This year’s LSA Annual Alumni Event took place in Northern Ireland, where current Fellows, alumni and trustees were hosted by CAFRE for two days of business visits, presentations and discussion.
Laurence noted:
“The programme reflected one of the great strengths of the LSA Fellowship: the opportunity to learn from different parts of horticulture while building relationships with people working across the industry.”
The first day centred on visits to three horticultural businesses, each representing a different area of production.
At McGrane Nurseries, Stephen and Peter McGrane shared the history of the business and how it has adapted to changing markets. Discussions ranged from the introduction of digital stock and customer management systems to the wider challenges of operating a horticultural business in Northern Ireland in the post-Brexit landscape.
Lauren reflected:
“It was fascinating to see firsthand the challenges that continue to affect commercial horticulture post-Brexit. However, these challenges have also encouraged greater investment in on-nursery innovation, including the adoption of automated transplanting technology from TTA.”
The group then visited Long Meadow Cider, where they learned how orchard systems have evolved over the last 60 years, moving from traditional larger trees to modern dwarf rootstocks designed for more efficient production and harvesting. The business has also diversified into juices, cider vinegar, apple storage and tourism.
Laurence commented:
“The visit highlighted how horticultural businesses continue to adapt while remaining rooted in their core expertise.”
Lauren was particularly interested in the technical aspects of orchard management:
“I learned about the importance of twice-yearly pruning to maintain an open canopy, and the use of pollinator varieties grafted into trees to improve fruit set. It was also interesting to see how the business is exploring ways to add value to waste streams.”
The final visit of the day took delegates to M&G Mushrooms, where they followed production from substrate preparation through to packing.
Laurence reflected on the scale and precision of the operation:
“The visit provided an insight into the highly controlled production systems used in modern mushroom growing and the role environmental management plays in crop performance and consistency.”
Lauren’s key takeaway focused on substrate development:
“Despite significant research into alternatives, peat remains difficult to replace due to its unique ability to hold large volumes of water while maintaining sufficient aeration.”
The second day at CAFRE featured presentations from current Fellows, alumni and trustees covering a broad range of topics and experiences from across horticulture.
Laurence found Megan Beard’s presentation especially valuable for its practical advice.
“She shared practical advice on making the most of international opportunities by building networks and seeking out experiences beyond your existing connections.”
Lauren, who is beginning to plan her own Fellowship study tour, agreed.
“Her experiences highlighted the importance of leveraging local industry contacts to access a wider grower base, as well as the value of offering something in return, such as delivering a seminar.”
Further presentations from Niall Conboy, Matt Lindsay, Gina Panduru and Chris Edwards demonstrated the diversity of careers and innovations within horticulture, covering topics including integrated pest management, green infrastructure, biological control and field trials.
Jason Daff’s presentation on skin cancer awareness highlighted an important occupational health issue affecting the industry.
Lauren commented:
“This resonated strongly with me and reinforced my own interest in improving awareness and research around farmer’s lung and other occupational health challenges within horticulture.”
The event concluded with a tour of CAFRE’s horticultural facilities at Greenmount Campus.
Laurence remarked:
“Seeing the range of teaching and production facilities first-hand, from crop production areas and glasshouses to amenity horticulture and sports turf, was a reminder of the breadth of skills required across the industry and the important role CAFRE plays in training future horticultural professionals.”
Looking back on the two days, Laurence summed up what many attendees felt was the biggest benefit of the event:
“The real value of the event lay not only in the businesses visited or the topics discussed, but in the opportunity to exchange ideas with people from different sectors and stages of their careers.”
Lauren agreed, adding that the conference:
“Demonstrated the diversity, innovation and resilience within the horticultural sector.”
The Fellows would like to extend their sincere thanks to CAFRE for hosting the residential and sharing their facilities, particularly Aleana Cairns for coordinating the event. Thanks also go to Holly Jones and Rachel Kemp for organising another successful LSA Annual Alumni Event, and to the Vegetable Consultants Association (VCA) for their generous sponsorship and continued support of professional development across the horticultural industry.
LAUREN HIBBERT, 2025 FELLOW &
LAURENCE ANDERSON, 2026 FELLOW
LSA CT Fellowship Scheme 