FOREWORD

In the 7½ years since the formation of the working group we can see tremendous progress in the application of models to solve significant problems in a range of disciplines, and the increasing acceptance of modelling as a valuable research and extension tool. Focus has now shifted from model development towards the application of models to provide research frameworks and as a means of generating testable hypotheses; and to transfer research results to end-users, generally in a decision support context. Of significance is the marriage of Information Technology with modelling in both extension and research, a trend which will become increasingly important.

This was the first time for the working group to meet in the Southern Hemisphere. The fact that it attracted the largest participation yet, despite the barrier of distance, demonstrates the growing significance of the modelling approach to complement more traditional research and extension methods.

Discussions at the Symposium were very lively (to say the least!), and were greatly enhanced through keynote speakers and session chairpersons with a mandate to be controversial. This provided a good opportunity to highlight areas requiring further work. Very good progress in defining avenues for future work and alternative approaches was also made during the two workshops held the week following the Symposium, which focussed on phenology modelling and decision support.

The success of the Symposium was greatly assisted through sponsorship provided by the New Zealand Kiwifruit Marketing Board, the New Zealand Society of Horticultural Science, and the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Their support is gratefully acknowledged here.

The next meeting of the working group will be convened by Dr Robert Habib, in France during 1995. A challenge for members of the working group over the next 3 years will be to take further advantage of the exceptional opportunities presented to modellers through international collaboration. The quality of ideas presented at the Symposium, and the contacts which were made or renewed, should provide an excellent foundation for continued development in an exciting field.


Trevor Atkins
Convenor


OPENING ADDRESS

In welcoming conference participants to the 3rd International Symposium on Computer Modelling and Orchard Management, I am pleased to represent the Establishment Board of the Horticultural Products. Crown Research Institute. It is particularly pleasing to see so many oversease representatives in the audience. For their benefit, I will briefly describe the role which horticulture plays in the New Zealand economy and the priorities seen for horticultural research in this country.