As part of the Climate Smart Horticulture 4.0 & Greenhouse Technologies Conference & Edu Tour, a group of experts will bring together the latest technology and research on modern climate-change challenges, as well as other issues related to temperate horticulture.
The amalgamation of experts and industry leaders that will be joining, will provide an opportunity for the exchange of information/ideas and stimulate joint research and collaboration for improved horticultural farming practices.
Global warming and climate change is the greatest concern of mankind in the 21st century. The established commercial varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowers will perform poorly in an unpredictable manner due to climate change.
Sudden fluctuations in temperature, water scarcity, floods and other natural disasters are further worsening the agriculture sector including horticulture.
Hence there is a need to protect these valuable crops for sustainability, against the climate change scenario. The most effective way is to adopt conservation agriculture, using renewable energy, forest and water conservation, reforestation etc. To sustain the productivity, modification of present horticultural practices and greater use of greenhouse technology are some of the solutions to minimize the effect of climate change.
Development of new cultivars of horticultural crops tolerant to high temperature, resistant to pests and diseases, short duration and producing good yield under stress conditions, as well as adoption of hi–tech horticulture and proper management of natural resources will be the main strategies to meet this challenge.
Technical site visits
These include the following:
- Research and development into smart horticulture adapted to climate change;
- Discovery – protected horticulture showcasing cutting-edge Dutch horticultural technology;
- Experience – greenhouse technology and high-quality inputs in the South African market; and
- Explore – the process of tissue culture and how genetic multiplication can provide healthier crops of improved quality.
Who should attend?
- Departments of agriculture
- Technical and vocational education and training colleges and universities
- Horticulturists
- Plant scientists
- Plant health and diagnostics laboratory personnel
- Ecologists
- Crop specialists
- Agronomists
- Farmers
- Educators
Date: 3, 4, 5 May 2023
Venue: Allée Bleue Wine Estate
For more details about the event, download the Climate Smart Horticulture Brochure.
