ACT Grower Summit returns to Quebec this September

The ACT Group, a collaboration of four horticulture providers, will host the third ACT Quebec Grower Summit in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, on Sept. 23.

This year’s theme is "Insights and Opportunities for a Changing World: From Growers. For Growers."

ACT group members Grodan, Philips LED Lighting, Priva and Svensson invite local commercial growers to the summit to learn about the latest research and technology applications to help enhance greenhouse operations and drive cost-effectiveness.

The summit will be held at the Convention Centre of Saint-Hyacinthe from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, with a complimentary lunch available for attendees starting at 11:30 a.m. and the program beginning at 12:15 p.m.

This year’s program kicks off with a State of the Industry keynote address by Sue Lewis, vice president of marketing and events for the Canadian Produce Marketing Association.

New to this year’s agenda is "Conversations in Cultivation." A panel of experienced local Quebec growers will share valuable insights and expert knowledge about the industry. This collaborative discussion will offer practical advice and inspiration for aspiring and seasoned growers alike.

Attendees will also learn about advanced humidity control and ensuring climate uniformity from Svensson, and Grodan and Philips LED Lighting will share results of an ongoing tomato trial at Botany in the Netherlands, with the intent to reduce heat input by 40%.

Priva will present on maximizing integrated greenhouse data for autonomous cultivation and management; representatives from IUNU and Blue Radix will join Priva during this presentation.

A networking happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m., with complimentary appetizers and beverages and sponsored by IUNU and Blue Radix, will close out the event.

Registration is required, and seating is limited. The registration deadline is Sept. 13, 2025. Click here to register.

Using Plant Empowerment Principles in a Priva-Controlled Environment

Priva, in partnership with the Plant Empowerment Academy, is also hosting a 30-minute kickoff webinar for its upcoming webinar series at 11 a.m ET Sept. 3.

The free online session, "Using Plant Empowerment Principles in a Priva-Controlled Environment" — featuring Jan Voogt from the Plant Empowerment Academy and Hein Jasperse from Priva, with Henry Vangameren as moderator — will serve as the introduction to a four-part, instructor-led training series that connects theory with hands-on application using Priva’s advanced greenhouse control systems.

Voogt is co-founder of the Plant Empowerment Academy, one of the original authors of "Plant Empowerment" and a climate and irrigation specialist. Jasperse is a horticulture consultant at Priva who specializes in applying data-driven strategies to improve crop outcomes. 

The webinar will discuss the course benefits for growers, including improved crop health; reduced resource use; and more sustainable profitability.

The webinar is free, but registration is required. Click here to register. 

The schedule for the course, with all hourlong sessions starting at 11 a.m. ET, is:

Sept. 17: Homogeneous Greenhouse Climate through Smart Ventilation

Sept. 24: Effective Moisture Removal through Smart Ventilation and Screening

Oct. 1: Plant Health through Screening Against Radiation Losses

Oct. 8: Plant Balance through RTR Strategy

Registration for the full series is now available through the Priva Academy.