. It was truly inspiring to see these young people at work and amazing to see the variety of designs that were created using the same materials.
On the last day of the trip we visited ‘The Flower and Plant Works’ flower shop in Runcorn run by Amanda and her sister Barbara. We saw first hand how all the floristry training at Greenmount was applied within a successful high street florist. We all wanted to work there but sadly there were no vacancies!

Floristry students celebrating at Greenmount Campus Awards Day in June. Valerie Clarke (2nd left) was awarded the prize for First Overall in Floristry

Leading UK floristry designer, Amanda Canning, (back) taking a break from her demonstrations in the BFA marquee with Greenmount floristry students (from left) Dorothy Blair, Patricia Hunter and Valerie Clarke

Floral costumes for Beauty and the Beast in the BFA Catwalk Show

Some of the stunning work in the International Design Competition

Sleeving, fully automatic taping and the addition of a sachet of Chrysal flower food can also be integrated into the system," states Roland Kroese, the managing director of Bercomex (stand 01.0424). The bunching machine has a modular construction for practically every variety of cut flower, handles 4 stems per second in practice and will be receiving its new name on the first day of the Horti Fair. "We supplied 10,000 systems worldwide in thirty years with its predecessor. The generic bunching machine is a huge leap forward with the integration of new technologies, digitalization and robotics. And it also maintains product quality and uniformity more effectively, besides realizing savings on labour costs,’’ says Kroese.
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Horti Fair Stage: an extra platform for you as well!
The Horti Fair Stage in hall 6 of the Amsterdam RAI exhibition centre is the new events platform during the coming Horti Fair. For you too perhaps!
Because time slots are still available in the stage diary for company presentations, special gatherings, workshops, demonstrations, product launches and receptions. The Horti Fair Stage will be the theatre for the official opening, prize ceremonies for the Horti Fair Innovation Award, the House of Quality (incl. the Interpolis Quality Cup), the Best Participant Award, the final round of Ranking the Grower, trend demonstrations with flowers and plants, TV recordings for KAS Tuinbouw and the first rounds of the Horti Business Game. No costs are involved if your presentation meets the requirements! So take advantage of this extra Horti Fair platform and send us a mail with your idea or proposal!
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Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Amsterdam RAI are open for the building and fitting out of stands at the following times:
Removal of goods and dismantling of stands for halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 can be commenced at 19.30 hours on Friday 15 October and continues until 24.00 hours on Saturday 16 October. Check the precise details for your entry in the personal mailing sent by post.
Under 24 hours to go now to the GIY 2010 Conference which takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at the
The theme of this year's conference is Together We Grow and the event is aimed at GIY local champions, and anyone who is interested in finding out more about GIY.
The GIY 2010 Conference is proudly supported by Woodies DIY.
GIY is thrilled to announce that the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese will open the event – her attendance is due to her interest in GIYing and in the spirit of community and volunteerism that GIY represents. It is also due recognition for the huge work that all GIY local champions have put in to getting their groups up and running.
GIY Ireland has put together a stellar cast of speakers for the event, including:
• Diarmuid Gavin - Garden Designer, TV Presenter and GIY Patron
• Duncan Stewart - Environmentalist and presenter of Eco-Eye
• Michael Kelly - Founder of GIY and author of Tales from the Home Farm
• Klaus Laitenberger - Former Organic Centre Lecturer and author of Vegetables for the Irish Garden
• Paddy Gleeson - Horticulture Consultant, Woodies DIY
• Fionnuala Fallon - Irish Times Urban Farmer Columnist
• Victoria Mary Clarke - TV Presenter, journalist and Yoga instructor
• Nicky Kyle - Organic Gardening Expert, former director of IOFGA and the Organic Trust
• Michael Fox - Chairman of the South Dublin Allotments Association
• John Carney - Organic Gardening Expert
• Laurent Bertomier – Former head chef at the Palais de L'elyse (Presidential Palace) in Paris
• Pat Whelan - Farmer, butcher and author of An Irish Butcher Shop
The conference agenda also includes:
· World Cafe POD sessions where you can meet fellow GIYers from around Ireland
· Presentation of the GIYer and GIY Group of the Year awards
· Launch of the “Friend of GIY” Loyalty Card programme
· Launch of GIY Bulk Seed Order programme
· Tour of the Guinness Storehouse - find out about Guinness history and the brewing process
· Free pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar
Tickets
Tickets are priced at €40 and include refreshments, a hot buffet lunch, and a tour of the Guinness Storehouse (the tour normally costs €15 per person).
Venue: The Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse is Ireland's Number One international visitor attraction and is about ten minutes walk from Houston Station. The STOREHOUSE® was originally built in 1904 to house the Guinness fermentation process. This incredible building was constructed in the style of the Chicago school of architecture, with massive steel beams providing the support for the structure of the building. The STOREHOUSE® building housed the fermentation of Guinness beer until 1988, and opened its doors as a tourist attraction in November 2000.
About GIY Ireland
GIY is a registered charity (CHY 18920) which aims to inspire people to grow their own food and give them the skills they need to do so successfully. We do this by getting GIYers together online and in community groups around Ireland so that they can learn from each other and exchange tips, ideas and produce. GIY meetings and membership are free and open to people interested in food growing at all levels, i.e. from growing a few herbs on the balcony to complete self-sufficiency, from beginners to old hands.
There are over 70 GIY groups in communities around Ireland and approximately 5,000 people involved between our community groups and online social network at www.giyireland.com. GIY Ireland was founded in 2009 by author and journalist Michael Kelly. Sponsors include the Arthur Guinness Fund, Woodies DIY, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Bord Bia and the AIB. Patrons of GIY Ireland include Diarmuid Gavin, Darina Allen, Clodagh McKenna and Joy Larkcom.
Spencer ECA opens new office in Ireland |
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South-Wales based supplier of construction industry support, ground-works and landscape services, Spencer Environmental Care Associates, is pleased to announce the recent opening of its new office in Ireland.
Aiming to attract new markets and expand its activity beyond the UK, specifically for its revolutionary SpiderPlow ‘trenchless’ pipe and cable installation system, Spencer ECA sees this extension to its operation as a significant step in its business development.
Currently, Spencer is the only company in the UK and Ireland to own and operate a SpiderPlow, which is regarded as the most efficient, environmentally friendly and effective way of installing pipes and cables below ground. Because the SpiderPlow cuts, installs and back-fills - all in one operation, its use is particularly significant when working in ecologically and environmentally sensitive areas.
Added to this, its efficient and low-impact method means that it offers a significant reduction in time, money and risk. It also operates very effectively on soft ground and marshland, has the ability to work on almost any terrain and can manoeuvre around most obstacles, as well as span ditches and even shallow rivers.
In view of the benefits SpiderPlow has to offer, Spencer has been increasingly called upon to install cables for wind-energy projects, the system proving ideal for both on-shore sites and, more recently, the laying of export cables through the transition zone, in the case of off-shore installations.
The SpiderPlow is equally as effective when installing pipes of up to 12” in diameter, which are regularly used in the installation of water and sewage rejuvenation schemes.
“The opening of our new office in Ireland allows us the opportunity to offer our services to a new range of clients and contractors”, said Business Development Manager for Spencer ECA Charlie Jukes. “We are aware of a number of projects currently being considered in Ireland for which the SpiderPlow would prove to be ideal and therefore our new office allows us to respond to customers more quickly and effectively.”
