AUSVEG

Webinar: Competition Law 101 with NextGen
2026-07-03 14:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
AUSVEG has invited Neil Rechlin from NextGen to deliver a practical webinar on the fundamentals of Australian competition law and how it applies to horticultural businesses.
NextGen Group is Australia’s leading provider of Code training, working closely with industry peak bodies and regulators. Since 2022, NextGen has delivered negotiation training programs for horticulture growers across Australia, training more than 230 growers in 2024/25 alone.
What Will Be Covered?
The webinar will explore:

The fundamentals of competition law
Anti-competitive behaviour and prohibited conduct
Misuse of market power

Why Is This Important?
The regulatory environment facing growers continues to become more complex. For many businesses, particularly SMEs, it can be difficult to keep up with the rules that apply to everyday commercial decisions.
The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 sets the ground rules for how businesses engage in the marketplace. Understanding these obligations can help growers reduce risk and make informed business decisions.

VIC: PotatoLink R&D Forum 2026
2026-07-16 14:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Bungaree Recreation Reserve, Bungaree-Wallace Rd, Bungaree, Victoria, 3352, Australia
Join the PotatoLink R&D Forum, bringing together growers, researchers, advisors, and industry members to explore the latest levy-funded potato research and development projects from across Australia.
Featuring:

Integrated Disease Management (IDM) program

Life cycle analysis project

Area-wide integrated crop management

And more…

Hear directly from project leaders and industry experts as they share current findings, future opportunities, and the practical implications for Australian potato growers.
The event will also provide valuable opportunities for networking, discussion, and collaboration across the industry.
Afternoon tea and dinner will be provided during the forum, with time throughout the day for networking and discussion.

2026 Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference
2026-07-27 - 2026-07-29
This gathering will bring together farmers, industry leaders, and community voices for two days of collaboration, inspiration, and forward‑thinking discussions.
Banksia, Orange, NSW

New Zealand Horticulture Conference
2026-07-28 - 2026-07-29 | Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, New Zealand
This year marks a new era. The individual Horticulture Conference and RSE Conference have now come together as one unified event: The New Zealand Horticulture Conference.
By bringing both audiences together, this combined national conference creates a single powerful platform for growers, industry leaders, researchers, employers, and policymakers to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of horticulture in Aotearoa.
Join for two days of insights, innovation, and industry‑wide conversation as they focus on building a stronger, more sustainable sector—together.
One event. Two days. One strong industry voice.

Webinar: Employing Workers from the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste
2026-07-28 11:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
The Department of Home Affairs, through its Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network, would like to invite you to attend upcoming free information sessions on employing overseas working within the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) stream and the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV). These sessions are open to any business or organisation who would like information on visa options for employing an overseas workers from the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste.
The PALM is a temporary residence visa available for eligible citizens of participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. The PALM scheme is an employer sponsored visa for unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions. This visa allows eligible businesses to recruit workers for short-term jobs for up to 9 months or long-term roles for between one and 4 years. The PALM scheme helps to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia and nationally for agriculture and select agriculture-related food product manufacturing sectors.
The PEV is a permanent residence visa available for eligible citizens of participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. The PEV is not an employer sponsored visa however applicants need an offer of ongoing employment for a genuine position in Australia to be granted the visa. PEV holders can live and work anywhere in Australia in any occupation.
The BIRO network invites employers to attend a webinar to learn more about the PALM and PEV programs.
The Department of Employment and Workforce Relations (DEWR) will be in attendance to provide an overview on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFaT) will be in attendance to provide an overview on the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) Support Service.
These webinars will provide information on visa products and there will be an opportunity for questions with subject matter experts following the presentations.

Webinar: Official Launch of the VegMech Technology Catalogue
2026-08-04 17:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
The Australian vegetable industry is undergoing significant transformation. Automation and mechanisation are reshaping how farms operate. However, with so many technologies emerging globally, and specifications to compare, it can be hard for growers and industry stakeholders alike, to know where to start.
That’s exactly why the VegMech Technology Catalogue was developed—a comprehensive, easy-to-navigate resource created through the VegMech program to bring together automated and mechanised field machinery solutions for the Australian vegetable industry.
Whether you manage a small family farm or large-scale operation or work in research, agribusiness, or technology development, the catalogue is designed to save you time and support smarter, more informed decisions.
The catalogue provides a clear picture of the current technologies relevant to Australian vegetable production, identified through the VegMech program as potential solutions to the labour and crop input cost challenges facing the Australian vegetable industry.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:

Technology overviews and technical details, giving you a practical understanding of features and capabilities before connecting with suppliers

Manufacturer information and supporting resources, including case studies and additional materials, to provide further context on each technology
Business details and supplier contacts, so you have everything you need to connect, collaborate or advise with confidence

Arendalsuka Norway
2026-08-10 - 2026-08-14
Norway’s largest political and societal arena, with several events and debates focused on food security, sustainable agriculture and agrifood tech innovation.

