AUSVEG

Food Safety Drop-In Session Korumburra
2025-03-05 12:30 - 14:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Austral Hotel, Korumburra
Come and have a chat to Agriculture Victoria Food Safety staff.
Information and resources will be available to help growers navigate the new Food Safety Standards for berries, melons, and leafy vegetables.
For more information, please contact: food.safety@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Korumburra: Manage pest and disease risk on farm using technology
2025-03-05 12:30 - 14:30 | Austral Hotel, Korumburra
Drop in when it suits, or lock in your spot – register here.
Visitors can unknowingly bring pests, diseases and weeds onto a farm. Dirty boots, vehicles, or farm supplies could carry unwelcome hitchhikers – which can have potentially devastating impacts.
AUSVEG and Onside are evaluating how digitised farm visitor management can support decision making and return to trade when a new pest arrives. Vegetable growers, field staff and agronomists can sign up and access Onside for free.
Drop in to learn how you can use Onside to:
Digitally map your farm
Create and share a live map of your property – an Onside product specialist will be onsite to help get you set up.
Automate visitor notifications
Growers receive live visitor notifications, no matter where they are, or how many entrances. Field staff can automatically let growers know that they’ve arrived.
Capture high risk biosecurity movements
Visitors can record plant material, machinery and equipment movements on and off your property.
Contribute to real-time tracing
Share an anonymised view of check-in movement data on and off farm with AUSVEG.
Access pest and disease updates
Pick up resources and free sticky traps to learn about emerging pests such as Fall armyworm and Tomato potato psyllid
See Onside in action
Learn first hand how Redbank Farm is using Onside to manage their visitors and biosecurity.

Thank you to Korrumburra for hosting the event.
For more info contact:
Rosalie Daniel
0432 842 794
rosalie.daniel@ausveg.com.au
www.getonside.com/ausveg

Agricultural Victoria’s Food Safety team will be onsite to answer any questions growers may have on the new Food Safety Standards. Information on that session can be found here.

This project been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from Australian Government.

Food Safety Drop-In Session - Lindenow
2025-03-06 12:00 - 14:30 | Lindenow Hotel, 167 Main Road, Lindenow, VIC, Australia

Lindenow: Manage pest and disease risk on farm using technology
2025-03-06 12:00 - 14:30 | Lindenow Hotel, 167 Main Road, Lindenow, VIC, Australia
Drop in when it suits, or lock in your spot – register here.
Visitors can unknowingly bring pests, diseases and weeds onto a farm. Dirty boots, vehicles, or farm supplies could carry unwelcome hitchhikers – which can have potentially devastating impacts.
AUSVEG and Onside are evaluating how digitised farm visitor management can support decision making and return to trade when a new pest arrives. Vegetable growers, field staff and agronomists can sign up and access Onside for free.
Drop in to learn how you can use Onside to:
Digitally map your farm
Create and share a live map of your property – an Onside product specialist will be onsite to help get you set up.
Automate visitor notifications
Growers receive live visitor notifications, no matter where they are, or how many entrances. Field staff can automatically let growers know that they’ve arrived.
Capture high risk biosecurity movements
Visitors can record plant material, machinery and equipment movements on and off your property.
Contribute to real-time tracing
Share an anonymised view of check-in movement data on and off farm with AUSVEG.
Access pest and disease updates
Pick up resources and free sticky traps to learn about emerging pests such as Fall armyworm and Tomato potato psyllid
See Onside in action
Learn first hand how Redbank Farm is using Onside to manage their visitors and biosecurity.

Thank you to Lindenow for hosting the event.
For more info contact:
Rosalie Daniel
0432 842 794
rosalie.daniel@ausveg.com.au
www.getonside.com/ausveg

Agricultural Victoria’s Food Safety team will be onsite to answer any questions growers may have on the new Food Safety Standards. Information on that session can be found here.

This project been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable research and development levy and funds from Australian Government.

Lindenow: Fall armyworm crop walk
2025-03-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Lindenow
Agriculture Victoria and Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) are hosting a free crop walk to provide growers insight into fall armyworm identification and management in Gippsland.
Dr Melina Miles, principal entomologist at QDPI, will lead attendees through local corn crops identifying FAW. Farmers, employees and agronomists are encouraged to attend the crop walk as a practical follow-on from last year’s FAW information session.
When: Tuesday 25 March – 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Lindenow, location to be provided after registration.
Biosecurity requirements: All attendees will be required to follow farm biosecurity requirements. Appropriate footwear and sun protection is recommended for field activities.

