Fertilisers Association Conference to be held in Masterton

January 18 2011
MEDIA RELEASE

2011 New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers Association Conference to be held in Masterton

The 2011 NZGFA conference is to be held in Masterton from July 3 to July 6. The NZGFA represents the fertiliser groundspreading operators who spread fertiliser for farmers and horticulturalists.

NZGFA President, Stuart Barwood, said the reason Masterton was chosen was because it was central, had a superb facility in Solway Park and there was a good representation of Spreadmark accredited operators in the local area.

“Spreadmark is an extremely hard to get quality standard that means a spreading company is totally professional and can spread fertiliser with extreme precision,” Stuart Barwood said. “It is a credit to spreaders in the Wairarapa, Southern Hawkes Bay, the Manawatu and Horowhenua that so many companies have completed this rigorous qualification.

“The theme of the conference is ‘Sharing Our Expertise’ so that technology transfer is at the top of the agenda. The industry is forging ahead at a fast pace and keeping up with new developments is a real challenge. Up to 200 delegates are expected.

“When I’m in the area I’ll also be calling on Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to suggest they follow Environment Canterbury’s lead. Recognising the greater accuracy of Spreadmark operators, ECan allows Spreadmark operators to spread fertiliser closer to sensitive areas such as waterways and wetlands.

“If local authorities want to preserve their waterways and public areas then they need to insist on Spreadmark accredited operators,” Stuart Barwood said

The conference will be open to the media.

ENDS

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