Applications are now open for vegetable growers to receive a subsidised position to attend the upcoming International Horticultural Congress (IHC) in Istanbul, Turkey from 12-16 August 2018, as part of a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetable and Apple and Pear Funds.

There are five places available for vegetable growers to get 50 per cent of the costs to travel to and attend the Congress. Positions may also be open to other industry professionals if they can demonstrate an industry benefit.

Congress dates: 12-16 August 2018
Expected travel dates: 11-17 August 2018
Venue: Istanbul Congress Centre, Istanbul
Cost: $3,615 (excluding GST), which covers air and land travel, single room accommodation, event registration and most meals.

The IHC is run by the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) and is the most significant international event for the horticultural science calendar. The Congress occurs every four years with the last being held in Brisbane in 2014. It includes the most comprehensive range of horticultural subjects and serves as an excellent platform for scientists, technicians, students, consultants, engineers, extension agents, growers, industry, trade and consumer organisations, policy makers and other professionals having an interest in horticulture.

In order to join the tour participants must demonstrate a willingness to report back on findings for the program. The program will then deliver key findings from information garnered and lessons learned for the benefit of the wider industry.

The tour is part of a joint project lead by AUSVEG in partnership with APAL. Under the program AUSVEG will also host growers for vegetable industry related topics, and similarly the apple and pear tour being hosted by APAL’s Technical Manager Angus Crawford will be looking to apple and pear-related topics.

To express your interest:

If you have any questions about the 2018 International Horticultural Congress, please contact Shaun Lindhe on 03 9882 0277.

This post appeared in the AUSVEG Weekly Update published 22 May 2018, 8 May 2018 and 1 May 2018. Subscribe to the Update using our online form to receive the latest industry news in your inbox every week!


This project has been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable, apple and pear research and development levies, contributions from vegetable, apple and pear-growing businesses and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.