AUSVEG

World Bee Day
2024-05-20
May 20 marks the seventh annual World Bee Day, a day to celebrate the vital role bees play in food production, biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Bees are important to our livelihood as they help to pollinate most of the crops we eat and many that feed farm animals. Nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefits from bee pollination.
But bee populations are under threat. Destruction of their natural habitat, intensive farming practices, and pests and diseases are just some of the complex reasons driving a decline in both the number and diversity of bees.
Without bees, our food security is at risk.

Ground Nesting Bees of Australia and the World
2024-05-20 19:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
The Wheen Bee Foundation is hosting a free event!
To register click here
The majority of the world’s bees build their nests underground. Of Australia’s 2,000 native bee species, about 70% are ground nesting.
Learn more about the diverse ground nesting bee species of Australia and the world in this free webinar.
Join Dr Megan Halcroft from Bees Business and our guest Speakers:
Dr Jordan Kueneman from Cornell University, will be talking about his project “GNBee”, and how they are trying to increase the community awareness, nest mapping and conservation of ground nesting bees.
Dr Terry Houston from the Western Australian Museum, will be talking about some of our amazing ground nesting bees, in the family Stenotritidae.
Thomas Mesaglio a PhD candidate from the University of NSW specialises in citizen science he will be sharing his experience in using community collected data for the conservation of insect species.
Bring your questions!

Bee Friendly Farming: The role of bees in Australian food production systems
2024-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Join Lea Hannah, Bee Friendly Farming Farm Technical Liaison Officer, Dr Romina Rader, Professor (Research) in Community Ecology , University of New England, Dr Cameron Spurr, Managing Director of seedPurity and Dr Julian Brown, University of Melbourne, Research Fellow in Urban Ecology School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences. Bees play an important role in food production. Most of the crops we eat are pollinated by bees, with nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefiting from bee pollination. Bees also play important roles in seed production as well as the quality of fruit and vegetables.
To register click here
Speaker #1 – Dr. Romina Rader – Importance of bees in Australian food productions systems.
Dr Romina Rader is a community ecologist and her research focuses on plant–animal interactions in
natural and human-modified landscapes. She is interested generally in the ecology of plants and animals
in different types of habitats and landscapes and how they respond to differing management practices
and global change. Her current projects relate to wild and managed insect pollinators, their efficiency at
pollinating horticultural crops and the ecology and conservation of remnant vegetation. For more information about Romina click here.
Speaker #2 – Dr. Cameron Spurr – Importance of bees in carrot seed production in Tasmania
Dr. Cameron Spurr is the Managing Director of seedPurity. seedPurity is a leading provider of applied seed technology to the forestry and vegetable seed industries in Australia and New Zealand. Their experienced and enthusiastic team is committed to delivering quality service to their clients with over 50 years of combined experience in applied seed research and technology. For more information about Cameron click here.
Speaker #3 Dr. Julian Brown – The Bees and the Berries – The importance of native bees in the pollination of raspberry and blackberry crops in the Yarra Valley of Victoria.
Dr Julian Brown is an an ecologist interested in the conservation and management of biodiversity and ecosystem services in human-modified systems. He works in agricultural landscapes, urban landscapes, and semi-natural landscapes managed with fire. Most of his work focuses on interactions between plants and pollinators as these provide model systems for understanding ecosystem services more generally. For more information about Julian click here.
This FREE Webinar is hosted by The Wheen Bee Foundation.

Seed Potato Workshop (WA): Storage and Diseases
2024-05-29 12:30 - 16:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute, 28527 S Western Hwy, Middlesex, WA, Australia
Join the PotatoLink team for a workshop on Western Australian seed storage and seed diseases.
Lunch from 12:30 pm, talks will start from 1:00 pm.
Jenny Ekman, Applied Horticultural Research postharvest physiologist, will discuss best practice cool room & potato seed management after removal from cool store.
David Tooke, a DPIRD seed inspector, will talk about potato diseases.
DPIRD plant pathologist, Wossen Mengesha, will give an update on their recent work on potatoes and PredictaPt
After the conclusion of the talks a tour of Coldahold coolstore in Manjimup has been organised.

