Practical Management Course For Horticulturists

Introduction

Production in protected cultivation improves yields and quality.
Farmers and managers world-wide who have either changed over from open field production or are already producing in protective structures will find this course essential. Up to date knowledge in production matters, human resource management and legislation will be covered and implemented in practice. The course is hands-on and the participants
will use the knowledge and skills they gain from the first day
they return to their farms or organisations. This course enables farmers, owners, managers and advisors to ‘look outside their box’ of daily activities to obtain a general insight in production strategies using contemporary technology and equipment for production in greenhouses and tunnels.

For whom it is intended

Farmers, owners and managers of horticultural
companies, extension officers and teachers.

Your final destination

• Obtain an in-depth insight in the technology
  and equipment used in modern protected cultivation
  (glasshouses, polyhouses and tunnels);


• To gain practical experience of the implications
  and interactions of crop physiology, climate
  control and water management strategies;


• To upgrade the managerial skills in the use of
  technical installations and devices;


• To upgrade human resource management tools,
  training of labour, formulating job descriptions.

Content of training/course

• Environmental control aspects in protective
  structures;


• Greenhouse and tunnel structures, cladding
  materials;


• Heating systems;


• Irrigation and fertilisation technology;


• Use of artificial substrates;


• Crop protection;


• Integrated pest management;


• Instructing of labour, formulating job
  descriptions;


• Formulating plans of action for own work
  situation.

Methods:
The course includes practical training sessions in
the well-equipped PTC+ greenhouses, demonstrations,
lectures, gaining skills and experience
by working with equipment in a practical environment,
and excursions to seed companies and a
commercial seedling producer in the Netherlands.

Preliminary training required

• A Diploma and/or B.Sc. degree in Agricultural
  Science with a major in Plant Production, or
  equivalent qualification from a recognised
  institute;


• At least three years experience in crop production
  or closely related subjects


• Competence in the English language;


• Willingness to perform manual work during the
  course;


• Age preferably between 25 and 45 years.

Date, location and route description

30 Augustus - 15 October 2010

Download route description:
Ede