A top line up of seminars has been announced as we near the opening of the South West trade event aimed at growers, plant buyers and the landscape and amenity sector, the South West Growers Show (SWGS). Doors open at the Matford Centre, Exeter from 9am on Wednesday October 4.
With an exhibitor list combining a mixture of local nurseries and suppliers alongside national names and wholesalers, SWGS looks set to be the go-to event for professionals and buyers in the region, and events will be enhanced with the SWGS awards ceremony during the show day.
After visitors have a chance to have their first look around the show hall and see the latest innovations and ranges from respected names in UK horticulture, the accompanying seminar sessions begin from 11am.
First up will be a presentation from APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) focussing on Xylella fastidiosa. The advisory seminar will offer guidance on risks posed by hosts, as well as spotting symptoms and updates on current outbreaks. Although mainly focusing on Xylella fastidiosa, this seminar will also touch on other relevant pests, diseases and plant health.
Noon will see XL ProBio take visitors for tea… Compost Tea. Clive Pearson will be talking about the benefits of using good biology in both growing media and sports profiles and why and how we should look at what other products we apply to achieve a healthy plant. Clive will also be on hand after the seminar to answer any questions on compost tea and biological plant health.
At 1pm the SWGS awards will be announced. The best Nursery Stand Award is sponsored by the South West Growers Show Committee, while the Best New Plant Introduction Award will be presented on behalf of the Commercial Greenhouse Grower. Finally, the Best New Plant Product or Service Award category is sponsored by the Commercial Horticultural Association.
After the award ceremony, trade visitors can attend ICL’s presentation, “Introducing the holistic approach to plant production, including nutrition and plant protection” with ICL’s technical manager Andrew Wilson. This seminar will explore nutrition and how new technology can match plants demands to inputs, while minimising environmental impact.
This leaves plenty of time for attendees to spend the remainder of the day returning to visit the trade stands of leading industry players, including specialists covering the ornamental, fresh produce, landscape and amenity sectors.
A full list of exhibitors is available from the SWGS website, and you can also register for free online at www.swgs.co.uk.
