Our Technical Extension Approach
The Fruitfed Supplies Technical Extension Team supports the horticultural industry by sharing up-to-date technical advice and product knowledge. This knowledge is passed on to growers through their local Technical Horticultural Representative or through regular grower meetings and seminars held throughout the country. These grower meetings are a popular event in the Fruitfed Supplies calendar, where our extension and Research and Development (R&D) teams enjoy sharing recent research on growing practices and trends along with product advancements.
The Extension Team is composed of Technical Specialists who keep abreast of the latest research and of growing practices. Working closely with Fruitfed Supplies' own R&D team, growers and suppliers, they are constantly increasing their knowledge of products and technological innovations, gaining an understanding of how these solutions can be applied to benefit New Zealand crops.
Monthly Technical Reminders
Each month our team of Technical Specialists share their crop knowledge and technical insights on wine grapes and horticultural crops. These Tech-Know tips give growers timely reminders on what insects and pests to monitor for and advice on what the best control options are, depending on environmental and seasonal factors.
Kevin Manning
Technical Extension Team Manager
Kevin leads the Technical Team, comprising of the Research and Development team which conducts trials, and Technical Specialists who share advice and learnings with customers and the wider Fruitfed Supplies team. Starting his career with Fruitfed Supplies, Kevin then worked as a Horticultural Consultant before rejoining as Technical Manager in 2014.
Jon Peet
Technical Specialist - Viticulture
Jon joined the Fruitfed Supplies Technical Team in late 2019 having spent 16 years working in the wine industry and an additional 15 years working in agriculture and horticulture around the world. Jon's passion is understanding the complex interactions between the vine, landscape and seasonal conditions that assist growers in producing the finest grapes and wines in New Zealand.
Gavin Subritzky
Technical Specialist - Nutrition
Gavin joined the Fruitfed Supplies Technical Team in 2011. Having worked in the horticultural industry for the past 30 years, Gavin has an extensive knowledge of crop nutrition specialising in fertiliser. He is especially interested in visiting growers and gaining an understanding of their crop nutrient requirements and presenting new ways of improving productivity through sound nutritional advice.
Elaine Gould
Technical Specialist - Subtropicals
Dr Elaine Gould joined the Fruitfed Supplies Technical Team in September 2020. Prior to joining Fruitfed Supplies, Elaine was an Innovation Leader at Zespri (Protect Supply), and before that, she was a Scientist at Plant and Food Research. Elaine is passionate about extending knowledge and information, providing staff and growers with the know-how to grow their crops.
Chris Lambert
Technical Specialist - Vegetables
Chris has been part of the Fruitfed Supplies Technical Team since August 2023. Previously he has worked as a Research Agronomist and vegetable Crop Production Manager in Gisborne. Chris also has a background in IPM and is passionate about entomology. As part of his role, he enjoys working with growers and the wider industry, looking for solutions to pest, disease and soil health issues.
Marcus Fitzsimmons
Extension Advisor