For more information, or if you need assistance with registration, please contact event organiser Scott Botten (Agriculture Victoria).
Email: scott.botten@agriculture.vic.gov.au
These sessions are part of the East Gippsland Fall Armyworm (FAW) Industry Learning Group under the VG22006 National Fall Armyworm Innovation System for the Australian Vegetable Industry Program. This program is supported by Agriculture Victoria, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, VegNET, and funded through Horticulture Innovation.

Skye Field Day - Butler Market Gardens
2025-05-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Butler Market Gardens, 127 Taylors Road, Skye, VIC, 3977, Australia
Join for a farm walk, presentations and networking BBQ at the Soil Wealth ICP demonstration site at Butler Market Gardens.

The farm walk will focus on the benefits of using cover crops including biofumigants for improving nutrient cycling, microbial activity and disease suppression.

Participants will hear from:

Dale Creed (Butler Market Gardens Operation Manager) and Camilla Humphries (Soil Wealth ICP/RMCG) who will provide an update on the trial site
Doris Blaesing (Soil Wealth ICP/RMCG) who will discuss the benefits of cover cropping
Bruce Scott (Campbells Fertilisers Australasia Pty Ltd) who will talk about the use of nitrogen inhibiting fertilisers to improve nutrient use efficiency in your crop.

VIC: An Introduction to Applying Lean Principles for Increased Productivity and Profiability
2025-05-27 - 2025-05-28

VIC: Meet Julius Joel
2025-06-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Hotel Chadstone

Agri Chemical Masterclass
2025-07-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Century Inn Traralgon, 5 Airfield Road, Traralgon, Victoria, 3844, Australia
VegNET Gippsland is pleased to announce an upcoming Agri Chemical Masterclass presented by Peter Del Santo from AgAware Consulting.
Format
2-hour Masterclass + 1-hour Q&A
Catering
Lunch provided. Please advise of any dietary requirements on registration.
The presenter
Peter Del Santo has worked in agriculture since earning his Agricultural Science degree in 1982. Over the past four decades, he has held key roles in pest management with major agchem companies and as a consultant.
Since 2000, Peter has provided expert support across Australian horticultural industries, helping to improve pesticide access and promote low-risk, IPM-compatible solutions. He brings unparalleled experience and a collaborative approach, working closely with growers, consultants, industry bodies, and regulatory agencies.
Register here: VegNET Agrichemical Masterclass

Drip irrigation maintenance and monitoring – July 15 at Woorinen Recreation Reserve
2025-07-15 08:30 - 12:30 | Woorinen Recreation Reserve
Drip Irrigation Monitoring and Maintenance Course
Get the most out of your system and join Agriculture Victoria for a half day session on drip irrigation monitoring and maintenance aimed at maximising farm profitability and efficiency.
Please contact Adam Taylor on 0439 412 366 or email adam.j.taylor@agriculture.vic.gov.au for further information.
Correct_ Drip Course_Flyer July 2025

INTERPRETING SOIL MOISTURE MONITORING EQUIPMENT
2025-07-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Agriculture Victoria, Swan Hill, 324 Campbell Street, Swan Hill, Victoria, Australia
Agriculture Victoria, in conjunction with irrigation monitoring and management services company Green Brain (now owned by CropX), is offering a half day workshop for irrigators looking to have a greater understanding of interpreting their soil moisture monitoring data.
This workshop has been made available to Mallee irrigators for the least two years and has proved highly successful.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their login details and share their data with the group if appropriate.
Please contact Adam Taylor on 0439 412366 or email adam.j.taylor@agriculture.vic.gov.au for further information.
Correct_Soil Moisture Monitoring Workshop_Flyer July 2025 (002)

VIC: Pest & disease management workshop:Leafminer & white blister
2025-07-21 10:00 - 12:00 | RP Motors boardroom, 500 Duncan Rd, Werribee South, VIC, 3030, Australia
Join AUSVEG VIC and AUSVEG for a practical workshop on key pests & diseases in brassica crops.
On the agenda at the event:

