- 14
- Episodes
- Monthly
- Cadence
- 2024
- First episode
About The A Lighter Touch Podcast
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 (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
- Publisher
- A Lighter Touch
- Category
- business · education · science
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 28 Feb 2024
- Latest episode
- 12 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
12 Oct 2026
EP14: Results, lessons and the road ahead
In the second episode, of the two part series on the Summerfruit NZ- A Lighter Touch understory project (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/botrytis-2/), the podcast delves into the results from the demonstration orchards, the challenges relating to management systems and infrastructure and how the project learnings have been shared to help other growers evaluate whether understory planting is something they might trial in their orchards. The podcast dives into questions asked through the three-year project - what would happen if the ground beneath orchard trees became more than just a place to mow grass or control weeds? Could it become habitat for beneficial insects? Could it contribute to healthier soils? Could it help growers reduce mowing and pesticide use? The first episode Why Plant Beneath the Trees? explains why the project began, how it was established and what the project partners hoped to achieve. Across the two episodes we hear from members of the project team and three Central Otago growers who demonstrated this concept in their commercial orchards. Resources and more information: Summerfruit understory project resources are on the ALT website, and include a plant species guide, which provides a quick identification guide to the plant species used in the understory mix, and two soil testing guides. One focuses on how to interpret a soil test, while the other discusses how to carry out a Visual Soil Assessment. Download these guides: Summerfruit understory plant species guide (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Summerfruit-Understorey-Plant-Guide_FINAL-002.pdf) How to interpret a soil test guide (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Soil-testing-guide-v2.pdf) How to carry out a Visual Soil Assessment (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/VSA-guide-v2.pdf) Following the final season of the project monitoring, the growers involved shared their experiences and impressions in case study resources, including photo diaries of the establishment of the understory planting, and visual soil assessments from their orchards. Download the case studies: Case study: Summerfruit Understory Planting – Affleck Orchard (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/resource/case-study-summerfruit-understory-planting-affleck-orchard/) Case study: Summerfruit Understory Planting – Fairview Orchard (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/resource/case-study-summerfruit-understory-planting-fairview-orchard/) Case study: Summerfruit Understory Planting – Electric Cherries (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/resource/case-study-summerfruit-understory-planting-electric-cherries/) Watch the Summerfruit under-canopy planting project- the grower experience wrap up video on ALT YouTube channel here (https://youtu.be/1HpYbU5D1wU?si=np6QXjpLk7uJOL0l). For more information see the project page here (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/botrytis-2/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 Oct 2026
EP13: Why plant beneath the trees?
In this two part A Lighter Touch podcast series, the benefits and challenges of establishing understory planting in summerfruit orchards is explored. The first episode Why Plant Beneath the Trees? explains why the project began, how it was established and what the project partners hoped to achieve. The podcast dives into questions asked through the three-year Summerfruit NZ- A Lighter Touch understory project (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/botrytis-2/) – what would happen if the ground beneath orchard trees became more than just a place to mow grass or control weeds? Could it become habitat for beneficial insects? Could it contribute to healthier soils? Could it help growers reduce mowing and pesticide use? In the second episode Results, Lessons and the Road Ahead the podcast delves into the results from the demonstration orchards, the challenges relating to management systems and infrastructure and how the project learnings have been shared to help other growers evaluate whether understory planting is something they might trial in their orchards. Across the two episodes we hear from members of the project team and three Central Otago growers who demonstrated this concept in their commercial orchards. Resources and more information: Summerfruit understory project resources are on the ALT website, and include a plant species guide, which provides a quick identification guide to the plant species used in the understory mix, and two soil testing guides. One focuses on how to interpret a soil test, while the other discusses how to carry out a Visual Soil Assessment. Download these guides: Summerfruit understory plant species guide (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Summerfruit-Understorey-Plant-Guide_FINAL-002.pdf) How to interpret a soil test guide (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Soil-testing-guide-v2.pdf) How to carry out a Visual Soil Assessment (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/VSA-guide-v2.pdf) Following the final season of the project monitoring, the growers involved shared their experiences and impressions in case study resources, including photo diaries of the establishment of the understory planting, and visual soil assessments from their orchards. Download the case studies: Case study: Summerfruit Understory Planting – Affleck Orchard (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/resource/case-study-summerfruit-understory-planting-affleck-orchard/) Case study: Summerfruit Understory Planting – Fairview Orchard (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/resource/case-study-summerfruit-understory-planting-fairview-orchard/) Case study: Summerfruit Understory Planting – Electric Cherries (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/resource/case-study-summerfruit-understory-planting-electric-cherries/) Watch the Summerfruit under-canopy planting project- the grower experience wrap up video on ALT YouTube channel here (https://youtu.be/1HpYbU5D1wU?si=np6QXjpLk7uJOL0l). For more information see the project page here (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/botrytis-2/). Resources developed from the Biodiverse planting in perennial crops project (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/biodiverse-planting-in-perennial/), in which citrus orchards were used as the model crop production system can be downloaded here. (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/biodiverse-planting-in-perennial/#Grower-resources-biodiverse-citrus) A podcast on this project can also be listened to (EP6: Redesigning orchards - Agroecology, conversation biocontrol and their use in perennial crops and EP7: Project spotlight - Biodiverse planting for citrus orchards (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/biodiverse-planting-in-perennial/#podcast-biodiverse-citrus).) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
