Expressions of Interest: Vegetable Industry Pre and Post Farm Gate Advisory Panels

Hort Innovation in partnership with AUSVEG is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified growers and other key Vegetable industry stakeholders from around Australia for the Vegetable Industry Pre Farm Gate Advisory Panel and the Vegetable Industry Post Farm Gate Panel.  

1. The Pre-Farm Gate Advisory Panel provides strategic investment advice to Hort Innovation in relation to industry supply, production and sustainability programs funded from the Vegetable R&D statutory levy. They are guided by the strategic priorities set out in the Vegetable Strategic Investment Plan 2022-2026. Focusing on improving industry productivity (inputs/outputs) to maintain local and international competitiveness and viability of supply.

We are seeking individuals with the following capability, experiences and representation:

• Experienced growers, next generation growers in small to large businesses
• Whole of industry perspective or multi crop experience
• Advanced production systems (including protected cropping)
• Understanding of Biosecurity and best practice
• Research and development experience and international network linkages
• Agronomy and Integrated Pest & Disease Management (IPDM) best practice
• Climate variability and sustainable production best practice
• Leadership skills, experiences and strong grower networks
• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds

2. The Post-Farm Gate Advisory Panel provides strategic investment advice to Hort Innovation in relation to industry demand creation programs funded from the Vegetable R&D statutory levy. They are also guided by the strategic priorities set out in the Vegetable Strategic Investment Plan 2022-2026. Focusing on demand creation to improve consumer knowledge, attitudes and purchase intent to drive volume growth for the Vegetable industry.

We are seeking individuals with the following capability, experiences and representation:

• Experienced growers, next generation growers in small to large businesses
• Export market engagement, development & understanding of global markets
• Domestic market including retail and wholesale market experiences
• Experiences in freight, logistics, sales and marketing management
• Whole of industry perspective or multi crop experiences
• Ability to understand and interpret consumer/trade market data
• Leadership skills, experiences and strong domestic and international supply chain networks
• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds

If you would like to help shape the future of the Australian vegetable industry, apply by using this Expressions of Interest form.

All current Pre and Post Farm Gate advisory panel members seeking continuation on these panels are also kindly requested and invited to submit their updated capability and experiences on the Expression of Interest Form.

Applications close Friday 17 July 2026 and will be assessed and shortlisted by a selection panel. The selection panel may then interview shortlisted candidates. The selection panel will recommend the final panel composition to the Hort Innovation Executive and AUSVEG.

For more information, please contact either:

Mark Spees Industry Services Manager Hort Innovation

M: 0439 574 173

E: mark.spees@horticulture.com.au

Chris O’Connor Industry Services Manager Hort Innovation

M: 0467 756 829

E: chris.oconnor@horticulture.com.au

Alternatively contact Andrew MacDonald Communications Manager at AUSVEG for further information on the role and responsibilities of the Vegetable Advisory Mechanism for the vegetable industry.