Biological products are increasingly used in vegetable production, but understanding where they fit — and how to assess their value — can be challenging.
About the webinar
This practical webinar will provide a clear, non-technical overview of biological products, with a focus on biostimulants such as humates, amino acids and seaweed extracts. We’ll explain what these products are (and are not), and where they typically sit in vegetable systems — including soil health, nutrient cycling, root establishment and crop resilience.
The session will also cover the regulatory landscape and Fertilizer Australia’s Biostimulant Code of Practice, helping growers understand levels of assurance and what to look for in the marketplace.
A key focus will be evidence and efficacy — why results vary, what “good evidence” looks like. We’ll finish with practical tips on questions to ask suppliers, how to trial products effectively on-farm, and a brief update on the SWICP Biological Products Database.
This webinar is designed to help growers and advisors make informed, confident decisions about biological products.
Meet the Presenter
Jeff Kraak, Program Manager, Fertilizer Australia
Jeff grew up on a farm in Bundaberg, Queensland and followed his interest in soils and plants by studying at Queensland Agricultural College. He has a long history in the Australian fertilizer industry in a range of sales, marketing and technical support roles. A large proportion of his professional life was spent with Incitec. Having worked across much of eastern Australia, Jeff has had exposure to industries such as grains, intensive pasture, sugar cane and horticulture. Jeff is now part of Fertilizer Australia. His main area of responsibility is to manage the industries environment and food safety stewardship program Fertcare. Jeff is passionate about new ways to optimising the benefits of soil and plant nutrition products while managing the risks associated with their end use.
More information
Please contact Sophia Thach, Applied Horticultural Research, 0413 937 313 or sophia.thach@ahr.com.au.