Spencer’s Ireland office is based in Trim, County Meath and is headed up by Con Farren - confarren@spencereca.com.
Further information can be found at www.spiderplough.ie
Spencer ECA
Based in Llandysul , South Wales, Spencer ECA provides a wide range of support and environmental services for the construction and civil engineering industries. These include all aspects of land management, ground maintenance and site clearance. Spencer also specialises in the management and control of trees, vegetation and invasive plants, in particular Japanese Knotweed and the production of Biomass. Spencer is the only operator of the SpiderPlow ‘trenchless’ cable and pipe installation system in the UK and Ireland.
The Glee Wonderwall is the new community lead feature for www.gleebirmingham.com. Hosted 365 days a year there is no better place to see great merchandising ideas from around the UK and overseas.
Get involved
We know that many of you retailers are doing some great things back in store. So why not share your ideas with your peers. Simply take a photo of your great merchandising displays and send them to us at glee@emap.com. We will then upload your image to the Glee Wonderwall with a full accreditation to you and the product you are displaying.


Container Centralen (CC), who manages the CC Container pool, takes the market’s opinions, concerns and assessments very seriously. The RFID partners in this project – FloraHolland, Landgard, VGB, GASA Group and CC – have therefore decided to defer the implementation date to Monday, January 10, 2011.
To find out more how RFID can benefit your business click here
James Lawless, owner, Kudos Consulting - social media for business
To reserve a seat or to find out more please contact Anne at the GCAI
Email anne@gio.ie or phone 087 2888 250
Landscape Maintenance Contract for IDA Business & Technology Park, Drogheda, Co Meath ((tag: tenders, landscape contracts, horticulture, plants, Ireland))
Landscape Maintenance Contract for IDA Business & Technology Park, Drogheda, Co Meath
Published by:IDA IrelandPublication Date:07/09/2010Application Deadline:20/09/2010Notice Deadline Date:28/09/2010Notice Deadline Time:16:00Notice Type:Invitation to TenderHas Documents:YesAbstract:Landscaping and Ground Maintenance Contract at IDA BTP, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Meath. Three Year Contract subject to six-monthly Reviews. Entire Entrance Areas, Roads, Verges, Hedges, Planted Areas and all Open Space to be included. See additional Specification Document and maps.2010 Grow It Yourself Conference will take place on 18 September at Guinness Storehouse and this year’s theme is ‘Together We Grow'.
President Mary McAleese will open the event, which is aimed at GIY local champions and anyone who is interested in finding out more about GIY or starting a group in their community. Her attendance is due to her interest in GIYing and the spirit of community and volunteerism that GIY represents.
GIY [Grow It Yourself], which was a recipient of an inaugural Arthur Guinness Fund award early this year, is a registered charity that aims to inspire people to grow their own food and give them the skills they need to do so successfully.
People can exchange information online as well as meeting as part of community groups throughout the country. There are over 70 GIY groups in communities around Ireland and circa 5,000 people involved between its community groups and
Other speakers on the day will include Diarmuid Gavin, garden designer, TV presenter and GIY patron; Duncan Stewart, environmentalist and presenter of Eco-Eye; Michael Kelly, founder of GIY and author of Tales from the Home Farm;Klaus Laitenberger, author ofVegetables for the Irish Garden; Paddy Gleeson, chief horticulturalist, Woodies DIY; and Fionnuala Fallon, Irish Times ‘Urban Farmer’ columnist.
In the afternoon, delegates will be able to chose from a series of talks/demos on topics including growing under cover, community assisted agriculture, yoga for GIYers, sausage-making, tools for GIYers and the OPW Walled Garden at the Phoenix Park. The conference agenda includes World Cafe POD sessions where people can meet fellow GIYers from around Ireland, the presentation of the GIYer and GIY Group of the Year awards, the launch of the “Friend of GIY” Loyalty Card programme and a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Tickets are priced at €40 and include refreshments and a hot buffet lunch.
GIY Ireland was founded in 2009 by author and journalist Michael Kelly. Sponsors include the Arthur Guinness Fund, Woodies DIY, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Bord Bia and the AIB Better Ireland Programme. Patrons of GIY Ireland include Diarmuid Gavin, Darina Allen, Clodagh McKenna and Joy Larkcom.
Photo: Diarmuid Gavin was at Festina Lente Gardens in Bray with Anna and Luke Weldon from Kilmacanogue to announce details of the GIY Ireland 2010 Conference, which will take place on Saturday 18 September in the Guinness Storehouse. Photo: Johnny Bambury
Anyone with an interest in plants and gardening, can now study for a new range of qualifications from the RHS.
These new qualifications are open to anyone from a beginner wanting to gain the basic skills, a keen gardener wishing to acquire additional knowledge, or even at a professional level to enhance a career.
They have been designed for part-time study, and may be offered as part-time day courses or in the evening by approved colleges and other centres throughout the UK and Ireland. It is also possible to study theory courses by distance learning.
The qualifications cover a wide range of horticultural topics including theory-based certificates at Level 2 in Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance and also the Principles of Plant Growth, Propagation and Development.
For those wishing to acquire horticultural skills, the RHS has introduced a series of practical skills qualifications starting at Level 1. These focus on developing the essential skills required in the garden, be it for growing vegetables or establishing a border.
There are no formal entry requirements for taking the RHS qualifications at Level 1 and 2 - all that is needed is an enthusiasm for plants and gardening and a desire to learn more.
This is the new events platform at the Horti Fair, in hall 6 of the Amsterdam RAI. The official opening, the prize ceremony for the Horti Fair Innovation Award, product demonstrations, receptions, announcement of the prize-winners from the House of Quality, the first rounds of the Horti Business Game and the final round of Ranking the Grower will all be held here. The Horti Fair Stage can also be used by participants for theme-based and new products presentations. Interested? Then just send an e-mail to Horti Fair and we will contact you to discuss your options!
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Successful trade press preview
On 24 August eighteen participants in the Horti Fair held presentations for the international horticultural trade press of new products and services being introduced at the Horti Fair.

This trade press and new products preview was attended by eighteen horticultural journalists representing more than twenty trade publications /websites (incl. video) from Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and international titles. This extra service offered by the Horti Fair not only results in publicity and goodwill for the participants, but also generates interest in the Horti Fair. The preview was held at the Demokwekerij Westland. Wim van der Loo, the managing director of the Horti Fair, presented the exhibition concept for the Horti Fair 2010 to the trade press and also revealed a little about the plans for 2011 and thereafter.
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Your stand will then be included in the theme route, besides receiving an extra mention on the website, in the press file and in other Horti Fair publications. Registration is easy using your digital exhibitors manual. Some examples seen at the Horti Fair trade press preview are phalaenopsis and anthurium pot plants with longer shelf life, Fairtrade flower food, the low noise Euro Trolley that improves night-time distribution in the retail chain, watering precisely tailored to the plant and more economical and less harmful to the environment as a result, covering pots/containers to reduce the growth of moss and weeds so that less crop protection agents are needed, vertical crop protection, biological crop protection agents, energy saving through LED lighting.... there are just too many to mention!
So be part of the theme: it costs nothing, apart from the effort of registering with the manual. Any questions, or assistance needed? Just mail the Horti Fair and we will be delighted to help.
This calculator enables a company to estimate the carbon footprint of their business activities.
