Perth: VET Workforce Networking Roundtable
2026-05-14 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Perth) | 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/

Webinar: Submitting Decision Ready Nominations & Visa Applications
2026-05-19 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-25 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-27 14:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Lodging complete applications with the Department will provide a more streamlined process and will assist with delays in decision making for both employer nominations and visa applications.
If you do not provide all required information at lodgement, your application may be delayed or decided based on the information available at the time of decision.
This webinar is targeted to Australian business employers with the aim to improve the quality of employer nominations and visa applications lodged for the following visa programs:
• Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa
• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa, and
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visa
The session will include practical guidelines to help employers prepare and submit complete applications, including:
• Global visa processing times
• Skilled visa processing priorities
• Type of information and documents required by the Department
• Checklists and resources available to assist employers to lodge complete applications
• Useful tips to avoid oversights and pit falls

F&A NEXT Summit Netherlands
2026-05-20 - 2026-05-21 | Wageningen, Netherlands
F&A Next is about thought leadership and connecting promising startups and scale-ups to dedicated Food and Agtech investors and leading corporates. It includes two days of networking, pitching, and debating the dynamics of food and agriculture. If you are wholeheartedly committed to the need for innovation in Food and Agriculture, then make sure to join us!

Agritechnica Asia
2026-05-20 - 2026-05-22 | BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
The premier trade fair for agricultural technology and innovation in Asia! As the leading platform for showcasing cutting-edge machinery, equipment, and solutions in the farming industry, AGRITECHNICA ASIA connects global industry leaders, innovators, and professionals under one roof with 48% international trade participants from 73 countries, it is the meeting point of our industry in Asia

VIC: Gippsland Irrigation Expo
2026-05-20 09:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Sale Showgrounds, Sale Greyhound Club, Maffra–Sale Road, Sale, VIC, 3850, Australia
The Gippsland Irrigation Expo is back! This one-day event brings together the latest technologies, research, suppliers, and best practices in irrigation management.
Why attend?

See what’s new in irrigation technology and practices that can make a real difference on farm.
Learn from people who know their stuff, including researchers, suppliers, and locals sharing practical tips and demonstrations.
Connect with other irrigators, suppliers, agencies and experts who can help you find solutions that fit your farm
Take home ideas you can put into practice

Whether you’re an irrigator looking to upgrade your system, a consultant seeking the latest insights, or a supplier wanting to connect with decision-makers, the Gippsland Irrigation Expo is a premier opportunity to meet new people.

WA: Gingin Drone Demo
2026-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Perth) | Bogdanich Farms, Lot 402, 2192 Gingin Brook Road, Neergabby, WA, 6503, Australia
𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐠‑𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?
Join us in 𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧 at Bogdanich Farms for a live demonstration of the DJI T100 Spray & Spreader Drone and see firsthand how drone technology is transforming agricultural operations.
For more information, contact Angela Tarbottom at Head Office on (08) 9486 7515
Don’t miss this opportunity to see cutting‑edge ag technology in action!

Webinar: Next Generation Weed Management - Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation
2026-05-25 11:00 - 12:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | https://latrobe.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0YcHc35_TYq07g7We5Gnqw#/registration
A sustainable approach for weed and soil-borne pathogen management in plasticulture.
An in-depth look at Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD), an emerging non-chemical strategy for managing weeds and soil-borne pathogens in plasticulture systems.
La Trobe are pleased to welcome Associate Professor Matthew Cutulle (Clemson University, USA), a leading expert in weed science, who will share insights into the application and potential of ASD in horticultural production.
ASD works by incorporating a carbon source into soil, irrigating to field capacity, and covering the soil to create anaerobic conditions that suppress weeds and pathogens. As pressure grows to reduce reliance on chemical control, ASD is gaining attention as a practical and scalable alternative.
At LISAF, part of La Trobe University, Dr Ali Bajwa leads the Hort Frontiers program “Next Generation Weed Management”. The project is focused on evaluating the performance of ASD in Australian plasticulture systems. The project integrates field surveys, controlled environment and field trials, and industry engagement to optimise the technique and support adoption, in collaboration with Northern Territory Department of Agriculture & Fisheries and Clemson University.
Who should attend:
Growers, agronomists, and industry professionals working in plasticulture systems producing crops such as strawberries, vegetables, and melons, along with researchers, extension officers, and consultants exploring non-chemical weed management approaches.
The session will run for 1 hour, followed by 20 to 30 minutes of Q&A.

