Technical team - Our people
Scientists with practical knowledge and commercial understanding
As with every part of the Fruitfed Supplies business, it’s the people that make the difference. The Technical Team comprises four scientifically-trained people with a talent for sharing their knowledge in a way that’s directly applicable to commercial horticultural operations.
Richard Bawden
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New Zealand Technical Manager
Richard was appointed to the role of technical manager upon the retirements of Ken Jeffery, who was with Fruitfed Supplies for 48-and-a-half years.
Originally from Hawke's Bay, Richard joined Fruitfed Supplies in 2000 in Hastings doing research with pipfruit, stonefruit and grapes, before moving to Pukekohe to take up the northern region technical adviser's role. Richard moved ti Katikati in 2006 where he managed the local branch while maintaining an active role with the Technical team with research projects for sub-tropical fruit crops such as avocado, kiwifruit and citrus.
Richard's early career includes a horticultural cadetship, a horticulture-focused degree in applied science, a post-graduate diploma majoring in plant science and a variety of roles in orchards, vineyards and glasshouses.
Phone (direct): 09 448 0514
Mobile: 027 245-6473
Email: rbawden@fruitfedsupplies.co.nz
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Tim Herman
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Central Region Technical Adviser
Tim came to the company after 10 years as an entomologist for Crop & Food Research based originally in Auckland and later, in Hawke’s Bay. In joining the company Tim has stayed in Hawke’s Bay and has continued to research in vegetable crops, but has broadened his research base to include all pests and diseases of vegetables and pipfruit and the associated pipfruit growth regulators. Other crops such as stonefruit and grapes are included in Tim’s brief as required as back-up to Paul’s research (see below).
Tim’s previous experience developing and implementing IPM programmes for vegetable crops, has him well placed to assist the Crop Monitoring Services group with their business. Tim also puts considerable effort into extension training and advising staff within the company and clients of the company throughout the country.
Mob: 027 490 3359
Email: therman@fruitfedsupplies.co.nz
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Paul Hassan
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Southern Region Technical Adviser
Originally from Blenheim, Paul graduated from Lincoln University with a B Sc (Honours) in 2000. Paul’s honours topic was focussed grape pest control, specifically the effect of buckwheat inter-row plantings on the population abundance of Dolichogenidea tasmanica, a parasitoid wasp species which is a natural enemy of leaf roller. He started with the Fruitfed Technical Team that same year, based in Richmond.
Since then, his research projects have been conducted mainly on pipfruit, wine grapes and summerfruit, with studies generally centred around pre-registered agrichemical products (fungicides, insecticides and plant growth regulators). During winter and early spring months, Paul is also involved with seminars and grower meetings.
In November 2007, Paul took on a dual role within the company, combining his original role as a regional technical adviser with that of crop monitoring coordinator for the southern region.
Mob: 027 476-4364
Email: PHassan@fruitfedsupplies.co.nz
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