There are 2 main input headings
Report
A carbon dioxide equivalent figure in tonnes will be estimated from the inputted figures. The total carbon dioxide equivalent figures will give an estimate of your carbon footprint. If you wish you can input figures into any section of the calculator and obtain a CO2 figure for that particular parameter. You can also produce a full report by completing all the relevant sections and request a report for printing at the end.
Click on the link below to go to site:
NOTE: Calculations are based on SEI and DEFRA figures. Some co-efficients used in this calculator are approximate. They are designed to give an estimate of a business carbon footprint. An in depth analysis is required in order to measure a more precise footprint.
If you require information please contact:
Declan White, Environment & Green Technologies Dept., Enterprise Ireland.
Phone: 01 727 2480
Preview looks successfully ahead to Horti Fair 2010
Aalsmeer, 30 august 2010 - New products and services, doing concrete business and exchanging professional knowledge: that is what the coming Horti Fair is all about,’’ concluded international journalists during the trade press and new products preview for the Horti Fair 2010. Twenty participants presented a selection of their new products to give the representatives of the horticultural media an early look ahead to the international horticultural exhibition being held in Amsterdam from 12 to 15 October inclusive. Wim van der Loo, the managing director of the Horti Fair described the highlights of the coming show, like the Horti Fair Stage.
Journalists working for trade publications in the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Austria, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium and Great Britain, as well as for international titles - 23 of them in total - came along to the preview on 24 August. Demokwekerij Westland, the leading innovation centre in greenhouse horticulture, was the appropriate location for the preview, where one of the premieres was the introduction of the www.technicaltrials.nl website. Technical Trials (stand no. 04.0417) is one of the new pavilions at the Horti Fair and is based on an alliance of leading technical producers. The Central Station run by the participants is the pick-up point at the Horti Fair, where visitors to the show receive information from and about the 17 participating companies that can be visited during the Horti Fair. The Horti Fair Stage in hall 6 of the Amsterdam RAI exhibition complex is the new events platform.
Photo: The Horti Fair trade press preview attracted a large delegation of international horticultural journalists.
Innovation programme
The preview, which the Horti Fair organizes every year specially for the trade press, is part of the innovation programme of the exhibition. Managing director Wim van der Loo emphasized that the Horti Fair ,,is organized from, for and by horticulture. This enables us as a trade show to focus a lot of attention on innovation, quality improvement and the stimulation of the exchange of knowledge. Through the eight special exhibition pavilions, the twenty Breakfast Briefings under the auspices of Syntens, and the exhibition theme of 'Earning sustainably'. One of the other highlights again is the presentation of the Innovation Award’’. This prestigious award (in partnership with Reed Business) is separate from the preview, incidentally, because all new products at the fair that have been registered in time are eligible to compete for the Award.
New
Frans van Zaal Totaal Techniek in De Kwakel (stand no. 01.0118) is introducing a Submersion System at the Horti Fair 2010.This is a new way of supplying water, in which the pots hang in containers that are submerged from below. The system is integrated into the mobile internal transport system. Crea-Tech from Ter Aar has developed a delivery system in which a robot sorts, bunches and places flowers in an auction container at a work station. The products arrive in the rack according to colour, variety and date.
WPS Hortisystems in De Lier (stand no. 04.0417) is introducing Kit Internal Transport: container systems and conveyer belts in the form of assembly kits that enable growers to take their first steps towards automation less expensively by doing the installation themselves. Plant Handling Robots is a series of robotics for pot plants and other products.
Philips Lighting B.V. in Eindhoven (stand no. 04.0502) has developed the Greenpower LED interlighting module DR/B, a lighting system placed between plant rows to provide the crop with light and heat, resulting in savings on energy and increased production. The Master Greenpower Plus 1000W EL has been improved and gives 4% more growth light throughout its lifetime as a result.
In addition to various biological pest control agents like Macro-Mite, Citripar, Natufly, Capsanem and Aphipar-m, Koppert Biological Systems from Berkel and Rodenrijs (stand no. 04.0314) is also introducing the Distribug, a blower which the roller tables with pot plants move under and Rollerfix, which simplifies hanging up sticky ribbons (Rollertraps) in crops.
More possibilities
Vertical crop protection in the right dosage and at the right place, with biological agents such as Enzicur from Koppert and UV-C from Clean Light, and chemical crop protection: this can be done with the Klimrek Rail from Klimrek Producten BV in Pijnacker (stand no. 04.0128). The possibilities also include a longer raising period and (emergency) greenhouse roof repairs. Another new product is the corrosion-free heating system, the Klimrek Heat Buffer, which requires no expansion provision.
Hoogendoorn Growth Management from Vlaardingen (stand no. 04.0220) is showing three new products in the AVAG Market.Hoogendoorn Webinars make it possible for a number of people to follow training courses and demonstrations at the same time, online and interactively. iSii+Aquabalance is a set of scales for weighing substrate, which helps to adjust irrigation with precision to the needs of the plants. Also new is that the iSii+Remote Server Edition remote control from Hoogendoorn has now been made suitable for companies that use a server network with Thin Clients, WiFi or smartphones.
The HortiMax CropView from HortiMax in Pijnacker (stand no. 01.0517) makes it possible to monitor crop development in detail and make any necessary changes 24 hours a day, by means of a Nikon photographic system integrated into the climate computer. This can be done via the computer, in the greenhouse, but remotely as well. The zoom lens means that everything can be monitored in high resolution down to the most minor details. The first contracts will be concluded at the Horti Fair.
Attention grabber
The new HortiTop, developed in partnership with Slingerland Potgrond, is an attention grabber on the stand of Horticoop from Bleiswijk (stand no. 02.0102). It comprises Herbaedeck, a specially selected quality bark, HerbaedeckHechter, a biological gel that fixes the bark onto the pot and remains effective for 12 months, and a gel machine to apply the gel. This means labour savings, improved quality and better presentation.
Container Centralen Nederland from Hoofddorp (stand no. 03.0119) is presenting the new CC Euro Trolley for visitors to the Horti Fair. The trolley has been specially developed for retail outlets and is low noise due to its soft rubber suspension damping and the use of plastic shelves, for which old crates are reused. Two trays with pot plants fit onto the shelves of the roller containers and the deck also has two RFID tags for the purposes of registration and traceability.
Chrysal International BV in Naarden (stand no. 01.0441) is introducing a number of new products at the trade show in Amsterdam, including the world premiere of the Fairtrade Liquid Flower Food (with Max Havelaar certification mark) for roses and mixed bouquets. It is only permitted to attach the flower food to Fairtrade flowers. Also new are Chrysal Food Drops, a pack containing six portions that are sufficient to provide one year of care for orchids and green plants, and the improvedChrysal Clear Universal Powder Sachets that will give flowers and bouquets a vase life of more than seven days.
Introduction of partnership
BVB Substrates from De Lier (stand no. 02.0110) is announcing a partnership with Royal Philips Electronics for the purposes of research into the best combination of LED lighting and substrates. One new product is BVB Allure, a bark-free substrate for orchids using Gambit, which is a cork mixture with high structure stability. There are five different types. BVB Sublime for growing tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers is made of polyurethane using a new technology that has been developed in alliance with growers and can result in between 5 and 7% higher yield.
AVO Anthurium Vogels in Wateringen (stand no. 01.0446) is introducing Anthurium Andreanum AVO® Rosalie for pot cultivation; pot size 15-21 cm, and bears large red flowers (7-10 cm) with a green edge. AVO® Pink Christina is a new cut flower cultivar in a lasting dusty pink colour with a long plant life cycle for the consumer and high production for the grower. The company will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of its formation during the Horti Fair and will also be presenting its new house style.
