The A Lighter Touch Podcast

In this second episode, more detail on the results from the four-year Zespri- Bioeconomy Science Institute, Plant & Food Research group, project, aligned with A Lighter Touch is shared. The project, brought together scientists, industry and innovative growers to develop an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for managing Passion vine hopper in commercial orchards.Listen to learn more about how the three-pronged IPM strategy worked, the mindest shift for growers and the ongoing extension

In this episode, the first of a two part series, we explain the Zespri and Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI), Plant & Food Research group, project, aligned with A Lighter Touch, it brought together scientists, industry and growers to develop an integrated pest management (IPM) programme, that's changing the way growers approach Passion vine hopper (PVH) control.Listeners will hear from Mel Walker and Jessie Fea from Zespri, Cathy McKenna, formerly of BSI, Plant and Food Research group, and

This is episode two in a two-part series inspired by a forum we hosted at our demonstration farm in Pukekohe, Auckland. In it, we’ll be exploring why biodiversity matters on farm and the role it plays in pest and disease management.Links to the full presentations referenced in this episode:Dr Charles (Merf) Merfield –Why a biodiverse landscape is importantJames Gardiner –Implementing biodiversity projects on NZ farmsDr Brad Howlett –Native plantings that support beneficial insect biodiversityOlivia

This is episode one in a two-part series inspired by a forum we hosted at our demonstration farm in Pukekohe, Auckland. In it, we’ll be exploring why biodiversity matters on farm and the role it plays in pest and disease management.Links to the full presentations referenced in this episode:Dr Charles (Merf) Merfield –Why a biodiverse landscape is importantJames Gardiner –Implementing biodiversity projects on NZ farmsDr Brad Howlett –Native plantings that support beneficial insect biodiversityOlivia

This is the final episode in a three-part series inspired by a webinar we hosted, titled “Strategies to encourage grower adoption of new technologies.” In the episode, we walk through how to define the target audience for your Extension programme. We hear predominantly from Dr Geoff Kaine, Senior Researcher at Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research as he describes the 'farm context' for your innovation, and how to establish unique audience segments for better targeting.Resources from this episode:Webinar

This is episode two in a three-part series inspired by a webinar we hosted, titled “Strategies to encourage grower adoption of new technologies.”In the episode, we dive into an extension framework called "Bennett’s Hierarchy" used to design, monitor and evaluate effective extension programmes. We hear from Denise Bewsell, Principal at Scarlatti.Resources from this episode:Webinar recording by A Lighter TouchBennett's Hierarchy Visual Resource by A Lighter TouchLooking for more tools, tips, and

This is episode one in a three-part series inspired by a webinar we hosted, titled “Strategies to encourage grower adoption of new technologies.”In the episode, we hear from four experts on knowledge transfer, or "extension" to farmers and growers. We cover what is it, the challenges involved, and how to do it well.Resources from this episode:Webinar recording by A Lighter TouchExtension resources by Enablers of ChangeRural Extension Innovation Systems JournalLooking for more tools, tips, and