The Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar (AVIS) is returning to Hort Connections 2025 with a full-day program showcasing the latest in R&D, innovation and practical strategies for vegetable, potato and onion growers across Australia.

Taking place on Wednesday 4 June in the Sky Room of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, AVIS will bring together leading researchers, agronomists, growers and industry stakeholders to explore key challenges and emerging opportunities.

With funding available for levy-paying vegetable growers to attend, AVIS offers a valuable opportunity to see your R&D levies at work and engage directly with the experts shaping the future of horticulture.

A two-part program tailored to growers

This year’s event is split into two distinct sessions — the vegetable-focused seminar before lunch, followed by the Potato R&D Forum in the afternoon, delivered in collaboration with AUSVEG, AHR and PotatoLink.

The morning session will feature presentations on:

• Trans-Tasman perspectives on future proofing farms in Australia & New Zealand
• VegNET – Your levies delivering impact
• Veg Mech (VG23003) Automated seeding & weeding of brassicas: does it work?
• Plus One Serve
• Smart Farming – Tying It All Together

The afternoon session, dedicated to potatoes, will include:

• PotatoLink National Update
• An Integrated Disease Management Program for the Australian Potato Industry
• Tomato potato psyllid (TPP)
• Targeted Pest Monitoring – Passive Traps in Potato Crops
• Potato Pathology Research Projects
• Tech Tools for Monitoring and Yield Mapping

Both sessions are designed to provide an opportunity for growers to engage directly with research providers, ask questions, and better understand how to implement innovation on their farms.

Open to all Hort Connections attendees

AVIS 2025 is hosted by Giaan Rooney, with the Potato R&D Forum MC’d by Peter O’Brien. Both sessions will feature a packed line-up of expert presenters from across the country.

There is no separate registration required — all Hort Connections delegates are welcome to attend.

AVIS Event Details:
Date: Wednesday 4 June 2025
Location: Sky Room, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Program:

• Morning — Vegetable Industry Seminar
• Afternoon — Potato R&D Forum

The Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar project (VG24003) is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable R&D levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
The Potato R&D Forum is a collaboration between AUSVEG, AHR and PotatoLink.