GLAS – Your Industry. Your Event.

By
HC
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An Industry Sentiment Survey revealed some of the biggest challenges facing businesses across the horticulture and related sectors, including landscape, design, retail, sports turf, and machinery.

Respondents pointed to clear signs of opportunity, particularly in the areas of sustainability, biodiversity and skills development. For many, the path forward hinges on a renewed focus on raising standards across the board.

Climate-conscious gardening and landscape design is a defining trend. Urban gardening, technology, export potential and the expansion of horticultural apprenticeships were all highlighted as areas ripe for investment and growth.

Despite the pressures, many in the sector are ready to adapt, and optimistic about what’s possible.

There is nowhere better to discover and develop these opportunities than with a visit to GLAS this Thursday July 17th.

You and your colleagues can download the e-Ticket or simply register on  arrival. Proudly supported by Bord Bia, the show opens from 9am.

glasireland.ie

BORD BIA LEARNING THEATRE
TIMETABLE OF FREE TALKS

  • 10am – 10.30am
    Managing future pest and disease threats to the Nursery sector
    Presented by Michael Gaffney, Teagasc
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  • 11am – 11.30am
    The Growing Awareness of the Value of Good Garden and Landscape DesignJoin members of the GLDA and Cairn Homes, for a lively and insightful discussion on the growing awareness of good garden design and public realm landscaping and the value it brings to individuals and communities.Presented by Ingrid Smyth, MGLDA, Ingrid Smyth Garden Design.Deirdre Prince, MGLDA & ILI, Dublin City Council.

    Frazer McDonogh MGLDA, Rock & Waterscapes/ Frazer McDonogh Designs

    Oisin Griffin, Head of Landscape & Urban Design, CAIRN Homes.

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  • 12pm – 12.30pm
    An overview and update on the 2025 Horticulture Apprenticeships in TeagascEvery horticulture business needs to look at the apprenticeship programme and evaluate if it will be able to offer a skills solution in the medium to long term.This year we will see the completion of the programme for the first cohort of Horticulture apprentices that started the new Horticulture apprenticeship in 2023. That group, which were all landscapers, are all working in the industry and have completed their College based part of the programme. These young people are now ideally placed to grow their careers in the Hort sector and add innovation and energy to the sector.The Teagasc College of Horticulture in conjunction with the industry is now entering the third year of intake of Horticulture apprentices at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. Currently there are up to 100 horticulture businesses across the country registered in full or in part, to take on apprentices in Horticulture.

    Presented by John Mulhern, Teagasc

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  • 1pm – 1.30pm
    How Biochar is changing the game in the horticulture and sports amenity world!Recent and ongoing trials using Biochar in the Irish and USA horticulture and sports amenity sectors are delivering promising and interesting results. With the largest operating biochar facility in Europe based in Arigna, Co. Roscommon, its CEO Cathal Fitzgerald is well placed to highlight the trials, the results, and the opportunities it presents. Come and learn more about this game changing product and how it can benefit horticulture.Presented by Cathal Fitzgerald, CEO ARIGNA Group
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  • 2pm – 2.45pm
    Panel Discussion – Beyond Peat – Another year onLast year we discussed the growing media industry’s position, in light of peat alternatives, in response to the peat crisis issue in Ireland with large scale extraction of peat ceasing in 2020. This year we invite a new dynamic by including a grower, DAFM, and a retail growing media producer onto the panel. We will also retain last year’s professional growing media and Teagasc representatives. A year further on we examine what is the current situation from different viewpoints. As last year we encourage audience participation.Moderator: Anna Kavanagh, Horticultural Expert and former Head of Technical, Quality and Research Development with Bord Na Mona.Speakers: Moderator – Anna Kavanagh.

    Grower – Billy Kelly, Kelly’s Nursery
    Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine – Deirdre Fay
    Retail Growing Media Producer – James Spillane, Westland Horticulture
    Teagasc – Dr Eoghan Corbett
    Professional Growing Media Producer – Brendan Howell, ICL

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  • 3pm – 3.30pm
    Total Solutions for Peat Reduced Growing

    Discover the cutting-edge innovations behind ICL’s sustainable growing solutions. Join Technical Manager, Andrew Wilson, as he unveils the latest advancements in Levington Advance growing media – including results from this year’s extensive trials – and explores how ICL’s integrated ‘Total Solutions’ package combines nutrition, water management, and sustainability.Who should attend? Growers, horticultural consultants, production managers / staff, horticultural distributors.Presented by: Andrew Wilson, Technical Manager, ICL

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