Mike Nichols is a retired Senior Lecturer in Horticulture from Massey University, where he is an Honorary Research Associate. He holds a Doctorate degree in Horticulture from Massey University (New Zealand), and is an Honorary Member of the International Society for Horticultural Science. His expertise is in vegetable crop production/physiology. In retirement he writes, consults internationally and researches in protected cropping. He has been a regular speaker at international conferences in many countries (including North Korea, Chile, France and Australia). Since retirement he has concentrated on Protected Cropping in general, and Plant Factories specifically.