AUSVEG

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 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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

Webinar: Fruit industry tomato potato psyllid update
2025-12-03 14:00 - 15:00 | Webinar
In October 2025, Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) was detected outside the current Restricted Area in Victoria. Restrictions will come into effect from Monday 8 December 2025 and growers and businesses will need to comply with these restrictions if they are sending plants and produce interstate.
Agriculture Victoria will hold a fruit industry webinar on Wednesday, December 3 from 2 – 3pm to guide businesses through the new requirements. In particular, the webinar will focus on fruit with stems and/or calyx attached.

Melbourne: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-02-10 10:00 - 15:00 | TBC
As part of Stream Three of this project, a Workforce Development Framework will be created, providing a guide for employers and RTOs to work together to grow a fit-for-purpose VET workforce for their region. The framework will connect each stage of career development – from mentor to supervisor to VET educator – with practical actions, existing resources and potential partnerships. It will be designed to be adaptable to the needs of different regional, rural, and remote communities.
Stakeholders are invited to participate in co-design of the Framework by attending roundtable and networking events being held online and around the country in early 2026.
You’re invited to participate in a roundtable and networking event designed to provide opportunities to contribute to several related projects and support the development of local connections.
Employers, training providers, industry partners, business support services, local government, and community organisations are encouraged to join this vital conversation.
You’re welcome to join for the full day or just take part in sessions relevant to you. Register to secure your place, and we’ll share detailed information closer to the date.
More information: https://skillsinsight.com.au/project/vet-workforce/

VIC: Drone Spraying: How Effective Is It?
2026-02-12 18:30 - 21:30 | Dimond’s Farm, Mollonghip, VIC, Australia
NOTE: Postponed to February | Details coming soon – please check back!

Join PotatoLink for a night-time spray demonstration in the Ballarat region.
Once the sun goes down, we’ll use UV lights to compare the coverage of drone and ground applications in field. This will show us exactly where the spray lands and how uniform the coverage is.
This workshop is tailored for potato growers and agronomists looking to better understand spraying technology and make the most of their spray programs by seeing it in action.
A BBQ dinner will commence at 6:30 pm, followed by presentations and the demonstration from 7:00 pm onwards.
Event Details

Getting the best out of spraying
Stuart Grigg together with Len Ibbotson (Syngenta’s Technical Services Lead for horticulture) will explain how to get the best spray coverage and ensure product efficacy.

Overview of drone spraying
Drone operator, Adrian from RotaVision will help us explore drone application, including nozzles and water rate.·

See it in action
Observe spray coverage & uniformity of both ground and drone applications on a field walk after dark with UV lights.

VIC: Grow Festival
2026-02-20 | Kyneton Racecourse, VIC, Australia
Join Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group for a big, relaxed day of learning and connection at GROW Farming Festival on Friday February 20 at Kyneton Racecourse. They’re bringing farmers, consumers, and other change makers together to drive positive change in agriculture, food & fibre production, and land stewardship.
A program of more than 40 talks, discussions, workshops, and demonstrations across four learning hubs – animals, soil, plants, people – and the adjoining GROW paddock. PLUS beautiful food & drinks available to purchase all day, music, a charity auction, and more!

AUSVEG Hort International Women’s Day Luncheon
2026-03-04 12:00 - 14:30 | Crown Aviary, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
This event will bring together women from across the horticulture industry for an afternoon of connection, discussion, and celebration, recognising the crucial role women play across the sector.
Join us in celebrating the many incredible achievements of women in horticulture at our International Women’s Day luncheon! And hear from special guest Jacquie Felgate!
There’ll be a two-course lunch, with a beverage package and complimentary carparking for luncheon guests.
Register now!
Price: $175 per person

VIC: Farmer’s Day Out
2026-03-25 | Ballarat
Farmer’s Day Out has been created to deliver specialised development to the farmers of the Central Highlands. Differing from field days, Farmer’s Day Out will provide farmers with a stacked line-up of tools to amplify and strengthen their business model on March 25, 2026 at the Ballarat Showgrounds. The day will feature stimulating and inspiring keynote speakers, such as Simon Quilty, plus health checks, extensive networking, expert panels, and breakout workshops that dive into:

Agribusiness Tourism

Dodging Potholes and Building Silos

The Business of Farming – Knowing Your Figures