Anthura B.V. from Bleiswijk (stand no. 01.0330) is introducing its Phalaenopsis (for pot cultivation) Anthura Luzern at the Horti Fair; new in Anthurium cut flower cultivation is the Bellanca®, as well as the Fire XL® and Zafira®. Matiz® and Piccolo® are being introduced in Anthurium pot cultivation. Also new is the concept of a ready-made solo Anthurium bouquet in a vase, which is being presented for the retail trade at the Horti Fair.
There proved to be great interest on the part of the journalists during the preview for the Horti Fair Career Plaza (stand no. 03.0302), the House of Technology & Innovation (stand no. 04.0226), House of Quality (stand nos. 01.0126, 01.0228, 05.0102 and 05.0202), House of Software (stand no. 01.0428), the Breeders' Market (stand no. 01.0440) and the Horti Business Game (stand no. 01.0121), as well as in the exhibition theme of 'Earning Sustainably'.
Extensive service for trade visitors
All new products at the Horti Fair can be identified by the special Horti Fair New logo on the stands, on the official exhibition floorplans and the new products route, as well as being shown in advance on the new website at www.hortifair.com.
An additional feature of the website at www.hortifair.com this year is a search and find function at product level and there is also a HortiVisit e-mail newsletter every Wednesday, specially for trade visitors (www.hortifair.com/hortivisit). Shuttles bring visitors safely, swiftly and comfortably to the Horti Fair from horticultural areas (www.hortifair.com/route). Admission costs € 40.00 at the ticket office, but is free of charge for trade visitors, who receive tickets from participants or online (www.hortifair.com/tickets). In 2010 the International Horti Fair is being held in the Amsterdam RAI from 12 to 15 October inclusive and is open every day from 10.00 to 19.00 hours. Take a look at www.hortifair.com for an up-to-the-minute impression of the most intensively visited trade event for professional horticulture.
To learn more click here - http://www.itb.ie/StudyatITB/bn419.html
Overview.
New Venture Development 1: Students are required to commence this module by shaping an idea for a product or for a provision of a service into a genuine opportunity and form teams that will see the idea through to completion. Students must identify new opportunities, critically evaluate existing or alternative products or services in the marketplace, carry‐out preliminary design including proof‐of‐concept and formulate a plan for completion. At the end of the module, students will be required to defend and promote their concept to a panel in the LINC.
Horticulture Project 1, Analysis & Design: In this module, students will undertake an individual horticulture project to support the new venture development efforts that includes: technical review, research, problem formulation and opportunity identification, scientific, regulatory and environmental standards, ethical implications and solution design. Project management, including planning, control and documentation, is critical to bringing together the students knowledge and skills from the wider course. As the project is a year‐long effort, this module represents the initial stages of the overall project that student must complete and contributes to the new venture development efforts.
Creativity, Innovation & Teamwork: This module provides students with an understanding of the role of creativity, innovation and teamwork in the entrepreneurial process and its ongoing role in enterprise. As well as practical exercises in creative problem solving, students will consider idea generation techniques, opportunities for value creation, business failure and networking. Students will complete a number of team assignments in unfamiliar environments, underscoring the importance of teaming and leadership in the entrepreneurial process.
Enterprise & Operations: This module will provide students with the skills necessary to develop a business from idea formation through the various stages of the business life‐cycle. Students will consider enterprise start‐up, enterprise supports, new venture management teams, research for operations setup, strategy development, quality management, supply chain, growth and sustainability.
Sales & Marketing: This module provide students with an in‐depth understanding and appreciation of sales and marketing theory and the practice necessary for business development as well as an ability to apply these concepts to the development of a marketing plan.
Elective Module: From: Horticultural Business Management ; Human Resources Management, Landscape Design 2, Golf Course Design 7 Management, advanced Plant Pathology, Plant Treatment Regulation, Advanced Soli Science and Chemistry, Diffusion of Innovation, Universal Design for Amenities, Genetics and plant Breeding, Environmental Indicators, Synthetic sport surfaces, Historical Parks & Gardens, Horticulture Therapy.
New Venture Development 2: This module is a ‘follow‐on’ from New venture Development 1. Student teams are required to gain considerable traction and progress their ideas further towards commercial reality. As part of this module, the students must complete detailed design and analysis, develop prototypes or simulations as a product or service demonstrator. In parallel, students must complete a business‐plan and support documentation to appropriate proofing points that would allow it to attract the necessary resources to make it happen.
Horticulture Project 2, Implementation: This module is a ‘follow‐on’ from Project 1. Project execution, solution implementation and application of the research hold greater emphasis in this part of the project. Demonstrating the bringing together of knowledge and skills from the wider course is achieved through a major written submission as a thesis, a presentation of the project to an expert panel and a practical demonstration of the creative solutions implemented. As the project is a year‐long effort, this module represents the final stages of the overall project and contributes to the new venture development efforts.
Aboriculture 2: This module enhances the student’s depth of understanding of the science of arboriculture. The student will integrate their knowledge of the plant physiology of trees with the ability to manage Ireland’s reserves of forest, woodland and urban trees. Student will learn to make decisions and work with stakeholders on the survival or otherwise of areas of the national tree stock drawing on elements of their scientific and technical expertise.
New Venture Finance: This module requires the student to explain the relationship between and interpret the balance sheet, profit and loss account and cash‐flow. Understand the key the techniques in managing working capital, know the appropriate sources of funding for a given investment proposal, prepare a basic set of financial projections for inclusion in a business plan, understand the linkages between marketing and production decisions and financial performance of the enterprise.
Legal, IP & Commercialisation: This module provides students with an in‐depth understanding and appreciation of the Irish legal system, the legal responsibilities and opportunities for those in business and how the law facilitates entrepreneurship. The module also explores the creation, capture and exploitation of intellectual property as well as contract law, tort, business forms and the sources of law.
Elective Module: From: Horticultural Business Management ; Human Resources, Landscape Design 2, Golf Course Design 7 Management, advanced Plant Pathology, Plant Treatment Regulation, Advanced Soli Science and Chemistry, Diffusion of Innovation, Universal Design for Amenities, Genetics and plant Breeding, Environmental Indicators, Synthetic Sport Surfaces, Historical Parks & Gardens, Horticulture Therapy.
To learn more click here - http://www.itb.ie/StudyatITB/bn419.html
We need to move to a system where the protection and enhancement of our green infrastructure is integrated into the planning process, according to Comhar SDC who today launched Creating Green Infrastructure for Ireland. This would require mapping of natural ecosystems to provide evidence of the value of biodiversity and ecosystems to the economy and society, it said.
"Development has been a major driver of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss in Ireland," said the report's editor, Dr. Cathy Maguire, Director of Research at Comhar SDC. "Biodiversity continues to decline because its value is not reflected in decision-making by business and government. While tools such as 'Strategic Environment Assessment' and 'Environmental Impact Assessment' have become part of our development process, they are essentially reactive measures.
“The introduction of a green infrastructure approach to planning policy would help to protect, create and manage green infrastructure in an integrated and proactive way. It would also enhance Ireland's biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change."
Comhar SDC describes 'green infrastructure' as "a network of green spaces that help conserve natural ecosystems and provide benefits to human populations through water purification, flood control, carbon capture, food production and recreation. Such spaces include woodlands, coastlines, flood plains, hedgerows, city parks and street trees."