Date: Wednesday 29 May 2024
Time: 12:30 – 4:30 pm
Location: Manjimup Horticultural Research Institute – 28527 S Western Hwy Middlesex WA
Registration: Click here to register

International Day of Potato
2024-05-30
On 30 May, we spotlight the potato, Solanum tuberosum (L.) – a crop regularly consumed by billions of people. Potatoes are a key crop across diverse farming systems globally, ranging from smallholders producing diverse heirloom varieties by hand in the Andes, to vast commercial, mechanized farms in different continents. As the third most consumed food crop globally, potatoes contribute to the food security and nutrition as well as and livelihoods and employment of people in rural and urban areas the world over.
The Day is an opportunity to build on the International Year of the Potato, which was observed in 2008. The observance will also be used to underscore the importance of the crop to combating hunger and poverty and addressing environmental threats to agrifood systems. The roles of small-scale family farmers, a significant proportion of whom are women, in safeguarding the wide spectrum of the crop’s diversity, will also be recognized, while the cultural and culinary dimensions of the crop’s cultivation and consumption will be celebrated.

Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards 2024 - Celebratory Dinner
2024-05-31 18:00 - 22:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Maffco Brewery and Taphouse, Railway Place, MaffraMaffra, VIC, 3860, Australia
Join us, along with our event sponsors, for a night of celebration as we announce this year’s winners of the Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards!
Enjoy live music and great company in the heart of Gippsland, with a delicious menu featuring the trusted provenance of our region.
Presentations will be made throughout the evening.
Tickets are a fixed price of $95.00 per delegate, which includes complimentary drinks on arrival and a three-course meal.
If you have questions regarding the celebratory dinner, please contact Deanne Kennedy, Jaydee Events: mobile 0419 878 055 or email deanne@jaydee.net.au.
Tickets are strictly limited – secure your place for this premier food and fibre event!

Hort Connections 2024
2024-06-03 - 2024-06-05 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006, South Wharf, VIC, 3006, Australia
In 2017, AUSVEG and International Fresh Produce Association A-NZ joined forces to establish Hort Connections – the largest horticulture conference and trade show in Australasia.
Hort Connections 2024 will be hosted between 3-5 June at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Hort Connections has grown to a 3,000-delegate event and welcomes more than two times the number of growers than it did at the time of conception. Hort Connections 2019 was hosted at the MCEC and was the largest conference ever produced. We are excited to return in 2024 for a bigger and better conference than ever before.
All areas of horticulture will be recognised and celebrated at the conference, bringing together members from right across the vegetable, fruit and floral sectors. Hort Connections will yet again proudly showcase exciting new products, services and technologies to help shape the Australian and New Zealand industry – highlighting solutions in agricultural technology, finance, labour, energy and environmental sustainability.
Attendee analysis indicates a diverse cross-section of the produce industry attend Hort Connections, with those identifying as a grower/packer/processor forming the largest segment.
Join us as we gather in Melbourne to hold what will be the best opportunity of the year to expand your markets, and connect with current and prospective business partners, clients, and peers.

'Forage to Farming' Forum and Field Day
2024-06-12 08:30 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Katherine, Katherine, NT, Australia
Join NT Farmers for a day of learning and networking at the ‘Forage to Farming’ Forum and Field Day on June 12, 2024.

Keynote presentations from industry leaders and experts
Site visit to farm, feedlot and processing facility showcasing innovative business operations
‘Info Hub’ to access to latest information and expert advice
Panel discussions on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in fodder production and its role in building market resilience

Networking dinner and drinks to follow. The event is FREE and supported by the Northern Hub and Future Drought Fund.

World Potato Congress
2024-06-23 - 2024-06-26 | Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
The World Potato Congress is coming to Adelaide. Click here to view the program. Sessions will be held on climate change, research and development models, potato genetics, storage technology, innovations in pest and disease management and regenerative agriculture. There are post-congress tours available and a South Australian Produce Market Tour.

Managing Dry Times - East Coast
2024-06-27 16:00 - 19:30 (Australia/Melbourne)
This event is an opportunity for farmers on the East Coast to come together, share a meal and learn from other farmers about some strategies to manage low availability of feed, which may assist in decision-making and planning.

National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo
2024-07-04 | Armitage Centre – Empire Theatre
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.

