The A Lighter Touch Podcast

A Lighter Touch
  • 0.0 (0)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

The landscape is changing for New Zealand’s plant-based growers, with market access, pest and disease resistance, consumer demand, and regulatory shifts all impacting the way food is grown in Aotearoa. In the A Lighter Touch podcast, we share knowledge to help Kiwi growers find new tools and solutions to manage pests and diseases in their crops, with a lighter environmental touch. Join us as we sow the seeds to help growers move from agrichemical reliance to agroecological crop protection – sustainable farming that works with nature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. FEB 4

    EP12: A grower's journey to lighter touch crop protection

    In this episode, Pukekohe vegetable grower Howe Young talks about the changes he’s made in the way he manages pests and diseases in his crops over the course of his almost 60-year career. Listen as Howe describes his journey from agrichemical reliance to integrated pest management decision-making, informed by crop scouting and use of biodiversity plantings as part of a crop protection strategy. He and advisor Olivia Prouse reflect on the importance of a strong grower-advisor partnership, and discuss how this has impacted on the management of crops at the Pukekohe Research and Demonstration Farm, where marketable crops have been harvested with fewer or in some cases no post-transplant spray applications. In the face of developing agrichemical resistance, incorporating biodiversity to enhance natural enemy populations isn't just about being more sustainable. It's about developing another tool to help maintain the ability to grow vegetables commercially in the future.  Grower resources supporting implementation on biodiversity as part of integrated pest management (IPM) mentioned in the episode are available here, including "how to" guides, monitoring templates, case studies, plant species lists, and video resources from this project . Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  2. 12/15/2025

    EP11: Passionvine hopper IPM project: Results and industry change

    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 Passionvine 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 and knowledge sharing via multiple communications channels. Speaking during the episode are Mel Walker and Jessie Fea from Zespri, Cathy McKenna formerly of Bioeconomy Science Institute, Plant and Food Research group, and Bay of Plenty kiwifruit growers Lynda Hawes and Ian McBride. Grower resources on integrated pest management (IPM) mentioned in the episode are here. Visit the PVH project page here, where you'll find a video case study and more information on project results. Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min

  3. 12/15/2025

    EP10: Passionvine hopper IPM project: Understanding the challenge

    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 Passionvine 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 kiwifruit growers Lynda Hawes and Ian McBride, all of whom have been part of this pioneering project.  Grower resources on integated pest management (IPM) mentioned in the epsiode are here. Visit the PVH project page here, where you'll find a video case study and more information on project results. Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min

  4. 09/12/2025

    EP9: The story of the tomatoes biocontrol project

    In the second episode, of the two part series, focused on the TomatoesNZ-A Lighter Touch tomatoes biocontrol project, we tell the story of this five-year project which has seen an industry shift from agrichemical reliance to biological controls. We follow the project journey, taking a native bug found in the New Zealand bush and trialling it in commercial greenhouses to develop a sustainable crop protection programme for two major industry pests, tomato-potato psyllid and greenhouse whitefly.  Find more infomation on the Tomatoes biocontrol project page of the ALT website. Grower resources on integated pest management (IPM) mentioned in the epsiode are here. Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  5. 09/12/2025

    EP8: Augmentative biocontrol - explaining the science

    In this episode, the first of a two part series, we explain the science of augmentative biocontrol using a native insect.   This science underpins the A Lighter Touch and TomatoesNZ project to revitalise biocontrol of greenhouse pests, which was disrupted by the arrival of a new pest, the tomato-potato psyllid.  Find more infomation on the Tomatoes biocontrol project page of the ALT website. Grower resources on integated pest management (IPM) mentioned in the epsiode are here. Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min

  6. 06/12/2025

    EP7: Project spotlight - Biodiverse planting for citrus orchards

    This second episode of a two-part series explores how introducing more biodiversity into the orchard can increase beneficial insect populations to help sustainably manage insect pests, and cut down on agrichemicals. This episode discusses the practical demonstration of the science on two citrus orchards in Gisborne. Links to the grower guides referenced in this episode: Guide 1: Establishing floral resources for improved biological control Guide 2: Insect monitoring of perennial crops Guide 3: Management and evaluation of beneficial planting Plus, you can find many other resources, video tutorials and presentations relating to this topic here. Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  7. 06/12/2025

    EP6: Redesigning orchards - Agroecology, conservation biocontrol and their use in perennial crops

    This is the first of two episodes exploring how introducing more biodiversity into the orchard can increase beneficial insect populations to help sustainably manage insect pests, and cut down on agrichemicals. It’s a look at farming that works with nature, not against it. Links to the grower guides referenced in this episode: Guide 1: Establishing floral resources for improved biological control Guide 2: Insect monitoring of perennial crops Guide 3: Management and evaluation of beneficial planting Plus, you can find many other resources, video tutorials and presentations relating to this topic here. Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min

  8. 05/28/2024

    EP5: Biodiversity in Action

    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 Prouse – Boosting beneficials using biodiverse planting on vegetable farmsMichael Arnold – “A Lighter Touch,” the LeaderBrand story Plus, you can download a plant species list from the biodiversity planting in vegetable farms project here. Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min

  9. 05/28/2024

    EP4: Biodiversity 101 – What is it and why is it important?

    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 Prouse – Boosting beneficials using biodiverse planting on vegetable farmsMichael Arnold – “A Lighter Touch,” the LeaderBrand story Plus, you can download a plant species list from the biodiversity planting in vegetable farms project here. Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 min

  10. 02/28/2024

    EP3: Defining your Extension Project’s Target Audience

    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 recording by A Lighter Touch Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 min

  11. 02/28/2024

    EP2: Bennett’s Hierarchy – An Extension Tool

    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 Touch Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min

  12. 02/28/2024

    EP1: Extension Best Practice

    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 Journal Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Linkedin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

The landscape is changing for New Zealand’s plant-based growers, with market access, pest and disease resistance, consumer demand, and regulatory shifts all impacting the way food is grown in Aotearoa. In the A Lighter Touch podcast, we share knowledge to help Kiwi growers find new tools and solutions to manage pests and diseases in their crops, with a lighter environmental touch. Join us as we sow the seeds to help growers move from agrichemical reliance to agroecological crop protection – sustainable farming that works with nature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    A Lighter Touch
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © A Lighter Touch
  • Show Website
    The A Lighter Touch Podcast