FEATURE: GCP
Trialling first for everyone’s benefit By Elliott Akintola, Garden City Plastics’ agronomist In recent years, the nursery and ornamental industry has seen a surge in new product introductions and innovations. These products may originate from overseas or be developed domestically in Australia. To gain approval for marketing from the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA), substantial data is typically required. However, certain products, such as biological control agents, specific low-risk pesticides, or well-established fertilisers that don't target pests, diseases, or weeds, are exempt from APVMA approval. Consequently, these exempted products often come with various claims and touted benefits, and their usage may extend beyond label or minor use permit (MUP) approvals. For this reason, when a supplier or manufacturer approaches a distributor like Garden City Plastics, it is essential to perform due diligence. This involves understanding the product, evaluating its safety, assessing its utility based on stated claims, comparing it with existing alternatives to ensure optimal choices for our customers, and confirming its value for money. Achieving this understanding necessitates the implementation of comprehensive field trials in collaboration with the supplier or manufacturer and growers. A similar trial approach is implemented for products manufactured by Garden City Plastics. Take, for instance, the development of a new or enhanced design for a pot or container. Upon conceptualisation and sketching, a 3D model is meticulously crafted. This step is crucial for identifying potential issues, effecting improvements, and generating a limited production run for testing before the full-scale product launch to the broader market. This meticulous process is instrumental in ensuring that consumers receive top-quality products that align with their requisites and expectations. Additionally, it serves the purpose of equipping our staff with comprehensive knowledge about
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the products, including their features and benefits. This, in turn, instils confidence in our customers to integrate these products into their business operations.
Our consistent approach to achieving trial success The achievement of trial success is underpinned by our professional and experienced team, coupled with our recognised standing in the industry on a national scale. This substantial expertise enables us to maintain a successful track record in our trial initiatives. Here are the systematic steps we follow to ensure our trials yield favourable outcomes: 1. Identifying the Research Question: The initial and pivotal step in any trial is to clearly define the research question. This question essentially addresses what specific knowledge we aim to gain from the field trial. It is imperative to validate product claims and ascertain how the product performs outside a controlled laboratory setting. The research question adheres to the SMART criteria, being specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