Date:
Thursday 4 July 2024
Time:
Expo open from 8am
Conference sessions running from 9am to 5pm followed by a wine tasting and stand up canape networking light dinner until 7.30pm.
Location:
Armitage Centre – Empire Theatre
56 Neil Street.
Toowoomba Queensland

Friends of TasFarmers
2024-07-05 18:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Orford Blue Waters
Date: Friday, 5th July 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Orford Blue Waters
TasFarmers invites all members and friends to an evening of drinks, nibbles, and engaging conversation. This is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with fellow members, discuss the pressing issues facing our industry, and learn about the initiatives TasFarmers is undertaking to address these concerns.
Drinks and Nibbles: Enjoy a selection of beverages and light snacks while you mingle.
Industry Discussion: Participate in a relaxed discussion on the challenges our industry faces and how TasFarmers can help work towards solutions.
Networking: Connect with fellow farmers and industry stakeholders in a friendly, informal setting.
Admission:
Members: Free
Non-Members: Free
Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the community, we look forward to seeing you there. Your insights and contributions are invaluable as we navigate the future of our industry together.
RSVP: Please confirm your attendance by 02.07.2024 to ensure we can cater adequately for all attendees.
Let’s come together to share our experiences, learn from each other, and support the growth and sustainability of our industry. See you at Orford Blue Waters!

Winter Warmers Seminar: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in vegetables
2024-07-10 11:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Austral Hotel, Korumburra
Entomologist Dr. Paul Horne with describe what IPM in vegetables looks like and how growers can move from a reliance on pesticides to using a combination of biological and cultural controls with support from selective pesticides. The workshop will provide an analysis of key biological control agents and cultural options, with participants developing an IPM strategy for their crops during the workshop.

Austral Hotel, Korumburra: Wed July 10th from 11am to 2pm (lunch included)

To register for the Seminar Series, please email emily.scott@foodandfibregippsland.com.au
Please advise of any dietary requirements when you register.

Session sponsored by BASF and Muirs

Winter Warmers Seminar: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in vegetables
2024-07-11 11:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Criterion Hotel, Sale
Entomologist Dr. Paul Horne with describe what IPM in vegetables looks like and how growers can move from a reliance on pesticides to using a combination of biological and cultural controls with support from selective pesticides. The workshop will provide an analysis of key biological control agents and cultural options, with participants developing an IPM strategy for their crops during the workshop.

The Criterion Hotel, Sale: Thurs July 11th from 11am to 2pm (lunch included)

To register for the Seminar Series, please email emily.scott@foodandfibregippsland.com.au
Please advise of any dietary requirements when you register.

Session sponsored by BASF and Muirs

Cultivate '24
2024-07-13 - 2024-07-16 | Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH, United States
Want to see what’s up-and-coming in plant material, hard goods, products, and more?

Turf Queensland Paddock to Pitch Field Day 2024
2024-07-16 10:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Wild Horse Turf, Glass House Mountains
Get ready for an immersive experience at the Turf Queensland Paddock to Pitch Field Day 2024, where we’ll explore cutting-edge horticulture technology shaping the future of the industry.
Join us as we delve into innovative solutions that are transforming paddocks into high-tech hubs.

Event Highlights:
– Tech-Talk Sessions: Engage with industry leaders and experts as they share insights into the latest advancements in horticulture technology. Discover how these innovations are reshaping the landscape and paving the way for a sustainable future.
– Field Demonstrations: Experience firsthand the power of modern horticulture equipment and machinery. From precision, robotic farming equipment to state-of-the-art drone technology, witness how technology is optimising every aspect of turf production.
– Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, growers, and technology enthusiasts. Share ideas, build collaborations, and be part of the growing community that believes in the transformative power of technology in horticulture.
– Expo Zone: Explore a vibrant expo featuring leading horticulture technology providers. Discover new products, services, and solutions that will elevate your turf management game to unprecedented heights.

Hydroponic Farmers Federation Conference 2024
2024-07-23 - 2024-07-25 | Tabcorp Park Melton, 2 Ferris Rd, Melton, VIC, Australia
The Hydroponic Farmers Federation Executive Committee are excited to announce the 13th Biennial HFF Conference will be held from Tuesday 23rd July – Thursday 25th July, 2024 at Tabcorp Park in Melton.
Following the successful outcomes of the 2022 conference, we are very confident of repeating this experience. In fact, with the knowledge gained, we can’t wait to present the 2024 conference! We will continue to expand and develop the conference format for 2024, offering our trade members the opportunity to invite their grower customers to conference, to learn, share and network with like-minded people; potentially extending the reach of this conference far beyond previous events, and throwing the conference doors open to non-HFF members.
John Elford, President on behalf of the HFF Executive Committee

Tech-Hub Live Conference and Expo
2024-07-29 - 2024-07-31
Tech Hub LIVE offers an innovative, forward-looking experience with an expansive range of features encompassing all segments of data-driven agriculture and attracts the largest gathering of ag retailers, distributors, consultants, manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the ag supply chain, all committed to leveraging the latest tech innovations for practical business advantages on the farm.

