The association's event is scheduled to take place between July 28-31 in Melbourne. The theme of this year's conference, explained PCA's Saskia Blanch, is “Solutions for Sustainable Growth.”
PCA Chairman Marcus Brandsema amongst his tomato crop in Tasmania
“Our entire industry is going for sustainability,” said Blanch. “By their very nature, most of the growers fulfill that theme with their work.” To that end, they're still in the process of putting together speakers for the event that can address the theme from the perspective of flower growers, leafy green growers, fruit and vegetable vine crop growers and growers who employ aquaponics. The last category of growers, noted Blanch, is especially interesting because of the rising prevalence and status of aquaponics throughout the last few years.
Started in 1990 as the Australian Hydroponic Association, PCA has been dedicated to representing Australia's protected cropping industry for over two decades. With board members representing the flower, leafy green, fruit and vegetable vine crops and allied trade sectors, PCA distributes a quarterly magazine, Soilless Australia to disseminate news to its members. The conference, held every two years, is a chance for the industry to get together, trade information and provide education and assistance to prospective growers.
“We're focused on getting growers together, especially flower growers this year, and getting them to realize that we have their best interests at heart,” said Blanch. “With Australia being such a big country, we think that getting everyone together is a big opportunity for growers to learn a lot and be inspired.”
For more information:
Protected Cropping Australia
Solutions For Sustainable Growth
PCA Conference 2013
please contact Rick or Rosemary : [email protected]