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THE NAT IONAL POTATO LEVY AT WORK
This communication has been funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited using the Fresh Potato Levy and
funds from the Australian Government. Project Number: PT15007
The levy is paid by growers who produce and sell either fresh or
processing potatoes in Australia.
• The charge is set at 50 cents per tonne for fresh and processing
potatoes and must be paid by the producer of fresh potatoes or
the owner of processing potatoes.
The Federal Government also provides funding in addition to
grower levy payments. Once paid, these funds are managed by
Horticulture Innovation Australia.
WHO PAYS THE NATIONAL POTATO LEVY?
HOW IS LEVY MONEY INVESTED?
HOW CAN GROWERS GET INVOLVED?
Potato growers play a fundamental role in advising on the allocation of both levy and co-investment funds,
and will be engaged in extensive consultation with Hort Innovation in regional grower meetings, industry-specific
consultation programs and individual grower and grower group consultation. Growers can also submit ideas for
R&D projects via Hort Innovation’s Concept Portal at
For more information about the National Potato Levies, visit
There are now two pools with different funding priorities.
Pool 1 is funded by grower levies with contributions from the
Federal Government. This pool has a one to five year scope
and will invest in applied R&D designed to directly benefit
growers. This includes pest and disease management and
biosecurity matters, with findings communicated through a
variety of channels including Potatoes Australia.
Pool 2 has a one to 15 year scope and matches strategic
co-investment funds with at least $20 million, at the Pool’s
maturity, of government seed funds annually. This pool aims
to address multi- and cross-industry challenges and
opportunities of strategic and long-term importance to
Australia’s horticulture industries.
Six ‘Foundation Funds’ have so far been established in Pool 2 and
will work with an expert panel to direct strategic projects.
They are:
• The Leadership and People Development Fund
• The Fruit Fly Fund
• The Asian Markets Fund
• The Green Cities Fund
• The Health, Nutrition and Food Safety Fund
• Pollination Fund
POOL 1
1-5 Year scope
Hort Innovation Advisory Mechanism
& Procurement Process
Government investment
R&D Service Provider
Benefits
Grower
Levy funds
POOL 2
1-15 Year scope
Australian horticulture
Contributed funds
Industry consultation
Government investment
R&D Service Provider
Benefits
Combining the National Horticulture Convention and PMA Fresh Connections, Hort Connections 2017 will
bring together the largest number of growers, supply chain members, government stakeholders and industry
service providers in the Australian horticulture industry. The event will be held in Adelaide from 15-17 May 2017.
FULL STEAM AHEAD:
COUNT ING DOWN TO HORT CONNECT IONS 2 017
Registrations are now open for delegates wishing to attend
the largest event on the Australian horticulture calendar, Hort
Connections 2017, which will be held at the Adelaide Convention
Centre from 15-17 May.
AUSVEG is extremely excited to launch this event alongside
PMA Australia-New Zealand (PMA A-NZ) and looks forward to
continuing the positive legacy from previous conventions while
providing even more value to growers, retailers and whole-of-
supply-chain members alike.
Hort Connections 2017 will be co-hosted alongside a range of
horticulture industry bodies including Australian Organic, Onions
Australia, Irrigation Australia, Growcom and Potatoes South Australia.
Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) and Central Markets Association
of Australia (CMAA) have been named official trade show
sponsors as well as co-hosts. The two horticultural bodies return
following successful partnerships during both the 2016 National
Horticulture Convention and PMA Fresh Connections events.
This ground-breaking event will incorporate world-class
speakers, an expansive Trade Show and unparalleled networking
opportunities for delegates.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
The inclusion of these industry co-hosts ensures there is
something for everyone, with the speaker sessions offering a
wide range of highly regarded presenters. These sessions will run
in conjunction with the largest horticulture Trade Show yet, with
over 200 exhibitors set to showcase the latest in fresh market and
horticulture industry technology, innovation and services.
Hort Connections 2017 will provide delegates with an
opportunity to come together under the one roof to meet with
leading agribusinesses, network with their peers and gain valuable
insights into a large cross-section of the fresh food industries.
THE VENUE
The Adelaide Convention Centre is conveniently located on North
Terrace, in the heart of Adelaide. The Centre is surrounded by
parklands and overlooks the River Torrens, with public transport
and a taxi ramp on its doorstep.
It is a short walk from both international and boutique hotels,
allowing delegates to easily return to their accommodation after a
busy day of networking and visiting the Trade Show. There is also
plenty of entertainment located close by for delegates should they
have time for a longer stay.
THE PROGRAM
The inaugural joint initiative between AUSVEG and PMA A-NZ
will certainly build on last year’s record attendance at the National
Horticulture Convention, where over 1,500 international and
domestic delegates took part in a variety of business, social and
networking events.
This year, there will be a series of business development sessions
from many areas of horticulture, including vegetables, potatoes,
onions, fresh fruit, cut flowers, certified organic growers and the
irrigation industry.
Potatoes South Australia will use Hort Connections as a
platform with other potato industry partners to support Arris Pty Ltd
in the launch of the Potato Industry Extension Forum. Additionally,
Potatoes South Australia will host an Industry Luncheon on
Monday 15 May, preceding the Forum.
There will also be an important mental health forum, headlined
by former Victorian Premier and beyondblue Chairman, The Hon.
Jeff Kennett AC.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Returning in 2017 is the DuPont Theme Night, where delegates
can relax, dress-up and gather for an entertaining dinner and
drinks extravaganza. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Australiana’.
Also back on the program are the Women in Horticulture and
NextGen young grower events. These popular social outings
provide a wonderful opportunity for networking and information-
gathering in a relaxed setting. The Hort Connections Gala Dinner
will follow the engaging speaker sessions and vibrant social
program, which will all combine to shape the biggest event on
the 2017 Australian horticultural calendar.
With the inaugural Hort Connections 2017 less than three
months away, Potatoes Australia strongly encourages all
members of the Australian horticulture industry to visit
for more information on registration
and accommodation details.
For more information, please contact AUSVEG.
Phone: 03 9882 0277
Email:
Website:
INFO