AUSVEG

Webinar: Biostimulant Products: Cutting through the noise
2026-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
This practical webinar will provide a clear, non-technical overview of biological products, with a focus on biostimulants such as humates, amino acids and seaweed extracts. We’ll explain what these products are (and are not), and where they typically sit in vegetable systems — including soil health, nutrient cycling, root establishment and crop resilience.
The session will also cover the regulatory landscape and Fertilizer Australia’s Biostimulant Code of Practice, helping growers understand levels of assurance and what to look for in the marketplace.
A key focus will be evidence and efficacy — why results vary, what “good evidence” looks like. We’ll finish with practical tips on questions to ask suppliers, how to trial products effectively on-farm, and a brief update on the SWICP Biological Products Database.
This webinar is designed to help growers and advisors make informed, confident decisions about biological products.

San Franciso: Future Food-Tech
2026-03-19 - 2026-03-20 | San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Meet the global leaders building a healthy & sustainable future at Future Food-Tech San Francisco.
Join CPGs, retailers, ingredient and technology providers, cutting-edge entrepreneurs and investors on March 19-20, 2026 and connect for targeted networking, exclusive industry insights and start-up discovery.
Why attend?

Meet the innovators shaping the future of food
Taste tomorrow’s products in live demos
Spark partnerships that drive real-world impact

vegetablesWA Roadshow Carnarvon
2026-03-17 16:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Perth) | Carnarvon Yacht Club, 2 West St, Carnarvon, WA, Australia
Carnarvon growers — this is an event you don’t want to miss!

Join us ahead of the growing season for an opportunity to connect with fellow growers and hear from key industry professionals on:

Industry, regional and R&D project updates
Fall armyworm biology and management
Nutrition programming for resilience
Innovation to enhance shelf life
Crop protection solutions to manage soil-borne pests and pathogens

Includes: Drinks and a buffet-style dinner

For assistance, please contact:
Chi Nguyen – 0457 457 559 | chi.nguyen@vegetableswa.com.au
Joel Dinsdale – 0417 857 675 or Lisa Hasson – 0459 952 297

Webinar: Hiring International Graduates: Visa pathway options
2026-03-17 11:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
The Department of Home Affairs’ Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network invites businesses to a free webinar designed to help employers better understand how to employ international student graduates in Australia, as well as skilled visa options available to businesses seeking to hire or sponsor overseas workers in Australia.
The session will cover information on employing Temporary Graduate Visa holders and visa sponsorship options available to extend their employment with your business.
The session will include information on:
– Temporary Graduate visa
– Employer sponsored visas
– General Skilled Migration
– Visa Entitlement Verification Online
– Check twice, submit once campaign
– Migrant worker reforms

San Francisco: World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit
2026-03-17 - 2026-03-18 | San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Meet the global leaders driving sustainable agricultural practices in San Francisco on March 17–18, 2026.
Be at the summit with 1700+ decision makers from agribusinesses, technology giants, food brands, farmers, policymakers, investors, and start-ups for strategic networking, industry benchmarking, agri-tech discovery, and deal making.

WA: Integrated Pest Management in Potato Crops Workshop (South-west coast)
2026-03-12 12:30 - 17:00 (Australia/Perth) | Jindong, WA, Australia
Paul Horne of IPM Technologies will present a workshop covering the fundamentals of IPM in potato crops. He will then lead you on a Field Walk to practice scouting for pests and beneficials. Participants will leave with strategies to implement in their own businesses.
Additionally, hear an update on the Hort Innovation & other related disease research and management projects.

Roma: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-03-12 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | 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/

WA: Integrated Pest Management in Potato Crops Workshop
2026-03-11 12:30 - 17:00 (Australia/Perth) | Pemberton/Manjimup Region

Mareeba: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-03-10 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | TBC

Foodex Japan 2026
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-13 | Tokyo Big Sight, 3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo, 135-0063, Japan
Foodex Japan is the leading food and beverage tradeshow in Japan. The trade event provides business expansion opportunities and solutions for Australian fresh produce exporters. The trade event welcome more than 80,000 buyers from across Asia each year.

Canberra: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-03-05 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | TBC

AUSVEG Hort International Women’s Day Luncheon
2026-03-04 12:00 - 14:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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

WA: AI Sprayer - Open-Source Weed Locator Farm Demonstration
2026-02-26 15:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Perth) | 317 Cosy Creek Rd, 317 Cosy Creek Rd, Palgarup, WA, Australia
See an open-source AI weed locator sprayer in action and learn how artificial intelligence is being used for precision weed detection.

3pm – Registration and discussion on development of the OWL, learnings from the 2025 study tour to Denmark and Netherlands
4pm – live demonstration of OWL in the field
5pm – light supper and non-alcoholic beverages provided
Biosecurity protocols apply – please use footpaths provided.

