Trans-Tasman perspectives on future proofing farms in Australia & New Zealand
Facilitated by Soil Wealth ICP, this panel session brings together perspectives from three growers and one industry representative from New Zealand and Australia for a practical discussion on future proofing production systems.
Together, they’ll share what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to either integrating technology on-farm, improving soil health, navigating sustainability and climate extremes – offering honest, real-world insights into how growers are leading change and navigating challenges such as cost, infrastructure limitations, and skill gaps.
Meet the facilitator
Carl Larsen, Associate at RMCG/Project Director at Soil Wealth ICP
Carl is a socio-environmental scientist with 15 years’ experience in planning, delivery and evaluation of agriculture and natural resource management programs, integrated water management, climate change and stakeholder engagement. He understands the practical implications of policy and science on communities and agriculture. Carl has worked with a range of government departments, resource management agencies, research and development corporations, private organisations and communities around Australia on catchment management, sustainable water use, resource management in agriculture/horticulture, land use, climate change, strategic planning, industry development, extension and practice change.
Meet the panellists
Kim Ngov, Grower and Public Officer at The Australian Cambodian Growers Association of NSW
Kim Ngov is a dedicated vegetable grower based in Kemps Creek, NSW, with over 18 years of on-farm experience at Wedderburn, NSW and a family farming legacy that spans more than three decades. He grows a diverse range of crops, including cherry tomatoes, snake beans, long chilies, zucchini, and basil in protected cropping.
With a background in Environmental Sciences and Management from the University of Western Sydney, Kim is passionate about sustainable farming. He has previously partnered with the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection project to trial and adopt practices such as cover cropping as alternative to plastic mulch, aiming to improve soil health, weed suppression and reduce environmental impact. Read the case study here.
Kim is also the Public Officer of the Australian Cambodian Growers Association of NSW, where he supports and mentors approximately 30 Cambodian growers, helping build skills and resilience across the community. He is actively involved in industry networks, including VegNET NSW, working to advance innovation and collaboration among vegetable producers.
Ed Windley, Grower, Kengoon Farming, Qld
Ed Windley is a vegetable grower based in Kalbar, Queensland, where he and his wife Gen run Kengoon Farming. Their operation includes both conventional and organic production, with a focus on carrots, corn, and beans, among other crops.
With a background in agronomy, Ed brings a wealth of technical expertise—particularly in crop agronomy and integrated pest management. He is a strong advocate for innovation in agriculture and has been an early adopter of emerging technologies.
Michael Hicklin, Production Manager, LeaderBrand, New Zealand
Michael has been with LeaderBrand for over 15 years, working across crop management, agronomy, and operations. He now manages LeaderBrand’s Gisborne farming base, overseeing around 2,000 hectares of vegetable and salad crop production each year.
Located on the East Coast, the Gisborne farm is LeaderBrand’s largest, taking advantage of the region’s rich soils, high sunshine hours, and warm climate. Flat, open fields support efficient harvesting of crops including broccoli, lettuce, salad leaves, sweetcorn, watermelon, and squash – ensuring maximum freshness from paddock to plate.
LeaderBrand, established in 1975, is one of New Zealand’s leading vertically integrated horticultural businesses located across New Zealand – Chertsey, Pukekohe and Gisborne. With a focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability, the company grows, processes, and markets produce for domestic and international markets.
John Murphy, Chair, Vegetables New Zealand and CEO, Murphy’s New Zealand
John Murphy is the CEO of Murphy’s New Zealand, a family-owned business that has been cultivating garlic and shallots since 1962. Under John’s leadership, the company has expanded its operations across Marlborough and Canterbury, producing approximately 500 tonnes of premium garlic and 300 tonnes of shallots annually. Murphy’s is renowned for its high-quality produce, including their specialty black garlic, and maintains full traceability from field to fork. The company is NZGAP accredited and operates under a comprehensive Food Safety & Quality Management Programme.
Beyond his role at Murphy’s, John has been involved with Vegetables NZ for over a decade and is a dedicated advocate for New Zealand’s vegetable growers and now serves as the Chair of Vegetables NZ. John is also a 2014 Nuffield Scholar and has studied farming systems worldwide. He is committed to advancing research, innovation, and practical solutions to ensure the sustainability and profitability of NZ’s vegetable sector.
Event details
Event: Australian Vegetable Industry Seminar (AVIS) during Hort Connections 2025
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025
Time: AVIS will run from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, and the panel session will be on 10:05 am – 10:30 am*
*Subject to slight changes as the program is being finalised.
Location: Sky Room, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Download the map here.
Registration: Coming soon
Find Out More
Please contact Sophia Thach, Applied Horticultural Research | 0413 937 313 | sophia.thach@ahr.com.au
Other Information
Lunch will be provided after AVIS, and at 12:30pm the PotatoLink R&D forum will commence. More details are here.