2 May 2022

AUSVEG has welcomed the commitment from the Federal Government to support large agricultural events, including Hort Connections, the largest horticulture conference and trade show in the southern hemisphere.

The government announcement will result in $6 million to support growth in large conferences and events for various agricultural sectors, including horticulture. This includes $2 million support for horticulture industry events including Hort Connections, which is delivered by AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association of Australia and New Zealand, and annually brings together over 3,000 industry representatives, including 1,000 vegetable, fruit and nut growers.

AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said that the government support for industry events was welcome news for growers, with the funding to provide a much-needed boost to support grower attendance the event to develop industry partnerships, hear from the industry’s leaders about innovations in the sector, and provide important opportunities to connect face-to-face with industry colleagues.

“Vegetable and fruit growers are grappling with an uncertain future in the face of rising input costs and labour shortages that is undermining confidence and placing considerable stress on growers and their businesses,” said Mr Coote.

“Industry events such as Hort Connections are an important avenue to foster face-to-face interactions with growers and the wider industry to not only learn about the latest technologies and growing practices, but also much-needed networking that is vital to support the social networks within the industry that growers can rely on in tough times.”

Similar to other large-scale agricultural shows such as Casino Beef Week and LambEx, Hort Connections attracts a significant number of primary producers and the whole supply chain together to gather and address industry issues facing the sector and discuss the future opportunities that are on the horizon for the industry.

“Agricultural events such as Hort Connections provide an opportunity for farmers to network with their peers and colleagues in the supply chain, and allows the industry to put its best foot forward as it looks to continue its expansion through new markets and new product development,” said Mr Coote.

“I thank Minister Littleproud, Assistant Minister Hogan and the Federal Government for their support of Hort Connections and other industry events that will help improve growers’ understanding of the latest innovations and technologies, and support their mental health and social networks.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:  Shaun Lindhe, AUSVEG National Manager – Communications

Phone: 03 9882 0277, Mobile: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au