VegNET 3.0 (VG21000) is a vegetable and onion industry extension program nationally coordinated by AUSVEG and funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable and onion research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

Webinar: Opportunities in Japan’s agrifood and beverage sector
2026-02-26 12:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Join this webinar to learn about consumer trends and how Austrade is working to promote Australian products in this market.
Japan is Australia’s second largest bilateral trading partner. Along with energy, food security is considered part of national security, with Japan relying mostly on imports as a food source.
Key topics

Overview of Japan
Consumer sentiment and trends
Insights on doing business in Japan
Austrade’s forward calendar of activity for the sector

Who it’s for
Australian businesses looking for opportunities in Japan. Businesses can be:

new to market
existing food, beverage and agribusiness exporters.

Webinar: Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2024/25 launch
2026-02-26 11:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Hort Innovation invites you to join the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2024/25 launch webinar on Thursday 26 February 2026, 11am (AEDT).
As the leading data resource for growers and the broader horticulture community, the Handbook brings together independent, whole-of-industry data and provides insights into the trends that shaped the Australian horticulture industry during 2024/25.
With data covering 75 distinct categories, join to hear from industry experts as they explore the latest insights on Australian horticulture. You’ll be given a guide on how to use the Handbook, as well as an overview of a wide range of topics, including:

Production volume and farm-gate value trends by category (fruit, vegetables, nuts, and all other horticulture amenities)
Trade (exports/imports) and domestic market movements
Category performance key drivers in 2024/25

Dubbo: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-02-25 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | TBC

Webinar: Cutting Inputs Without Cutting Production: Fertiliser and Emissions on Farm
2026-02-23 16:30 - 17:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Landscape SA is offering a free series of topic-specific carbon farming webinars, delivered by South Australia’s Landscape Boards alongside trusted external experts.
You are invited to register for the upcoming webinar: Cutting Inputs Without Cutting Production: Fertiliser and Emissions on Farm on 23 February 2026, to be delivered via the MS Teams Webinar platform.
This webinar looks at how fertiliser use affects on-farm emissions, kicking off with a clear, practical overview of nutrients, efficiency and emissions intensity from plant and soil health educator Joel Williams. It then shifts to the paddock, with farmer Tom Robinson sharing hands-on strategies for reducing inputs without sacrificing productivity, including what’s worked (and what hasn’t) in real-world conditions. By bringing science and experience together, the session offers growers and livestock producers practical, achievable actions they can apply on farm.
This webinar is delivered with funding support from the Commonwealth of Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and water under the Carbon Farming Outreach Program.

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!

Webinar: Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot
2026-02-19 14:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
The Department of Home Affairs invites you to attend a free webinar to learn more about how Australian employers can access the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot Program (the Pilot).
By becoming an approved employer, businesses can access a large pool of talent to fill critical skill shortages and support the settlement of a skilled refugee and their family in Australia.
The webinar is open to employers interested in accessing a source of skilled labour that also offers a skilled refugee and their family the opportunity to rebuild their lives in Australia. The Pilot is delivered in partnership with Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB).

Tamworth: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-02-19 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | TBC

Webinar: Supply Chain, Industry & Financial perspectives on Emissions Reporting
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Landscape SA is offering a free series of topic-specific carbon farming webinars, delivered by South Australia’s Landscape Boards alongside trusted external experts.
You are invited to register for our first webinar: Supply Chain, Industry & Financial Perspectives on Emissions Reporting on 17 February 2026, to be delivered via the MS Teams Webinar platform.
This interactive webinar will provide you with practical insights into the opportunities available to you within your supply chain and from a financial perspective. This webinar will be presented by Daria Twist, Agribusiness Manager with NAB and Laura Grubb, Sustainability & Engagement Specialist with Greenham Australia.
Daria will outline how NAB can support Australian agribusiness in this changing climate, with a focus on climate risk management and green finance solutions. She will provide practical steps and incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable practices and reduce emissions.
Laura will dissect what carbon and sustainability mean for your business. She will talk through how you can take advantage of being an early mover in this space when working with your markets. We will look at what is driving this momentum, how meat customers and processors are responding, and what you need to do in your business.
This webinar is delivered with funding support from the Commonwealth of Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and water under the Carbon Farming Outreach Program.

Riverina: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-02-17 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | TBC

VIC: Drone Spraying: How Effective Is It?
2026-02-12 18:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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.

TAS: Tomato potato psyllid interactive workshop
2026-02-12 14:00 - 17:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | TIA Vegetable Research Facility, 124 Forthside Road, Forth, Tasmania, 7310, Australia
Join us for this interactive session to learn about:

Tomato potato psyllid – why do we care?
Western Australian experience with TPP since 2017
Using traps to monitor for TPP
Impact of TPP on market access if it were found in Tasmania
Opportunity to participate in industry-led TPP monitoring program
Pick up your free TPP monitoring kit!

Who will be there:

Biosecurity Tasmania
DPIRD – WA
AUSVEG
TIA / Tasmanian Seed Potato Certification Scheme

Download the flyer here.