Regional update & opportunities through VegNET from Daniel Bosveld (VegNET, AUSVEG VIC)
Seasonal update & leafminer chemical efficacy
Experiences in Gippsland managing leafminer with IPM strategies from Paul Horne (IPM Technologies)
New R&D on root-knot nematodesfrom Chantelle Girgan (Ag Vic Research)
How “Come Clean, Go Clean” practices are key to white blister management from Shakira Johnson (AUSVEG)

National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo
2025-07-23 | The Capital Theatre, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
On-farm renewables are a valuable opportunity for farmers to cut costs and emissions.

This event brings together farmers, agriculture and energy consultants, peak bodies and Government representatives to share stories of on-farm renewables, their business case and discuss what’s driving the transformation of energy use in agriculture.
Large scale solar and wind developments present opportunities for farmers and regional communities if planned well with meaningful engagement around benefit sharing. These topics plus combining farming and solar, termed agrivoltaics, also forms part of the yearly Conference program.

VIC: Preparing for Serpentine Leafminer
2025-08-05 10:00 - 23:00, 2025-08-06 10:00 - 23:00
Pakenham
Tues 5 Aug, 10-11am
Mecure Pakenham, 77 Racehouse Road
Lindenow
Wed 6 Aug, 10-11am
Lindenow Pub

Dr Paul Horne will host short workshops and take growers through management strategies including chemistries and biologicals.
With recent detections of Liriomyza huidobrensis east of Melbourne, Agriculture Victoria, VegNet and AUSVEG are partnering to hold grower information sessions. Two short workshops will be held on managing Serpentine leaf miner in vegetable crops covering:

pest identification
lifecycles
best practice controls
plant impacts
chemical control options.

Agriculture Victoria entomologist, Antonette Walford, and AUSVEG Biosecurity Coordinator, Shakira Johnson, will be in attendance to talk with growers.
For further information contact:
Scott Botten – Horticulture Program Coordinator, Gippsland
scott.botten@agriculture.vic.gov.au

VIC: PotatoLink Ballarat: Crop nutrition for healthier potato crops and improved input efficiencies
2025-08-14 12:00 - 15:00 | Mercure Ballarat Convention Centre, VIC, Australia
Join the PotatoLink team for a practical workshop on potato crop nutrition, focusing on strategies to improve yield, quality, and input efficiency. Hear from Stuart Grigg (PotatoLink) on nutrition fundamentals and insights from the Dean demo site, Phil Hoult (Incitec Pivot) on timing and application of key nutrients, and Darren Hicks (AgVita) on using soil and plant testing to guide decisions. A panel session of growers and presenters, will discuss on-farm application, challenges, and new technologies, followed by a regional outlook on the future of potato production.

PotatoLink (PT20000) is funded by Hort Innovation using the Potato – Fresh and Potato – Processing industry research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

VIC: Exploring AI and Vegetable Production Workshop
2025-08-14 13:00 - 16:00 | AUSVEG offices, Level 2, 273 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell, VIC, 3124, Australia
Help shape the future of AI in vegetable production
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is moving fast — but what does it really mean for vegetable growers?
Join us for an interactive workshop exploring practical applications of AI in the vegetable industry. This face-to-face session is part of Exploring AI Applications for the Vegetable Industry (VG24008), a levy-funded project supported by Hort Innovation and delivered by RMCG and the Australian Regional AI Network (ARAIN).
We’ll discuss:

Real-world examples of AI in action across agriculture
How AI could help manage compliance, logistics and labour challenges
Your perspectives on where AI investment should be focused

Whether you’re a grower, packer, or supply chain operator, your input will help shape future industry priorities.

VIC: Thorpdale: Effective seed and irrigation management in potatoes
2025-08-22 12:30 - 15:30
Join PotatoLink for a practical event facilitated by Nigel Crump (PotatoLinkand AuSPICA), focusing on effective seed handling, storage, and irrigation for improved crop quality and performance. Hear from potato Professor & Extension Specialist Nora Olsen (University of Idaho) on seed storage, bruising, and disease management, and Steph Veskoukis (AgVic) on irrigation planning and soil moisture monitoring. The session will wrap up with a regional outlook on the future of potato production from the PotatoLink team.
PotatoLink (PT20000) is funded by Hort Innovation using the Potato – Fresh and Potato – Processing industry research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

VIC: Technical Irrigation Workshop
2025-08-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Devon Medows
Agriculture Victoria invites Victorian vegetable growers to attend the Veggie Box, a series of seminars and workshops with industry experts.