NSW: National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo
2026-08-12 | The Greenhouse, 231-243 Anson St, Orange, NSW, 2800, Australia
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.

QLD: Freshcare Food Safety & Quality Training
2026-08-14 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Horticulture House, 255 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
Most fresh produce suppliers and customers now require growers to be certified against a recognised food safety program. Achieving certification not only meets market demands but also demonstrates your commitment to delivering safe, high-quality produce.
Since 2017, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers (BFVG) has supported local producers by delivering Freshcare training – Australia’s leading on-farm assurance program for fresh produce.
To meet audit requirements, each participating business should ensure at least one representative has successfully completed Freshcare training.
Why complete Freshcare training?

Gain a clear understanding of the Freshcare Code of Practice and program requirements
Learn how to apply the Code to your specific business operations
Understand what needs to be implemented on-farm and in your systems to achieve and maintain certification

By completing Freshcare training with BFVG, you’re equipping your business with the knowledge and confidence to meet compliance standards, strengthen customer trust, and maintain access to key markets.

Webinar: Get RIC Ready
2026-08-19 12:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Join the free Get RIC Ready webinar to understand if a RIC low interest loan is right for you and get prepared to apply, so you can take the next step with confidence.​
The Get RIC Ready webinar is an essential session to help farm businesses, advisers and interested stakeholders understand RIC loans, eligibility requirements and how to apply. Learn more about RIC loans including the new Drought Hardship Loan and the Marine Recovery Loan.​
Our RIC Agri Lending specialists and expert panellists will lead the session and provide practical insights and answers to common questions covering:​

Understanding your options​
Learn about which RIC loan may be right for you and how our low interest loans may support your business to manage financial pressure, recover from disruption and plan ahead.​
Get clear on eligibility before you apply​
Understand the key eligibility requirements, such as what we mean by financial need, having commercial debt or ability to obtain commercial debt, adequate security and the ability to service the loan.​
Be prepared early and apply with confidence​
Know what information you’ll need, why you need to talk to your commercial lender early and how to get your application ready.​
Build confidence to take the next step​
Gain the knowledge to decide if a RIC loan may be right for you and how to move forward.​

FarmX 2026
2026-08-20 | Deloraine Showgrounds, Highland Lakes Rd, Deloraine, Tasmania, 7304, Australia
The theme for FarmX 2026, Sustainability & Innovation Across Every Acre, reflects the shared challenge and opportunity facing agriculture today, how to build productive, resilient farms while caring for the land, resources, and communities that sustain them.
This year’s program focuses on practical innovation and sustainable approaches that can be applied across all farming systems. From livestock and cropping to horticulture, environmental management, and emerging technologies, FarmX 2026 highlights ideas that support long-term farm viability without excluding any sector or scale of operation.
FarmX is designed for farmers, built with community, and focused on the future. Whether you’re exploring new practices, looking for smarter ways to improve efficiency, or wanting to understand what’s coming next for agriculture, FarmX 2026 is a place to learn, connect, and take away insights that matter on-farm.

QLD: HACCP Foundations for Fresh Produce
2026-08-21 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Horticulture House, 255 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
This practical, course provides an introduction to the application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) in the fresh produce sector.
Designed for growers, operators, packers, and staff working in fruit and vegetable businesses, the training is ideal for anyone involved in the growing, harvesting, packing, or despatch of fresh produce for retail sale.
The program also meets producer training requirements under the HARPS Standard, helping businesses stay compliant while building food safety knowledge and confidence.
Why choose this training?

Delivered by Kylie Jackson, approved training partner of Quality Associates (RTO No. 41341)
Recognised national competencies on successful completion:
FBPFSY3002 – Participate in a HACCP Team

NT: Agronomy Australia Conference 2026
2026-08-24 - 2026-08-28 | Charles Darwin University, NT, Australia
The Australian Society of Agronomy’s 2026 conference in Darwin on August 24–28 will have a special focus on agronomy in horticulture.
The conference theme, ‘Agronomy for a Diverse Future’, will involve showcasing the diversity of crops, farming systems, technologies, landscapes, and knowledge shaping the agricultural sector, highlighting innovation, resilience, and inclusion.
The conference will be held at Charles Darwin University’s newly opened CBD Danala Campus, followed by a range of unique industry tours where delegates will experience northern Australian developments, including mango farms during harvest, the NT’s horticultural giants and broadacre crop research underway at leading facilities.
This is the first time that the biennial gathering will be held in northern Australia and is an important opportunity for agronomy leaders, farmers, researchers and industry personnel to meet, network and share the latest science and best practice.