QLD: Season Success: Building Resilient Cropping Systems
2026-02-11 16:00 - 18:30 (Australia/Brisbane) | Metagen, 108 Chadwick Rd, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
Season Success: Building Resilient Cropping Systems

Practical insights to set your 2026 season up for success, drawing on lessons from recent seasons and current agronomic trends.
Expert-led discussion on key disease risks, how they develop through the season and what proactive management really looks like (including emerging testing tools).
Clear, system-level thinking around soil health, biologicals and how biostimulants and inoculants fit into resilient cropping programs.
An industry outlook on what’s changing now and what to expect heading into 2026, so you can plan with confidence, not hindsight.
A collaborative, on the ground focus: applied science, practical decision-making and time for questions with experienced agronomists and industry specialists.

Workshop Agenda (4-6:30pm)

Welcome: Open to the event with a brief welcome and outline how the day will support practical decision making for resilient cropping systems heading into 2026.
#1 Research update: Dr Noel Knight and Ben Evert will provide an update on the Hort Innovation onion research project, focusing on fungicide resistance and new testing to support on farm management next season.
#2 Key disease concerns in horticulture: Shane Fitzgerald will deliver a refresher on key disease risks, exploring disease lifecycles, practical management approaches and relevant testing, including emerging tools.
Break and discussion
#3 Soil health, biologicals and system resilience: Dr Neil Wilson will explore soil health and the role of biologicals in cropping systems, clarifying the difference between types of biologicals and how agriculture and management decisions influence soil microbiology.
#4 Learning from the 2025 Season – agronomy Q&A: Facilitated by Liam Riedy with local agronomists and growers, this session will reflect on key agronomic challenges and wins from the 2025 season through open discussion.
#5 Industry update and outlook for 2026: Michael Sippel from Lockyer Valley Vegetable Growers will share an industry update and what to expect heading into 2026.
Looking ahead: A summary of key take home messages from Liam Riedy, next steps and tips on where to find support moving forward.
Final Q&A and BBQ Catering

Melbourne: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-02-10 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | TBC

Webinar: Resistance Management
2026-02-10 09:00 - 10:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Webinar
This webinar gives growers a real-life example of how good stewardship and resistance management benefit them and their industry. This webinar also provides extension officers with valuable skills for driving engagement and promoting industry-minded behaviour amongst growers.
This event is open to all growers, extension officers and interested parties and is FREE to attend.
Dominic Reisig (North Carolina State University, USA) is an extension specialist and researcher supporting broadacre row crops, including corn, cotton, peanuts, and soybeans. He studies insect pest management and how to slow resistance to Bt crops.
Drawing on U.S. experience with Bt corn and cotton and caterpillar pests such as corn earworm, Dominic will outline the resistance problem, why stewardship is essential, and how behaviour-change approaches were used to shift practices. The session will include what was recommended, what worked (and what didn’t), and lessons relevant beyond broadacre cropping.

Webinar: Unlocking opportunities to increase vegetable consumption
2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Join Hort Innovation for an insight‑rich session with Fiftyfive5 as they unpack the latest consumer research on vegetable consumption. They’ll break down what Australians think they’re eating, what’s actually happening, and the most practical industry levers to help drive an extra daily serve across the country.
Here’s what’s on the agenda:

What Australians believe about their vegetable intake and the reality behind the numbers.
The biggest barriers shaping behaviour (time, effort, confidence and confusion about what counts as a serve).
Where the strongest opportunities lie (by audience, occasion and category) to unlock meaningful growth.

TAS: Integrated Pest Management in Potato Crops Workshop
2026-02-03 09:00 - 13:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | John Cresswell’s farm, 165 Red Hill Road, Branxholm, Tasmania, 7261, Australia
Join leading industry experts for a practical, field-based workshop focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and an update on the Integrated Disease Management Program for the Australian Potato Industry project.
Designed for growers and agronomists, this workshop combines foundational knowledge with hands-on learning to support informed, in-season decision-making. Participants will gain practical strategies they can apply immediately to improve pest and disease outcomes for the remainder of the season.
Workshop Details
IPM Fundamentals
Dr Paul Horne and Rebecca Addison (IPM Technologies) will cover the fundamentals of IPM in potato crops, including pest monitoring, recognising beneficial insects, and making informed management decisions. A guided field walk will follow, giving participants hands-on experience scouting for pests and beneficials and translating observations into practical, in-season actions.
Integrated Disease Management Project Update
Dr Audrey Leo (Simplot and Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania) and Dr Robert Tegg (Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania) will provide an update on a new national Integrated Disease Management Program focused on limiting inoculum build-up, preventing infection, and identifying new control options. The program aims to improve diagnostics, soil health, and management strategies to reduce the impact of key potato diseases, including powdery scab, common scab, pink rot, and Rhizoctonia.
Workshop Timing

10:00 am – Presentations commence (sharp) followed by a practical scouting session and project updates.

1:30 pm – Lunch and networking with growers, agronomists, and industry representatives.

TAS: Integrated Pest Management in Potato Crops Workshop
2026-02-02 09:30 - 14:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Michael Nichol’s farm, 54 Devils Elbow Road, Sisters Creek, Tasmania, 7325, Australia