Winter Warmers Seminar: Mapping and analysis of soil organic carbon
2024-08-01 16:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Criterion Hotel, Sale
VegNET Gippsland has partnered with Downforce Technologies, Muir’s, and Elders to give growers the opportunity to learn how to improve their farm’s overall soil health and long-term productivity through mapping and managing soil organic carbon (SOC). Come and see a practical seven-year SOC analysis of a local vegetable farm and complete an expression of interest to have your farm mapped & analysed.

The Criterion Hotel, Sale: Thus Aug 1st from 4pm to 6pm + drinks + nibbles.

To register from the Seminar Series, please email emily.scott@foodandfibregippsland.com.au
Please advise of any dietary requirements when you register.

Drinks & nibbles sponsored by Rabobank.

Winter Warmer Seminar: Plant health in vegetable production
2024-08-07 11:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Austral Hotel, Korumburra
Joel Williams from Integrated Soils will outline what is meant by plant health and how to achieve it. Plants produce a suite of specialised and sophisticated defence biochemicals to protect themselves, deter pest and attract beneficials; however, they cannot optimise these protective processes without key nutrients and beneficial organisms which support plant health and immunity.

Austral Hotel, Korumburra: Wed Aug 7th from 11am – 2pm (lunch included)

To register for the Seminar Series, please email emily.scott@foodandfibregippsland.com.au
Please advise of any dietary requirements when you register.

Lunch sponsored by Rabobank.

Winter Warmer Seminar: Plant health in vegetable production
2024-08-08 11:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Agriculture Victoria, Maffra
Joel Williams from Integrated Soils will outline what is meant by plant health and how to achieve it. Plants produce a suite of specialised and sophisticated defence biochemicals to protect themselves, deter pest and attract beneficials; however, they cannot optimise these protective processes without key nutrients and beneficial organisms which support plant health and immunity.

Agriculture Victoria, Maffra: Thurs Aug 8th from 11am – 2pm (lunch included)

To register for the Seminar Series, please email emily.scott@foodandfibregippsland.com.au
Please advise of any dietary requirements when you register.

Lunch sponsored by Rabobank.

International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium
2024-08-20 - 2024-08-21 | Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach
A future of safe and sustainable fresh produce through science and collaboration

Join us for a world-class symposium that will bring together the fresh produce safety community from Australia, New Zealand and beyond for two days of engaging and inspiring sessions presented by leading international and regional experts.
Global food safety practitioners, CEOs, food technologists, researchers, regulators, growers and supply chain specialists are invited to attend this inaugural in-person only event.

Australian Biosecurity Symposium
2024-08-27 - 2024-08-29 | Sea World Resort & Conference Centre, Gold Coast, QLD, Sea World Resort & Conference Centre, Gold Coast, QLD
The highly anticipated 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium is making a triumphant return, promising an unforgettable experience.
Get ready to dive into the unique charm of the Gold Coast as we gather at the stunning
Sea World Resort from August 27th to 29th, 2024.
Building upon the groundbreaking ideas and enriching conversations that marked the success of the 1st and 2nd Australian Biosecurity Symposiums, #BioSym2024 is set to delve even deeper into the future landscape of Australian Biosecurity.
This is your chance to be a part of shaping that future.
Seize the opportunity to connect with key decision-makers, trailblazing innovators, influential voices, and dedicated researchers within the realm of Australian biosecurity. Mark your calendar, because this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Asia Fruit Logistica 2024
2024-09-04 - 2024-09-06 | AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong
The next edition of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA returns to Hong Kong’s AsiaWorld-Expo on 4-6 September 2024. Save the dates now.
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA covers the entire fresh produce industry value chain and its service support companies, as well as the latest, innovative products and ideas. It offers a totally unique opportunity to develop new business, make new top-level contacts, and gather essential market information on every aspect of the fresh produce trade throughout the entire Asian region.
Join us in Hong Kong as an exhibitor and become part of the ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA success story. There is no better opportunity to make an impact with your company’s message on top buyers from the leading Asian markets and around the world.

National Rural Health Conference
2024-09-16 - 2024-09-18 | Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, 21 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
The National Rural Health Conference is the pre‑eminent event in Australia for information and inspiration about rural and remote health and wellbeing.