WA: Dowerin Machinery Field Day
2026-08-26 - 2026-08-27 | Dowerin District High School, Lot 35 Memorial Avenue, Dowerin, WA, 6461, Australia
The Dowerin Machinery Field Days provides a vital information highway and one stop shop for all farmers, primary producers, agricultural workers, and their families, in a community environment that encourages a unique engagement and connection with industry and commerce.

Vertical Farming Show Dubai
2026-09-02 - 2026-09-03 | Festival Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The theme of the 7th Edition of the Global Vertical Farming Show in Dubai is aimed at Transforming Food Systems to achieve better nutrition, enhance Food Security and improve climate change outcomes – via vertical farming integration in Agriculture.

The Global Vertical Farming Show, a highly successful annual event that brings together experts, investors, growers and leaders in the vertical farming space from across the globe. The event will serve as a platform for showcasing services & solutions and discussing latest trends, ideas & innovations in the field of control environment agriculture and its potential to transform the future of agriculture. As the largest vertical farming event in the Middle East, this is a go-to event to explore the market, establish your brand and kickstart strategic partnerships over two power-packed networking days.

Stakeholder discussion: Charter of Good Shipping Practices for efficient and fair fresh produce logistics
2026-09-03 14:00 - 15:30 (Asia/Hong_Kong) | Asia Fruit Logistica – AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong
Six years after the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the global economy, disrupting supply chains and logistics systems worldwide, the fresh produce industry continues to face systemic volatility: shifting trade flows, geopolitical shocks, and unpredictable regulatory environments. These stresses affect shipping rates, capacity, reliability, and the integrity of perishable cargo.
Roundtable discussions organized by the Global Coalition of Fresh Produce since early 2025 have indicated that there is an urgent need for increased transparency and predictability in dealings between all actors in global logistics of fresh fruits and vegetables. A common language, clear and stable pricing, fair contract terms, and transparent service conditions are prerequisites for sustainable, resilient supply chains that can endure these trying times.
The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce is taking the discussion to the next step. We are inviting all stakeholders involved in fresh produce supply chains to join us in the formulation of a charter of good shipping practices: a fundamental, structural set of shared values, principles, or guidelines to underpin, guide, and support behaviour and processes throughout logistics chains. Upholding the central principles of collaboration, transparency, and integrity, the charter will foster mutual understanding, build trust, and strengthen partnerships among trading partners. By offering a common language, the charter will begin to break down silos and align actions with the shared goal of efficient and resilient global logistics chains, with less waste and fair rewards for everyone.

NT: 2026 Nuffield Australia National Conference
2026-09-08 - 2026-09-10 | Darwin Convention Centre, 10 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin, NT, 0800, Australia
The 2026 Nuffield Australia National Conference will be held in Darwin, Northern Territory, from Tuesday 8 – Thursday 10 September, followed by a regional tour on Friday 11 – Saturday 12 September showcasing the unique agricultural industries of the Top End.

Potato Europe Germany
2026-09-09 - 2026-09-10 | Germany, Germany
On 9 and 10 September 2026, PotatoEurope will showcase the latest technology and innovations in potato cultivation at Rittergut Gestorf 1 near Hanover.
Trade visitors experience the latest developments and pioneering arable farming and crop production, machinery in field use, and exchanges with experts. The focus is on the entire value chain – from breeding to processing.
SugarBeet Expo – the trade fair for innovative technology and current trends in sugar beet cultivation – will take place at the same time.

QLD: Paddock to Plate Study Tour
2026-09-10 - 2026-09-13
Travel a little, learn a lot! Growers from across the Gympie & surrounding regions are invited to join us for 3 days of activities in the Bundaberg region!
What’s included:

Bundaberg Agrotrend Entry and exhibits.
BFVG Grower Workshop – Join fellow growers and industry for practical FAW management, WH&S updates, Farm Business resilience planning and more!
Visit to 3 local Growers in Bundaberg
Ticket to the BFVG Gala Dinner
Accommodation in Bundaberg & Travel (Bus from Gympie)
Endless Networking opportunities!

