This seminar is patronized by almost a quarter of all growers, and its popularity has increased since the format was changed from a lecture to an exposition. At the seminar, growers can browse all day, talking to experts and viewing an array of posters, overhead projections, and videos. The seminar allows all those involved in the asparagus industry to meet and exchange views and ideas. With income from the levy of its members, NZAC produced the New Zealand Asparagus Growers Manual in 1990. This manual is the definitive word on asparagus production in New Zealand and the product of work by more than 20 researchers and consultants.
Every member receives a copy of the manual, which is updated continually.
The second edition is currently being compiled. The first edition proved very popular at the Eighth International Asparagus Symposium, held in New Zealand in 1993, and many copies found new homes all around the world. Promotion is accorded high priority by NZAC and Vegfed alike. All commercial vegetable growers pay a compulsory levy, deducted at the first point of sale, and the proceeds are used for generic promotion undertaken by Vegfed. Levy amounts vary.