Fruit growers and processors can concentrate on boosting yields and efficiencies at Fruit Focus 2017, which has opened its doors with an early-bird ticket offer.
Held at NIAB’s cutting edge East Malling site in Kent on 19 July, the event promises a host of new technologies, working machinery demonstrations, agronomic advice and business information – a one-stop shop for all fruit and wine producers.
Bringing together more than 1,300 growers and 120 exhibitors, the show covers every aspect of the industry, from planting to processing and everything in between. “Fruit Focus is the leading technical event for the fruit industry, providing a unique opportunity to find out about the latest technologies and industry developments, exchange views and network with fellow producers,” says event director Jon Day. “This year we also have a number of exciting new exhibits tackling the hottest topics of the moment.”
With water abstraction licenses under the spotlight, this year’s event will feature the launch of NIAB EMR’s new Water Efficient Technologies (WET) Centre. This commercial scale demonstration will include an integrated portfolio of high performance, state-of-the-art irrigation scheduling technologies and systems for the soft fruit sector. “In light of the oncoming Water Abstraction Licence reform – which will increase the pressure on growers to use water ever more wisely – the WET Centre will showcase a unique solution to improve water use efficiency, reduce costs and achieve industry leading yields and returns while serving as platform and reference for learning and discussion,” says Antonio Llorente, NIAB EMR’s WET Centre Manager.
The popular NFU forum programme will focus on highly timely topics and advice, given the changing political background. These include securing sufficient labour and horticulture in a post-CAP landscape.
The Vines to Wines forum will examine yield, quality and profitability, with the latest information on frost protection, input efficiency and disease control. And for those seeking to improve their knowledge of English wines there will be a tutored wine tasting at the end of the session.
Visitors wishing to get practical, hands-on advice will be well-served in the demonstration vineyard, with workshops on pruning, canopy management and control of pests and diseases. There will also be research tours around EMR, featuring the research vineyard, European apple canker control, and an update on the concept pear orchard, established to boost UK pear production.
“Following the dry spring and late frosts, yield and quality will be hot topics at Fruit Focus 2017,” says Mr Day. “Whether you’re after the latest agronomic or marketing advice, want to compare machinery and equipment in the working demonstration area, get updates on new plant varieties, or simply network with industry colleagues, a day at Fruit Focus is sure to deliver.”
To book tickets visit fruitfocus.co.uk, and save £5 by entering FRUITTICKET promotional code*.
* Terms and Conditions apply. Valid until 16th July. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other ticket offers. Visit www.fruitfocus.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions.