Comhar cites the National Parks and Wildlife Services estimates that natural ecosystems contribute at least €2.6 billion to Ireland's economy each year, across a range of sectors, including agriculture, health and aquaculture.
Also speaking at today's launch, Professor Frank Convery, chairperson of Comhar SDC (pictured), said: "Green infrastructure that is operating at its peak and is well connected can makes cities, towns and rural areas better places in which to work. High-quality green infrastructure translates into higher property values and rents, and is also attractive to the high-value industries, entrepreneurs and workers now needed to underpin the knowledge economy.
"The health benefits of a green infrastructure are also numerous. Well-planned green spaces can act as important places to exercise, particularly in an urban centre. They also provide play areas for children and act as a recreational space for members of the local community. This offers positive benefits in terms of a community's physical and mental health."
Professor Convery said that the upcoming revision of the National Biodiversity Plan, as well as the National Adaptation Plan, offers an important opportunity to put green infrastructure on the agenda of all the agents involved in planning and infrastructure delivery. "Apart from national and local buy-in from our elected representatives, we need all of the key sectors - from agriculture to tourism and planners - to work together to realise the economic and social benefits of protecting our biodiversity," he added.
The report contains a range of recommendations to government on how green infrastructure can be developed in Ireland. These include the development of national guidance and objectives; the inclusion of green infrastructure in policy and legislation; green infrastructure maps, and measures to improve data availability and harmonisation.
"Comhar SDC has recommended a range of actions, including the development of national guidelines which set out how green infrastructure can be incorporated into the planning process," said Maguire. "We are urging policy makers to grasp the opportunities that green infrastructure approaches can offer in bringing benefits to the environment, economy and society. Integrating green infrastructure into our planning process would result in health and economic benefits, as well as protecting our biodiversity. It would offer a positive dimension to our planning process and minimise conflicts between environmental and economic goals."
"Green infrastructure mapping underpins the whole approach and, while there are data gaps and needs, a lot of useful information already exists at national and local levels," she continued. "This should be made available in a coordinated and accessible way for use in green infrastructure mapping."
Comhar Sustainable Development Council was established in 1999 as the forum for national consultation and dialogue on all issues relating to sustainable development.
Award Categories:
1. Best Organic Retail Product
2. Best Organic Local Product
3. Best Organic Export Product
4. Best Organic New Product
5. Best Organic Sustainable Product
6. Best Overall Organic Product
Award winners will be announced and presented at a lunch on Tuesday
the 14th of September in the Bord Bia Food Centre. Winners will be
invited and expected to attend.
The objective of the awards is to recognise the achievements and raise
the profile of Irish organic food and drink manufacturers and growers.
This year the awards have been reviewed and will be more inclusive of
organic producers from every sector, including horticulture growers.
The announcement of the awards will coincide with National Organic
Week and we hope to use the synergies to increase the profile of the
winners and the Irish organic food sector.
Important Dates for the National Organic Awards 2010:
Monday 23rd August: Deadline for receipt of application forms
Tuesday 14th September: Award winners announced.
Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is currently investigating a small number of cases of a disease affecting mainly Japanese larch trees in the Tipperary/Waterford region. The disease is caused by the pathogenPhytophthora ramorum, a fungus like organism that can damage and kill trees and plants it infects.
Following findings of the pathogen in Japanese larch trees in Great Britain in autumn 2009, the Department, on a precautionary basis, initiated a special survey here of Japanese larch growing adjacent to areas where rhododendron infected with P. ramorum had already been detected. In addition to the findings in a small number of larch trees, beech trees which were growing in proximity to the infected larch trees were also found to be infected as were two noble fir trees.
Japanese larch trees represent some 3% of the total forest tree population in Ireland. The bulk of the wood from infected trees can be used in the normal way provided the necessary hygiene measures are taken at felling and in sawmills.
There has also been a finding in Northern Ireland and the Department is liaising closely with the NI Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The Department is taking all necessary measures to establish the extent of the infection and to control the spread of the disease.
Interested in Horticulture? You might think that it’s just about gardening, but you’d be wrong! How about Sportsturf and Landscape Management, Floriculture or Social Horticulture?
Degree: BAgrSc (Horticulture, landscape and Sportsturf Management)
Direct entry CAO Code: DN048 or
Omnibus entry CAO code: DN010
Length of Programme: 4 years.
Required Subjects: Irish, English, Mathematics, one laboratory science subject, two other recognised subjects.
Introduction
Horticulture is the Art and Science of plant cultivation for human use. It is a topic that covers a vast and interesting range of subjects, including all of the sciences, plant protection (pests and diseases), environmental studies, business, management and communications, and of course growing plants. This degree offers a huge variety of career paths for those of you interested in working indoors or outdoors. With this degree you can choose the area you would like to concentrate on, pure horticulture or the management of plants in the landscape or the sportsturf industry. Sport and leisure has become very important in everyone’s lives. You could work and play at the same time with a career in the €750M sportsturf sector. By studying Sportsturf Managementyou could develop and maintain one of the 400 golf courses or thousands of tennis, football, rugby, bowling and other sports pitches in Ireland. If you like helping other people and you have felt the joy of sowing seeds and nurturing plants as they grow, you can combine these and study Social Horticulture. This area of horticulture studies the interaction between humans and plants and how you can use this knowledge to improve the lives of people. If food production is your interest or if you are concerned about globalisation and its impact on food supply, safety and quality then you can study Fresh Produce Production. Or if you are interested in growing plants then you can studyNursery, Garden Centre and Ornamental Plant Production. With the continuing dramatic increase in house building, road construction and other projects, the demand for plants, both for indoors and outdoor landscapes has exploded. If you are interested in an international career, using your French or Spanish language skills, then a career in Floriculture may be what you want? This sector produces and supplies flowers and pot plants valued at over €35M, which are sourced from all over the world, from countries such as Kenya, Israel, Bolivia, Columbia or South Africa. Find out what current a student thinks of the programme by clicking here.
Career Opportunities
All the above areas need highly trained individuals in management, technical advisory and consultation roles, research, quality assurance, sales and marketing positions, either working for the emerging large corporate companies active in this area or within your own business.
Programme Objectives
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As well as providing you with the principles, knowledge and skills directly related to the degree, it is also designed to help you develop your transferable skills, such as:
Programme Content
Year 1 is designed to ensure you have a good knowledge of the basic sciences. There is also an introduction to the horticulture programme.
Professional Work Experience (PWE)
This is an important element of your degree and gives you the opportunity to further develop your skills in a real life environment. Six months PWE is taken in your area of interest between the years 3 and 4 of your degree. There are opportunities to travel for your PWE or take a semester in another university through our exchange programme.
Transfers from Institutes of Technology
The Programme normally accepts a number of transferees from Institutes of Technology who have completed relevant Ordinary Degree Programmes. Details are available from the Programme Office, contact details below.
