Teagasc Conference Focuses on Adding Value to Nursery Stock Industry
The Teagasc National Nursery Stock Conference 2007, which takes place in Kilkenny on 8 November next, will place a sharper focus on value added activities in the sector. "There is little or no hope of increasing plant prices," commented Teagasc nursery stock advisor, Jim Kelleher, while announcing the theme for this year's conference. He said: "In order to maintain a competitive edge, nurseries must be fully aware of the value perception of the customer while also consistently monitoring production techniques to ensure maximum efficiency is achieved."
The recent period of economic growth appears to be levelling off and the nursery industry now needs to focus on securing its future. Jim Kelleher continued saying: "Market conditions are dictating increasingly stringent specifications for quality and delivery, requiring improvements in production systems from stock plant to saleable product. While working towards increasing consistency and uniformity of products and services, we need to explore new value-added activities to ensure our industry remains sustainable into the future."
A broad cross-section of industry stakeholders are included in the conference line-up, which has been drawn from across the EU. The sales and marketing team from Pistoia Piante, Italy will provide an insight into nursery trends and developments there. Doug Reade from Wyevale Nurseries in the UK will address the issue of customer quality controls, while Elmer Dool, Sunhill Nurseries in Kilkenny will speak about meeting the ever-changing requirements of the customer.
This full day event, which this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary, promises to tackle many of the most important issues facing the industry in the coming decade.
The Nursery Stock Conference will take place in association with Horticulture Ireland, on Thursday 8 November at Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny. Trevor Sargent T.D., Minister of State for Food and Horticulture, will officially open the conference.
For further information on the conference contact Jim Kelleher at 051 - 644551