Date: 10th Sept – 13th Sept 2026
Spots limited!
Location: Bundaberg & surrounds.
Cost: $150 per person
More info: Jessy Logan
M: 0407 366 797
E: vegnet@bfvg.com.au

Food Matters Live Rotterdam
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-23 | Ahoy Convention Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Building on the success of our Rotterdam debut, Food Matters Live will return to the Ahoy Convention Centre on 22-23 September, bringing together Europe’s product development community – an ambitious network of industry professionals at the heart of a region recognised for sustainable food and nutrition innovation.
Across two inspiring days, discover the latest innovations, insights and ideas shaping the future of food and drink, designed for those working in product development, technical and culinary roles. From cutting-edge content and trend insights to immersive showcases including Tastes of Better, the Flavour & Colour Lab and the NPD Discovery Theatre, we look forward to welcoming you back to Rotterdam this September.

World Agri-Tech London
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-23 | InterContinental O2, London, England, United Kingdom
Europe’s premier event for agri food pioneers, World Agri-Tech is a must-attend summit for those invested in advancing nature-positive, resilient agriculture and food systems.
Join senior decision-makers on September 22-23, 2026 for two days of pivotal discussions and unmatched networking opportunities.

GreenTech North America
2026-09-23 - 2026-09-24 | Philadelphia, PA, United States
GreenTech North America, specifically designed to connect with the North American Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) community.
With 90 exhibitors, and over 1,000 expected attendees, GreenTech North America 2026 offers a premier platform for networking and growth of your business. At this brand new event in Philadelphia, growers can find the latest technologies for growing high-value crops such as vegetables, soft fruits, ornamentals, leafy greens, and medicinal plants.
Establishing a presence in the U.S. and Canada is evident to GreenTech’s promise as the worldwide connector of sustainable food and flower production. Join us in Philadelphia (PA) and get inspired by the latest high-tech horticulture solutions!

Future Food Tech London
2026-09-24 - 2026-09-25 | InterContinental O2, London, England, United Kingdom
Future Food-Tech connects 500+ leaders from global food brands, forward-thinking ingredient providers, pioneering start-ups, and visionary investor funds.
Join senior decision-makers on September 24-25, 2026, to learn about breakthrough technologies, sector shaping strategies, and tackle the challenges in creating foods that are nutritious, accessible, and climate-smart.

BioSpain 2026
2026-09-29 - 2026-10-01
BIOSPAIN is one of the largest biotech events organized by a national bioindustry association in Europe and one of the largest in the world by the number of one-to-one meetings and companies participating. 30% of our delegates came from outside of Spain. Also, of the 287 exhibitors, 32% were international.
This year, BIOSPAIN will be held in Bilbao, one of the main biotech cluster in Spain and One of Spain’s most avant-garde cities.
The event will take place in Pavillion 2, Bilbao Exhibition Cente, located in Barakaldo, less then 20 minutes from downtown Bilbao, it is one of the most modern and largest trade-show complexes in Europe.

Fruit Attraction Spain
2026-10-06 - 2026-10-08 | Madrid, Spain
From October 6 to 8, Madrid will become the global epicenter for operators, retailers, and professionals looking to grow, connect, and transform their business strategies.
Fruit Attraction is the place where international supply and demand meet at the key moment to plan campaigns and open doors to new markets.
Under the premises of marketing, innovation, quality, and knowledge, Fruit Attraction 2026 presents itself as the main promotional tool for the fruit and vegetable sector with the aim of boosting international commercial activity and promoting training and interaction among professionals throughout the value chain.
Don’t miss out on the event that is driving the future of the fruit and vegetable sector. Fruit Attraction 2026: the time, place, and global connection you need to take your business to the next level.

SIAL Paris
2026-10-17 - 2026-10-21 | PARIS NORD VILLEPINTE, Paris, France
This international food show is the hub of food innovation, bringing together producers, distributors, restaurateurs, and importers-exporters.

World Congress on Food Science & Beverages Japan
2026-10-19 - 2026-10-20 | Tokyo, Japan
A leading international forum where pioneering scientists, industry innovators, nutrition specialists, policymakers, researchers, and technology developers gather to shape the future of the global food and beverage landscape.
Hosted in Tokyo with full virtual access, WCFB 2026 offers an engaging space for exploring the latest breakthroughs in food science, beverage technology, nutrition research, sustainability, and next-generation food systems.
With the theme “Innovating for a Sustainable and Healthy Future: Transforming Food Science & Beverage Technology,” the Congress highlights how emerging research, digital advancements, and collaborative efforts can redefine food quality, safety, production, and global well-being.

Hort Business Summit 2026
2026-11-20 | RMIT University, Storey Hall, VIC, Australia
Save the date! The Hort Business Summit is returning to Melbourne in November.
Join us to hear from some of the top business experts in the Australian horticulture industry.

2026 National Agriculture Day
2026-11-26