Further Information:
Email:
Website:
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where horticulture meets
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Event introduction
“It’s Show Time”
South Africa meets IrelandHorticulture & Fresh Produce News Ireland - www.HortiTrends.com
On a recent holiday to Europe, Alwyn Badenhorst, who is a Customer Relationship Manager with Neutrog South Africa, took some time to visit the new factory of Neutrog Ireland, and meet Niall Reynolds, Managing Director. Alwyn has been working for Neutrog for the past 3 years, and worked for a Neutrog distributor before that. Niall was delighted to hear about how Neutrog has grown in South Africa, and was amazed to hear that over 20,000 tonnes were produced there last year. Niall said “It’s great to speak to Alwyn about the progress in South Africa, and to learn how this was achieved. It’s very exciting to think that we could achieve similar results here over the next few years, and extremely valuable to learn from the experiences in both South Africa and Australia”. Alwyn commented on the similarities of the landscapes in Ireland and in the region in South Africa where he lives. He also said “I am very impressed with the new factory that Niall has set up here in Ireland, and I am extremely confident that Neutrog Ireland will be just as successful as our business in South Africa”. Niall hopes to visit Neutrog South Africa in the near future.
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| Name | Address | Core activity |
|---|---|---|
| Acting Head of Horticulture | ||
| Jim O'Mahony | Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny | Management |
| Mushroom Team | ||
| Gerry Walsh | Teagasc, Gorey, Co. Wexford | Advisory |
| Tom Kellegher | Teagasc, Monaghan | Advisory |
| Helen Grogan | Teagasc, Kinsealy, Dublin 17 | Research |
| Fruit Team | ||
| Eamonn Kehoe | Teagasc, Wexford | Advisory / Research |
| Dermot Callaghan | Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny | Advisory / Research |
| Nursery Stock Team | ||
| Jim Kelleher | Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny | Advisory |
| Matthew Lohan | ||
Open from 10am to 5pm
After a hugely successful launch in 2009 the Innovators Zone is back bigger and bold for Glee 2010.
To get a head start on seeing the next big thing make sure you visit the Innovators Zone in Hall 5
100's of companies will be launching products and showing you what's new for 2011, including...
Boskke - Turning gardening on its head Defying gravity, Boskke's unique upside-down planter encourages abundant greenery at home and at work, without sacrificing floor space. | |
The sky planter's innovative design allows you to save space, conserve water and transform your view of nature. Make sure you see it first at Glee 2010. Click here for more information.
Blooming High enter the Dragons' Den! Blooming High, who exhibited at Glee for the first time in 2009, bravely stepped into the Dragons' Den this week to pitch their revolutionary stackable planter. They received some great feedback and advice from the Dragons and interest in their product has already soared since they appeared on the show! The Blooming High container can be used individually or stacked to create a tower affect. Watering is no problem for the lower sections as they come with a watering tube to enable watering and feeding of those that are stacked.Click here for more information. | |
Don't miss them at Glee 2010… visit Stand A11 in Hall 5 to see their product first hand!
For the full exhibitor list visit www.gleebirmingham.com
The National Biodiversity Data Centre would like to draw your attention to the online mapping system, Biodiversity Maps, which the Centre has developed.
Since its establishment, the Data Centre has been working on putting in place the biodiversity information infrastructure needed to bring Ireland’s biodiversity data management firmly into the 21st Century. Part of this infrastructure involved the development of a state of the art web-based mapping system, Biodiversity Maps, through which data from different sources are brought together and made freely available to recorders, researchers and decision-makers. Most of the Centre’s key partners, including state and non-governmental agencies, have already provided databases to populate the system, with the result that 1.25 million records from 8,885 species are now stored securely and made available as a resource for data users.
This resource is available to use at http://www.biodiversityireland.ie andhttp://maps.biodiversityireland.ie.
The National Biodiversity Data Centre welcomes any feedback on the Annual Report 2009 and the work that the Centre is involved in.
SCHEME OF INVESTMENT AID FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMERCIAL
HORTICULTURE SECTOR
Funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013
Terms and Conditions
3rd Round (2010)
General
This scheme is intended to assist in the development of the horticulture sector,
including beekeeping, by grant aiding capital investments in specialised plant
and equipment in commercial horticulture. The scheme aims to promote the
diversification of on-farm activities; improve the quality of products; facilitate
environmentally friendly practices and improve working conditions.
Under this scheme and subject to conditions 1-31 beneath, aid at a rate of 40%
(at a maximum rate of 50% in the case of young farmers) will be payable on the
accepted cost (excl VAT, discounts and allowances) of capital investments
approved and completed to the satisfaction of the Minister for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food.
The scheme is primarily aimed at those in rural areas engaging in horticultural
production and/or beekeeping. Non-production investments, which are directly
associated with primary production, may also be considered.
As the funds available under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development
of the Commercial Horticulture Sector are limited, investments will be in
competition for grant-aid. The funding is for investments completed not later
than 15th October 2010, unless otherwise agreed. Payment claims will be
accepted prior to this date.
Application forms may be obtained from Seamus O’Donnell/Bernadette Doran
at-
Crop Production and Safety Division,
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food,
Administrative Building,
Backweston Campus,
Young’s Cross,
Celbridge,
Co. Kildare.
Ph…01 5058801 / 5058797
E-Mail Seamus.odonnell@agriculture.gov.ie
E-Mail Bernadette.doran@agriculture.gov.ie
Definitions
For the purpose of this scheme:-
“the Minister” shall mean the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
“the Department” shall mean the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food.
“ horticulture” means that branch of agriculture that relates to the cultivation of
plants used for food or for the production of food or ornament, including the
technical procedures necessary for the cultivation, production and preparation for
market of -
(a) fruit,
(b) vegetables, (excluding potatoes and seed
potatoes),
(c) herbs,
(d) edible fungi,
(e) nuts,
(f) cut flowers
(g) decorative foliage
(h) hops
(i) sports turf,
(k) honey,
(l) pot plants, bedding plants and herbaceous plants
(m) nursery stock and Christmas trees),
(n) fruit trees, fruit bushes and fruit plants.
“investment” means an investment in a commercial horticultural enterprise.
CONDITIONS FOR GRANT AID UNDER THE SCHEME OF INVESTMENT
AID FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE
SECTOR
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
1. Applications
• Applications should be made on an official application form. Sections
1–11 of the application form should be completed by the applicant who
should then arrange to have Section 12 completed by Teagasc or an
approved Adviser.
• The required supporting documentation e.g. business plan, latest set of
accounts and up-to-date and fully descriptive quotations showing net
cost should accompany the application which must be returned to the
address as listed on page 2 not later than Friday 19th February 2010
All quotations submitted must be original and fully descriptive. They
should be in printed format and on company headed paper.
• Only fully completed applications with all supporting documentation
will be accepted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food. Incomplete applications will not be considered for grant aid.
• Applications may be submitted by individual applicants or on behalf of
groups and other legal entities. In cases of joint or group enterprises, one
person should be nominated to apply on behalf of the enterprise. In such
cases at least one member of the enterprise must meet the eligibility
requirements.
• Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary skill and
competence for the running of the business. In the case of group or joint
enterprises, at least one member of the enterprise will be required to
demonstrate that they have the necessary skill and competence.
2. Eligible investments
The scheme will be confined to new investments only.
Applicants must declare where any relationship exists between the applicant
and the quoting company / supplier. The nature of this relationship must be
declared fully on both application and claim for payment forms.
3. Commencement of Work
Work on a project must not commence until after the issue of letter of
approval by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food following
the receipt of the fully completed application, otherwise the application will be
rendered ineligible for consideration.
Items invoiced or delivered, purchased or payments made before issue of
approval letter by the Department, are not eligible for grant aid. Where work
commenced before the approval date, grant aid will not be paid.