Join us at the 17th National Rural Health Conference – Imagine, Inspire and Innovate! The preeminent event in the southern hemisphere focusing on building healthy, sustainable and resilient rural communities. With plenty of opportunities for networking, the Conference will focus on innovative important topics such as rural health workforce capacity and training, determinants of health, mental health, the effects of climate change on health, Indigenous health, cultural safety, arts and health, as well as healthcare research and innovation.
If you are a health care consumer, health professional, student, researcher or policymaker, this is the one event in 2024 that you must not miss. Come and join us as we collaborate and imagine opportunities to create a sustainable, innovative healthcare system for rural and remote Australia.

Impacts of Varroa Webinar
2024-12-03 19:00 - 20:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Webinar
The National Varroa Mite Management Program are hosting a webinar to provide insights into the impacts of Varroa destructor on the honeybee and pollination dependent industries. The webinar will also include an introduction to the National Transition to Management Program and what they are doing to help these industries learn to live in this new state of play.
Varroa (destructor) mite was first detected in NSW in June 2022, activating what became the largest Australian multi-agency plant biosecurity emergency response, running for around 20 months until the February 2024 decision to move to transition to management of the mite.
On this webinar you will hear from National Varroa T2M Coordinator Tamara Prentice, along NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development bee and industry experts Elizabeth Frost, Nadine Chapman, and Rebecca Sloan.
This webinar is FREE to attend and will be recorded.
Link to join the webinar will be provided to registered attendees.

Onions Workshop - Lockyer Valley
2024-12-04 15:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Gatton Research Facility, 107 John Howie Memorial Drive, Lawes, QLD, 4343, Australia
Join us for an interactive workshop on onions and hear more about…

Soil management for improved storage quality in onions.
Stemphylium leaf blight, including management, prevention and diagnosis.
‘Level Up Hort’ benchmarking update- how the most profitable onion businesses are tracking.
White rot research project in onions run by Arvensis Research (VN2000)

Drinks & dinner provided. RSVP by Dec 1st.
For more information contact Isabelle Fox
Ph: 0490349917 | Email: isabelle.fox@ausveg.com.au

Horticulture Standards Lunchtime webinar
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Join Agriculture Victoria for an introduction to the Primary Production and Processing Standards for Berries, Leafy Vegetables and Melons.
The Standards set the minimum requirements for food safety and will come into effect for these industries on February 12, 2025.
Hear from:
SP Singh, NSW DPIRD
Learn about the key microbial food safety risks in primary production and processing in horticulture.
Shane Herbertson, Agriculture Victoria
Gain an understanding of what is required to comply with the Standards, including specific requirements for each industry, how Global Food Safety Initiative schemes will be recognised, and indicative costs.
Susannah Roelofsz, Fresh Produce Safety Centre
Details on where to access useful information and resources for fresh produce food safety best practice.

For more information, contact
food.safety@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Forthside Research Facility Field Day
2024-12-11 10:00 - 14:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Forthside Vegetable Research Facility, 124 Forthside Rd, Forthside, TAS, 7310, Australia
The program for this year’s Forthside Research Facility Field Day is focused on the theme ‘agriculture in a changing climate’.
The day includes presentations and discussions led by researchers and concludes with a Q&A session with industry.
Morning tea and lunch are included and provides time to catch up with fellow farmers and agronomists and to speak with industry at the trade expo.
After lunch the field walks providing the opportunity to see the current research trials happening at the farm. Please select the ‘Presentations and Farm Walks’ ticket option when registering.
Program overview:

Opening of TIA Vegetable Research Facility Field Day – Professor Mike Rose, TIA Director
Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Hub: Pilot study – Professor Dugald Close (TIA)
Sea urchin waste as a soil ameliorant – Dr Harriet Walker (TIA)
Morning tea and coffee (provided)
Preventing and managing collar rot in peas – Peter Targett, PhD candidate (TIA)
Growing value from irrigation for Tasmanian agriculture – Dr David Page (TIA)
Farmer tools for water use efficiency – Hannah Lewis (TAS Farm Innovation Hub)
Q&A session with growers: Agriculture in a changing climate (Premium Fresh Tasmania and Yum Potatoes)
Lunch and industry expo (provided)

Optional farm tours (please be sure to select Field Day and Farm Tour when booking your ticket)

1:00pm – 2:30pm – Farm tour

New strategies to control weed poppies – Dr Jason Scott (TIA)
Potato physiological age – Pramila Wagle, PhD candidate (TIA)
Quoll® e-nose: understanding on-farm soil health – Dr Simon Edwards (TIA)
Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Hub: potential for new agricultural industry for Tasmania – Professor Dugald Close (TIA)

Please register by Monday 9 December, 2024.