Hear from irrigation agronomist and designer Jeremy Giddings.

On-farm practical irrigation workshop at Peter Schreurs & Sons.

Learn about efficient vegetable irrigation systems and design, water usage, budgeting, and much more.

The specific event address will be provided to registered attendees prior to the event. A light lunch will be provided.
This series is funded through The Farm Business Resilience Program. The program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Sustainability Fund. For more information visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/FBRP
The Victorian Government is providing direct drought support for farmers across Victoria impacted by drought. Find more information about drought support at agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

VIC: Plant and Soil Health Seminar
2025-09-09 11:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-10 11:00 - 14:00
Agriculture Victoria invites Victorian vegetable growers to attend the Veggie Box, a series of seminars and workshops with industry experts.

International soils expert Joel Williams is returning to the region.

Learn about foliar nutrition and soil management in baby leaf and brassica crops, including sap testing.

Send in your questions for Joel.

Maffra: Tues 9 Sept
Pakenham: Wed 10 Sept

The specific event address will be provided to registered attendees prior to the event. A light lunch will be provided.
This series is funded through The Farm Business Resilience Program. The program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Sustainability Fund. For more information visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/FBRP
The Victorian Government is providing direct drought support for farmers across Victoria impacted by drought. Find more information about drought support at agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

VIC: IPM in Action: Monitor, Manage, Protect
2025-09-16 09:00 - 14:30 | Coolibah Herbs, 191 Craig Rd, Pearcedale, VIC, 3912, Australia
Strong pest management starts with the right knowledge – and this hands-on workshop will give vegetable growers a fresh, practical look at integrated pest management (IPM). Learn how to spot pest problems early, identify beneficial insects, and use monitoring and management strategies to protect your crops and your bottom line.
Whether you’re new to IPM or need a refresher, this session will give you the tools and confidence to make better pest control decisions on your farm.
Topics covered

IPM essentials – the principles behind integrated pest management and how they apply to vegetable production
Managing key pests – practical strategies for Western Flower Thrips (WFT), Diamondback Moth (DBM), and Serpentine Leafminer
Beneficial insects – how parasitoids and other natural enemies can work for you
Monitoring skills – in-field tips to help you detect problems early and make informed decisions

VIC: International markets: real time insights & exporter tools with Victorian Commissioners
2025-10-21 09:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-22 09:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-23 09:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-24 09:30 - 14:00
Global Victoria invites you to an exclusive in-person session designed to help Victorian exporters shape their next global chapter.

By combining global intelligence with practical guidance, you’ll gain access to real-time international market insights directly from a Victorian Commissioner, alongside tools and resources to help your business grow.
Hear the latest on:

Macro-economic indicators – GDP growth, consumer trends, trade flows
Trade opportunities and risks – sector-specific insights and case studies of Victorian exporters succeeding overseas
Supply chain challenges and opportunities – sea and air freight trends, global disruption and resilience strategies
Market entry considerations – cultural factors, business etiquette, regulatory environment, and how to find the right partners
You’ll also connect with other government and local agencies to discover the range of business services and support programs available to you.

📌 Why attend in person?

Network directly with Victorian Commissioner/s and trade experts
Ask questions in real time during our interactive Q&A panel
Build connections over networking breaks
Access practical tools and checklists to strengthen your export plan

Bendigo
When: Tuesday 21 October
Where: Bendigo GovHub – Galkangu 195-229 Lyttleton Terrace
Geelong
When: Wednesday 22 October
Where: Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct – City of Greater Geelong 137-149 Mercer Street
Morwell
When: Thursday 23 October
Where: Innovation Centre, Federation University, 1 Monash Way
Ballarat
When: Friday 24 October
Where: Federation University, Brewery Building, Lydiard Street

VIC: Export Ready Workshop
2025-10-23 - 2025-10-24
This two-day, in-person workshop will equip you with the essential skills, insights and resources needed to start selling your goods or services overseas. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with experienced exporters, trade experts and peers- building valuable networks to support your export ambitions.