The following preparatory measures will not be deemed to constitute
commencement of work and may be undertaken whenever appropriate:
Administrative procedures aimed at obtaining planning permission, planning
work specifically carried out by for instance, an architect, preparatory studies,
site clearance and fencing.
4. Viability
The horticultural enterprise must be shown to be viable on a commercial scale.
To enable viability to be assessed, investment proposals must be supported by a
satisfactory business plan covering a minimum of two years and the most recent
set of accounts. Applications must contain a comprehensive profile of the
current and proposed enterprises, outlets, employment etc. Each project will be
assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the business plan, the
latest set of accounts and the project profile submitted with the application.
5. Resale of approved equipment
Applicants will be required to keep in their ownership /possession, for a period
of 5 years, such items in respect of which grant aid has been paid.
These items must be used for horticultural purposes only.
All items grant aided must be held within the State.
6. Financing of approved items
Leasing agreements will be limited to a period of 4 years and hire purchase
agreements will not be allowed.
7. Proofs of Payment of relevant invoices
It will be a requirement for all applicants to submit proofs of payment that are
acceptable to the Minister. These proofs will consist of original bank
statements and copies of encashed cheques. Alternatively, on line bank
statements (only high quality colour printouts with bank logo) with copies of
encashed cheques will be acceptable or if payment is made by direct credit
transfer an original bank statement or on-line bank statement listing payments to
the supplier must be submitted.
Amounts listed on bank statements must be clearly linked to the relevant
item on which grant aid is claimed.
8. Scale of Investments
The minimum investment which will be considered for grant aid is €10,000,
except in the case of beekeeping for which a minimum investment of €2,000
will apply. The upper cumulative limit for investments per applicant over the
period of the scheme 2007-2013 is €5m. Aid for each investment will be
decided on the availability of funds and on the ongoing priorities for each sector
within the industry as well as the quality and scale of the proposals. In some
cases only part of an investment may be approved for aid.
9. Rate of Grant
Aid will be payable at the maximum rate of 40% (at a maximum rate of 50% in
the case of young farmers) on the accepted net cost of investments approved
and completed to the satisfaction of the Minister. The amount on which the
grant is calculated will, however, not exceed the actual net expenditure
incurred, (excl. VAT, discounts and allowances), and paid for by the applicant.
To qualify for the higher rate of grant aid on the basis of being a young farmer,
the applicant will have to be under 35 years of age on the date of receipt of a
valid application by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Such applicant’s must submit an original birth certificate with their
application.
To qualify for payment of grant aid at the 50% rate an applicant will have
to be in a position to demonstrate, by the date of application for payment of
aid, that they are in control of financial management of the grant aided
enterprise.
7
In the case of applications made by people operating in partnership or
where more than one person has joint interest in the business the higher
rate of aid will only be payable where all parties are under 35 years on the
date of receipt of valid application.
A company or corporate body will not qualify for the higher rate.
10. Limitations
• Only new materials and/or new specialised horticultural plant/equipment
will be grant aided. Aid will not be paid for secondhand equipment,
materials or replacements, except in very exceptional circumstances to
be determined by the Minister.
• Aid will not be paid for repair and maintenance.
• No aid will be paid for projects which commence before issue of letter
of approval by the Department.
• In the case of investments for buildings, the applicant must show details
of ownership of the site or it’s long-term lease (5 years from 1st January
2010)
• Projects which aim to increase production for which no sales outlets can
be found will not be grant aided.
11. Aid from Other Sources
If any contribution towards the cost of approved works has been or may be
made from public funds, otherwise than under this scheme, the amount of aid
under the scheme may, where the Minister so determines, be reduced
accordingly.
Investment in mushroom enterprises which are eligible for consideration
for aid under the EU Producers Organisation Scheme will not be grant
aided under this Scheme
An applicant must notify the Department if Business Expansion Scheme
or Seed Capital Scheme investments have been raised and also declare the
amount raised. Where funds have been raised grant aid will be reduced
by 20% in the case of applicants in assisted areas and by 50% in non
assisted regions.
12 Competitiveness of Applications
Projects will be assessed for aid on a priority basis and the fact that a project is
aided does not create entitlement for similar projects in this or any future round
of the scheme. Priorities may change with time or circumstances.
13. Completion of Investments/ Deadline for submission of claim for payment
Approved investments must be completed and a claim for grant aid made within
the period stipulated by the Minister.
Fully completed claims for payment should be submitted as soon as
possible but must be received in the Department not later than
15th October 2010 unless otherwise agreed. Claims for payment
will be accepted prior to this date.
14. Legal Provisions, Consents, etc.
All applicants must undertake to comply with all National and EU Community
standards in respect of the investments approved under the scheme.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all works shall be carried out in
accordance with the provisions of all relevant statutes, regulations, byelaws and
duty of care.
The onus of obtaining all consents, permissions, etc. including planning
permission, consent to entry on, or interference with, land, other property or
right of any other persons, rests on the applicant.
It will be a requirement for an applicant, where as a producer in the food chain,
to register with this Department under EU Regulations, ie Regulation (EC) No
852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of
foodstuffs.
Payment of grant aid is subject to compliance with statutory requirements in
relation to the pay and working conditions of employees.
Payment of grant aid by the Minister should not be taken as evidence of
compliance with the above legal provisions, consents, etc.
15. Contractors Tax Clearance Requirements
In conformity with general practice the payment of financial aid as provided for
in this scheme is subject to the condition that, where a contractor is employed to
carry out construction work, that contractor must have a current C2 certificate
or tax clearance certificate from the Revenue Commissioners.
In the case of a non-resident contractor a general tax clearance certificate will
be required. This provision applies whether or not the non-resident contractor
has a registered office in this country.
16. Payment of Tax by Applicant
In the case of grant awards in excess of €10,000 the applicant must submit a
current Tax Clearance Certificate. This certificate should be submitted as
soon as possible but not later than the date of application for payment of
grant aid.
General Conditions
17. Unsuccessful Projects
Where eligible projects have not been approved for grant aid and have not
commenced, applicants may re-apply for consideration in the next round of
applications under the scheme subject to terms and conditions of the scheme at
that time.
18. Information
Applicants must provide any information required by the Minister for the
administration, control, monitoring and evaluation of the scheme.
19. Justification for Granting Aid
Aid for investment will at all times be subject to the condition that, in the
opinion of the Minister the investment is justified. However, the approval for, or
payment of aid, does not imply any endorsement by the Minister of a project’s
safety, technical feasibility and/or economic viability.
20. Right of Entry
The Minister reserves the right to arrange for an inspection at all reasonable
times of any land, premises, plant, equipment and records of participants or
applicants for participation in this scheme.
The applicant or a person nominated by the applicant must make himself or
herself available to the Department Inspector in order to carry out the necessary
inspections.
21. Responsibility of Applicant
The approval or payment of aid under the scheme does not imply the acceptance
by the Minister of any responsibility as regards the stability of any structure, or
the soundness of any materials used or adequacy for its purposes of any
investment, which is the subject of such approval or payment. This is the
applicant’s responsibility in the first instance and the onus is on him/her to
comply with current requirements as regards Health and Safety.
The Minister may require certification of quality of work and design.
22. Protection of the Environment
To ensure protection of the environment, applicants:
• Must agree to farm in accordance with the criteria for Good Agricultural and
Environmental Condition (GAEC). They must also participate in the
appropriate Bord Bia Quality Programmes or recognised equivalent,
including the environment and hygiene standards set out therein.
