The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership

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The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership: Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, a flagship of Portuguese golf and a long-standing favourite among international players, has joined forces with The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service to further strengthen its commitment to deliver performance and conditioning in a sustainable way.

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and protected natural landscapes, Praia D’El Rey is uniquely positioned to champion the production of high-quality playing surfaces in an environmentally sustainably way. This forward-thinking partnership will bring The R&A’s renowned expertise and innovation in performance agronomy directly to Praia D’El Rey, with a tailored programme designed to enhance playing performance across all areas of course maintenance whilst protecting and enhancing the wider environment.

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership

The R&A Sustainable Agronomy Service partnership

Key objectives of the partnership include improving turf health through soil science, data-driven agronomy to inform maintenance operations, implementing effective water conservation practices and efficient water use, and advising on strategic investments in both machinery and infrastructure – all while maintaining the high-performance turf conditions the resort is renowned for in an environmentally responsible way.

António Ferreira da Silva, Golf Director at Praia D’El Rey, explained: “The guidance from The R&A on how to manage soil infiltration and physical conditioning on our greens is helping us improve year-round performance. Performance measurement, combined with lab analysis of organic matter and physical properties, have been extremely valuable in guiding our decision-making. The R&A has provided a structured and science-led approach that’s elevating the quality of our maintenance while optimizing environmental sustainability.”

Paul Woodham, Head of Agronomy Europe at The R&A, added: “The investments being made – particularly within the maintenance workshop, such as the new grinder, the Vibramaster for improved fairway infiltration, and the autonomous Husqvarna fairway mowers – represent a major step forward. These are the kinds of innovations that embody a sustainable and forward-thinking agronomic strategy.”

“By working with The R&A, we’re not only investing in the long-term health of our course, but also leading the way for what the future of golf in Portugal should look like”, added António Ferreira da Silva. Praia D’El Rey hopes this initiative will inspire clubs across Portugal and beyond to embrace innovation and responsibility in equal measure,  while raising standards in turf performance and environmental care.

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Berner strengthens its position in the Nordic market

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Berner strengthens its position in the Nordic market: Berner Ltd and Indigrow Ltd have agreed that the business operations of Indigrow AB (Sweden) and Indigrow AS (Norway) will be transferred to the Berner Group as of 24 April 2025. This is a business transfer, and the legal entities Indigrow AB and Indigrow AS will remain unchanged.

Berner and Indigrow have had a long-standing collaboration, especially in the distribution of Indigrow products in Finland. In recent years, the partnership has extended to the Baltic countries. With this transfer, Berner will take over the distribution of Indigrow products also in Sweden and Norway, further strengthening its position in the Nordic golf course management market.

Berner strengthens its position in the Nordic market

Berner strengthens its position in the Nordic market

As part of the transition, Berner will establish a new Nordic business unit, Berner Turf, focusing on turf and green area products and services. The unit will be led by Saila Innanen, who brings extensive experience and expertise in the care of sports turf.

“This business transfer is a natural continuation of our long-term cooperation with Indigrow. It enables us to serve our Nordic customers even better and strengthens our position as a specialist in sports turf,” says Kalle Erkkola, Business Unit Director at Berner Ltd.

“We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Berner. Their strong local presence and expertise support the availability of our products and enhance customer service across the Nordic region,” says Carl Crome, CEO of Indigrow Ltd.

The business transfer will not affect existing customer relationships or order and delivery processes. All orders and deliveries will continue as normal during the transition period.

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Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

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Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025: The inaugural conference on Integrated Weed Management for the Amenity Sector is to be hosted by Kersten UK on Thursday 5th June in Birmingham’s Highbury Hall.

The conference couldn’t be more prescient with the publishing of the National Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan in February and the new Pesticides National Action Plan being finally published just last month. The new Pesticides National Action Plan particularly highlights Integrated Management, a sustainable strategy using biological, cultural, and mechanical methods to manage pests including weeds to minimise the reliance on conventional chemical pesticides, and the conference aims to inform and discuss the diverse ranges of weed management practices within the UK Amenity sector.

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Integrated Weed Management Conference 2025

Presentations will include speakers from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the implications of the new Pesticide National Action Plan for the Amenity sector and from Cambridge City Council on a case study in becoming pesticide free and developing their Herbicide Reduction Plan after declaring a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019.

Parks for London will also be unveiling its Updated Integrated Weed Management Guidance and LANTRA will be launching its new qualification in Integrated Weed Management at the conference.

As part of the conference, attendees will be able to learn about the latest technological advancements in weed control such as various thermal and electrical weed control methods. Manufacturers from across Europe will be present to showcase how “mechanical alternatives can effectively maintain urban green spaces while minimising environmental impact” (UK Pesticide National Action Plan).

Attendees will also be able to participate and answer important questions in an audience-led discussion panel hosted by Bradley Tennant of International Greenkeepers for Hire with panellists including Professor John Moverley OBE, FRAgs, previously the independent chairman of UK Amenity Forum now running JMMSolutions Consultancy, and Nick Mole of Pesticide Action Network UK.

The conference hopes to bring together stakeholders of our amenity spaces, from council parks, streetscene and highways teams to Grounds Maintenance Contractors to exchange expertise and discuss the management of green urban spaces.

Sean Faulkner, the integrated weed management specialist from Kersten UK, who kicks-off the conference with an introduction to Integrated Pest Management says “My hope for the conference is that this will be a fertile ground to share how an integrated pest management philosophy can deliver a cost effective and sustainable weed control solution for the amenity sector.”

Tickets can be found on eventbrite, with early bird registration ending on the 5th May at which time tickets become full price.

Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/integrated-weed-management-conference-tickets-1111246049849?aff=oddtdtcreator 

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Green-tech Announces Back-to-Back Wins

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Green-tech Announces Back-to-Back Wins: Green-tech is delighted to announce that they have been named Supplier and Service Provider of the Year at the 2025 Pro Landscaper Business Awards.

The awards ceremony, held in London on Friday, April 25th, celebrated the very best of the landscaping industry. Now in its seventh year, the Pro Landscaper Business Awards recognise companies that consistently raise the bar in professionalism, innovation, client service, and commitment to the sector’s future.

Green-tech Announces Back-to-Back Wins

Green-tech Announces Back-to-Back Wins

Following their 2024 success as Pro Landscaper’s Employer of the Year, this latest win reinforces Green-tech’s reputation as the leading supplier and service provider to the landscaping industry.

Pro Landscaper’s judging panel praised Green-tech’s 2025 award entry for demonstrating “a strong commitment to industry leadership, sustainability and client satisfaction, with well-documented initiatives and impressive client retention.”

Commenting on the win, Green-tech’s Managing Director Kris Nellist said, “I am thrilled to have won this award. To be recognised two years running at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards — first as Employer of the Year, and now as Supplier and Service Provider — is an incredible achievement and a real testament to the dedication and passion of the Green-tech team. Strong leadership, sustainability, and looking after our clients are fundamental to everything we do, and I couldn’t be prouder to see that recognised by the judging panel.”

Green-tech’s recognition at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards highlights its commitment to excellence across every part of its operation. 2025 is a year of further innovation with ambitious plans to strengthen its urban tree planting and closed-loop irrigation solutions, reinforcing its dedication to encouraging sustainability and enhancing green spaces in urban environments.

For more information about Green-tech please visit www.green-tech.co.uk

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