Celebrate National Agriculture Day at the Hort Business Summit
2025-11-21 08:00 - 18:00 | Science Gallery Melbourne, 114 Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
The Hort Business Summit is back — and bigger than ever! Last year’s inaugural event brought the industry together for a day of insights, inspiring ideas, and valuable network connections. This year, we’re taking it up a notch.
In today’s challenging business environment, staying informed is crucial. This year’s Summit will unpack the key issues facing horticulture — from farm economics to the power of advocacy, from ag-tech innovation to consumer insights — and help you turn challenges into opportunities.
You’ll hear directly from industry leaders, policy experts, and the retailer sector, then wrap up the day by connecting with your peers over networking drinks.
📅 Date: Friday, 21 November
🕒 Time: 08:30am – 6:00pm AEDT
📍 Location: Science Gallery Melbourne, at/114 Grattan St, Parkville VIC 3052
Register here.
Download the program here!

VIC: Australian-Grown Innovation Build Program Demo Day
2025-11-24 17:00 - 19:30 | State Library Victoria
Join the Australian-Grown Innovation (AGI) Build Program Demo Day to witness the next evolution of agri-tech.
The AGI program empowers promising startups, connecting ambitious founders with the resources, mentors, and investors they need to scale globally. Great connections don’t happen behind a screen—they happen in the room.
​Why Attend? Your Demo Day Advantage
This is more than just a pitch session—it’s your chance to impact your trajectory.

​See the Future of Food: Discover the cutting-edge developments leading the future of horticulture in Australia.

​Connect with Visionaries: Meet the founders and teams behind the most exciting new technologies and business models.

​Find Your Next Opportunity: Engage with investors, industry leaders, government representatives, and other key players passionate about the sector. Discover potential investment opportunities, partnerships, or new technologies that could fundamentally change your business or career path.

​
Whether you’re an investor looking for the top opportunity, a founder seeking funding, or an innovator wanting to stay ahead of the curve, your network is waiting.

Webinar: Fruit and vegetable industry tomato potato psyllid
2025-11-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Agriculture Victoria will hold a webinar on Thursday 27 November from 11 am – 12 pm focused on interstate market access requirements for the fruit and vegetable industry.

In October 2025, Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) was detected outside the current Restricted Area in Victoria. As a result of this detection, businesses in Victoria will soon need to comply with destination jurisdiction entry requirements for TPP when moving plants or produce interstate.
Please refer to the Biosecurity Update – Market access changes for interstate fruit and vegetable trade for further information.
Agriculture Victoria has worked with industry to rapidly develop a new arrangement to assist with interstate market access for the fruit and vegetable industry.
Fruit and vegetable businesses that trade interstate can now apply for Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA)-61 – Pack-House Washing and Inspection of Tomato-Potato Psyllid Carrier Produce.
Please read through the following attached documents to understand the requirements of this procedure and to determine if accreditation is required for your business:

ICA-61 Pack-House Washing and Inspection of Tomato-Potato Psyllid Carrier Produce procedure
Standard Operating Procedure: Completion of Plant Health Assurance Certificates

To apply for an ICA-61 accreditation, please complete the Application for Accreditation and Authorised Signatory Form(s) and submit via email: biosecurityservicescentre@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Fees for plant biosecurity services (application fees, audits, non-conformance reports) are waived until 30 June 2026, as part of the Victorian Government Drought Support Package. Information on fees and charges can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/moving-plants-and-plant-products/fees-and-charges-for-plant-biosecurity-services
For further information or to confirm market access requirements, please contact your local Agriculture Victoria Plant Biosecurity Officer by telephone on 1800 878 962 or email:

South East Region – plant.standards@agriculture.vic.gov.au
South West Region – plant.southwest@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Northern Region – plant.quarantine@agriculture.vic.gov.au

For assistance with completing the Application for Accreditation or Authorised Signatory form, please contact the Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Service centre on 1800 403 224 or via biosecurityservicescentre@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
For more information about TPP visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-insects-and-mites/priority-pest-insects-and-mites/tomato-potato-psyllid