• May be required to make investments or to carry out additional requirements
over and above that covered in their initial applications e.g. investment in
hygiene or pollution control. Such additional works will not be grant aided.
• May, without prejudice to paras. 17 & 19 be refused grant aid where the
Minister is of the opinion that the works proposed to be carried out would
cause damage to the environment – in particular to environmentally sensitive
areas or to a structure or area of historical or archaeological importance.
23. False Statements
Without prejudice to penalties applicable under national law, if, for the purposes
of obtaining aid under this scheme, a person knowingly makes a false statement
or withholds essential information, all or such portion of the aid given or to be
given as the Minister may determine shall be reimbursed or withheld. The
Minister reserves the right to exclude such a person from further participation in
the scheme for such a period as she/he shall determine.
24. Withdrawal of Aid
The Minister may withdraw approval of aid if the applicant fails to abide by the
conditions of the scheme. In such event all or such portion of aid given or to be
given shall be reimbursed or withheld as the Minister may determine.
25. Recovery of Aid
The Minister reserves the right to recover any grant aid paid where the
investment aided does not continue to be used for horticultural purposes for a
period of at least 5 years,
26. Review of Financial Aids
The Minister reserves the right to vary, where occasion so demands, the amount
of financial aid specified in the scheme subject at all times to the provision of
any relevant European Union legislation.
27. Procedures
The Minister shall lay down the procedures to be followed in the operation of
this scheme and reserves the right to alter these procedures from time to time.
28. Conditions of Approval
Every approval of development works and purchases under this scheme shall be
subject to all conditions laid down by the Minister being complied with in full
by the applicant.
29. Charges for Visits and Services
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food reserves the right to impose
a charge for visits made, and services provided, by its officials in connection
with the scheme.
30. Decision of the Minister
The decision of the Minister on any matter relating to this scheme or to any
works there under shall be final.
31. Additional Conditions
The Minister may at any time lay down additional conditions for the
implementation of this scheme.
'
Speaking at the official opening of the Virginia Agricultural Show in County Cavan on Saturday 31 July, Brendan Smith TD, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food again re-enforced the importance of the Food Harvest 2020report as the key to growing the value of the agri-food, fisheries and forestry sector by a third over the coming decade and increasing exports to €12 billion.
Underlying the priority with which the Government considers the report, the Minister said that he would be personally heading the implementation group to ensure that the ambitious targets in Food Harvest 2020 can be met in the shortest possible time. "I want to emphasise my personal commitment and that of the Government to the achievement of these ambitious but realisable growth targets" the Minister said. "For the dairy sector which is so central to the Virginia Show, this plan targets a 50% increase in output. This would enhance the value of primary output by €700 million, as well as downstream benefits in the form of increased dairy products values, export earnings and employment" the Minister added.
The Minister also complimented the high standard of Holstein/Friesian cows in the Baileys Champion cow competition, now in its 27th year. "The continued loyal sponsorship of both Baileys and Glanbia Ingredients, Virginia, has elevated this competition to one highly regarded by breeders around the country. It is one of Ireland's most prestigious dairy livestock events" he said, "and the kind of quality that is being rewarded here today represents the brightest future of an industry that has enormous potential for expansion and development".
The Minister also drew attention to the very positive brand image that Irish dairy products have worldwide, and the tremendous potential to capitalise on that image, particularly in Asian markets where economic expansion and increasing levels of disposable income were leading to increased demand for dairy and other food products.
"Irish food and beverage exports to Asian Markets were valued at €279 million in 2009," he said, "and there is tremendous potential for developing and expanding those markets, with consequent benefits for employment in Ireland. In that context, it is essential that Irish food business operators take a strategic approach to developing Asian markets. They can be assured that in doing so, they will have the full support of my Department and its agencies, which will continue to be pro-active in building the kind of relationships that are critical to doing business in those countries. The road map of development as set out in Food Harvest 2020 will be a crucial factor in this process".
Complimenting the decision of the organisers of the show to move it to a Saturday this year, Minister Smith noted that the show attracts exhibitors from every county in Ireland and from further a-field to compete in over 450 classes on the day. This show not only boasts some of Irelands finest livestock, but also has a wide selection of competitions for garden produce, home cooking, arts and crafts which attract a high standard of entry from competitors both young and old.
Minister Smith welcomed the generous local sponsorship provided by a host of loyal sponsors. The Minister also said "Virginia show has grown to become one of the largest shows in the country. This is due to the hard work of the local organising committee under the President Ned Duffy. The organisers have shown great initiative and enterprise again this year in the quality of the programme for the day".
In conclusion, Minister Smith took the opportunity of wishing the organizing committee, the exhibitors, the sponsors, the many visitors, and indeed everybody involved with the Virginia show an enjoyable day out.
Tree Company 'Branches Out' |
A Co Antrim company has developed a unique portable sawmill that should generate significant export sales over the next few years. M. Large Tree Services, which employs 24 people in Newtownabbey and this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, took its first step into design and manufacture with research and development (R&D) support from Invest NI. The company, which specialises in forestry, landscaping and woodcutting services and machinery, saw a gap in the market for the product. With assistance from Invest NI's Innovation Voucher scheme it was able to access specialist expertise from Queen's University to help it carry out a technical review of the design, testing and certifying requirements for the sawmill. It then developed a prototype with R&D support from Invest NI. Carol Keery, Invest NI's Director of Innovation, Research and Technology, said: "M Large has recognised that by developing its own range of innovative products it can not only open up new revenue streams but also protect itself from over reliance on other manufacturers. This product has substantial export potential and this will help to future-proof the company's viability." The portable sawmill has a number of innovative features. It is easy to transport and assemble, comes in two sizes and incorporates a sawdust collection system. Managing Director, Michael Large, said: "This is an exciting development for the company and hopefully is the first of many R&D successes for us. "The support from Invest NI was vital in enabling us to access expertise and support for prototype development and CE certification. We are confident that the sawmill will quickly establish itself in the UK and European markets and become a significant source of income for us." |
Full round-up of all the latest major appointments and departures within the European fresh produce industry over the past month
Coop Trading's Svend Aage Kristensen, familiar to many in the trade as one of its most skilled and popular buyers, will retire at the end of August after a distinguished career spanning almost five decades, during which time he worked mostly as a fresh produce buyer for the Nordic consumer cooperatives.
Spanish interprofessional citrus body Intercitrus has electedJuan Vicente Safont as its new president at the group’s annual assembly in Valencia. Mr Safont, who is also president of leading Spanish fresh produce group Anecoop, replacesJorge García of Castellon-based exporter García Ballester.
Seald Sweet International’s chief financial officer Vitor Figueiredo will take over as managing director of Univeg’s Portuguese operations later this year, the group has said.
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) has announced thatAdrian Barlow was elected to the position of vice-president of the FPC Council at the group’s recent annual general meeting. FPC president Jim Rogers has been re-elected for a further year. Dutch marketing group Fruit Vegetables Agency Holland has appointed Fred van Heyningen, CEO of Rabobank Westland, to its board. He will be responsible for strategic development and improving professionalism in the Dutch produce sector.Paolo Bruni, president of EU farming cooperatives association Copa, Italian marketing group CSO and Italian fresh produce group Apo Conerpo, has been accepted as a member of the Brotherhood of the Magnificent Onion.
The Oppenheimer Group has appointed long-standing company member Nolan Quinn to lead its berry category in the new role of berry category director.
Over 60 million euros will be spent on 19 promotional programs