4 Feb 2026
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 (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/biodiverse-planting/#grower-resources), 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 (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
15 Dec 2025
EP11: Passion vine 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 Passion vine 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 epsiode are here (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/passion-vine-hopper-pvh/#grower-resources-PVH). Visit the PVH project page here (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/passion-vine-hopper-pvh/), 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 (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
15 Dec 2025
EP10: Passion vine 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 Passion vine 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 (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/passion-vine-hopper-pvh/#grower-resources-PVH). Visit the PVH project page here (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/passion-vine-hopper-pvh/), 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 (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 Sept 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 (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/tomato-potato-psyllid-tpp/) of the ALT website. Grower resources on integated pest management (IPM) mentioned in the epsiode are here (https://www.tomatoesnz.co.nz/ipm/). Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 Sept 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 (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/our-projects/tomato-potato-psyllid-tpp/) of the ALT website. Grower resources on integated pest management (IPM) mentioned in the epsiode are here (https://www.tomatoesnz.co.nz/ipm/). Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
12 Jun 2025
EP7: Project spotlight - Biodiverse planting for citrus orchards
This episode highlights the practical application of biodiversity in citrus orchards to boost beneficial insect populations for sustainable pest management, reducing reliance on agrichemicals.
12 Jun 2025
EP6: Redesigning orchards - Agroecology, conservation biocontrol and their use in perennial crops
Industry experts discuss redesigning orchards through agroecology and conservation biocontrol to sustainably manage pests in perennial crops, reducing reliance on agrichemicals.
28 May 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 important (https://youtu.be/3pEo9p1C5r8) James Gardiner – Implementing biodiversity projects on NZ farms (https://youtu.be/cW5UEqrmZZM) Dr Brad Howlett – Native plantings that support beneficial insect biodiversity (https://youtu.be/NyAEXOG99rg) Olivia Prouse – Boosting beneficials using biodiverse planting on vegetable farms (https://youtu.be/mic00qhhndg) Michael Arnold – “A Lighter Touch,” the LeaderBrand story (https://youtu.be/vv8iz7oEoZ0) Plus, you can download a plant species list from the biodiversity planting in vegetable farms project here (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ALT-Biodiversity-Forum-Resource-DIGITALfinal.pdf). Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 May 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 important (https://youtu.be/3pEo9p1C5r8) James Gardiner – Implementing biodiversity projects on NZ farms (https://youtu.be/cW5UEqrmZZM) Dr Brad Howlett – Native plantings that support beneficial insect biodiversity (https://youtu.be/NyAEXOG99rg) Olivia Prouse – Boosting beneficials using biodiverse planting on vegetable farms (https://youtu.be/mic00qhhndg) Michael Arnold – “A Lighter Touch,” the LeaderBrand story (https://youtu.be/vv8iz7oEoZ0) Plus, you can download a plant species list from the biodiversity planting in vegetable farms project here (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ALT-Biodiversity-Forum-Resource-DIGITALfinal.pdf). Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 Feb 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 (https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/) 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 (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/resource/a-lighter-touch-extension-webinar/) by A Lighter Touch Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 Feb 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-bewsell-7114a95a/), Principal at Scarlatti (https://scarlatti.co.nz/). Resources from this episode: Webinar recording (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/resource/a-lighter-touch-extension-webinar/) by A Lighter Touch Bennett's Hierarchy Visual Resource (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bennetts-Hierarchy-visualisation.jpg) by A Lighter Touch Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 Feb 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 (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/resource/a-lighter-touch-extension-webinar/) by A Lighter Touch Extension resources (https://www.enablersofchange.com.au/?s=extension) by Enablers of Change Rural Extension Innovation Systems Journal (https://www.apen.org.au/resources/rural-extension-and-innovation-systems-journal) Looking for more tools, tips, and resources on sustainable agriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand? Visit A Lighter Touch's website (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/), sign up for our newsletter (https://a-lighter-touch.co.nz/keep-updated/), or follow us on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lighter-touch-new-zealand/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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- 16
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 27
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