TAS: Getting seed right: Managing potato seed for optimal crop performance
2026-05-26 10:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Cherry Hill Coolstores, 32 Cherry Hill Road, Latrobe, Tasmania, 7307, Australia
Join PotatoLink for a day at Cherry Hill Coolstores to learn about all things seed! Cherry Hill Coolstores have the capacity to handle 15,000 tonnes of seed potatoes per annum across their 16 coolstores and three large dry store areas. They provide services including cool storage, grading, potato seed, cutting and bulk unloading.
During our visit, Cherry Hill will take us on a tour, demonstrating the different stages of their supply chain and best practices of seed storage and handling.
Designed for all members of the seed potato supply chain, this event will seek to enhance foundational knowledge on potato seed processes, certification, handling, hygiene, storage and physiological age.
Participants will leave the session having explored:

Processes through the seed supply chain (seeing it from diverse perspectives)
Risks and challenges that affect seed performance through the seed supply chain
Best practices relating to seed certification, storage, physiological age management and seed treatments
Importance of best practices on seed performance
Actions that participants can take to address key risks through their seed supply chain

Webinar: Solutions for on-farm organics: Digging into compost
2026-05-26 12:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Register for this Soil Wealth ICP webinar exploring practical approaches to managing on-farm organic waste and turning waste streams into valuable compost and soil inputs. The session will focus on practical, on-farm solutions to help growers maximise inputs, reduce waste and improve resource efficiency within their production systems.
Hear directly from growers sharing their experiences, lessons learned and the practical levers they are using on-farm to better manage organics and close nutrient loops. The webinar will also explore broader industry perspectives on compost quality, standards and best-practice approaches to organics processing and reuse.

Food 4 Future – Expo FoodTech Spain
2026-05-27 - 2026-05-28 | Bilbao Exhibition Centre
Expo FoodTech is the leading food industry fair to explore innovations in automation, robotics, AI, packaging, logistics and sustainability, alongside the Food 4 Future World Summit.

NSW: Water, soil and savings: Practical tools for growers
2026-05-29 12:30 - 14:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | The Greater Sydney Local Land Services Demonstration Farm, 40 Edwards Rd, Richmond Lowlands, NSW, Australia
Field vegetable growers are invited to attend a practical in-field session focused on soil health improvement and smarter irrigation management.
Hosted by VegNET NSW and WaterWise, the session will explore practical tools and research findings to help growers improve soil structure, monitor soil moisture more effectively, and make better irrigation decisions.
Topics

Results from a two-year Soil Wealth demonstration site
Improvements in soil porosity, biology, and structure
Soil moisture monitoring for more accurate crop irrigation
Comparison of available soil moisture monitoring technologies

RSVP
26 May for catering purposes
(call/email/text)
Contact
Sylvia Jelinek on 0427 086 724 or sylvia.jelinek@lls.nsw.gov.au
Matt Plunkett on 0428 978 390 or matthew.plunkett@lls.nsw.gov.au

Hort Connections 2026
2026-06-01 - 2026-06-04 | Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
In 2026, the entire fresh produce industry will converge at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Monday 1st June to Thursday 4th June. Through the trade show, attendees will gain exclusive access to the latest products, services, and technologies driving the horticulture industry forward.

Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar 2026
2026-06-01 13:30 - 18:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Adelaide Convention Centre, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
Designed for vegetable, potato, and onion growers, the Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar (AVIS) delivers expert knowledge, practical takeaways, and research-driven insights relevant to today’s industry.
Lunch, afternoon tea, and post conference canapes and beverages will be provided.
Levy paying growers can register now for grower funding to attend the Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar on Monday 1 June, as part of Hort Connections 2026 in Adelaide.
To Register for AVIS Grower Funding:

Step 1: Open the registration portal here.
Step 2: Register for a Hort Connections 2026 pass.
Step 3: Levy paying Australian growers will be eligible for the AVIS Grower Funding.

Find the full program of speakers here.
For further information or assistance please contact info@hortconnections.com.au

The Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar project (VG24003) is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable R&D levy and contributions from the Australian Government.

Hort Innovation Impact Update
2026-06-01 15:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | EOS Hotel at Sky City, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
As production costs and challenges increase, it’s more important than ever to support growers with the knowledge, tools and insights they need to make informed decisions and remain viable and competitive.
Hort Connections is a place that brings all of this together. For the first time, Hort Innovation is helping more growers get there by subsidising 100 growers to attend Hort Connections in Adelaide in June through free grower tickets, along with support for travel and accommodation. This is so they can access the research and development insights and capability‑building opportunities that inform confident, practical decisions on farm in a fast‑changing environment.
Central to this opportunity is the inaugural Hort Innovation Impact Update – an event designed specifically for growers that will take place the afternoon before Hort Connections – and registrations are now open!
Hosted by Hort Innovation, the Impact Update will bring together growers, researchers and industry leaders to share practical insights, real‑world outcomes and examples of innovation that are helping growers navigate current challenges and plan for the future.
Across the three‑hour event, growers will:

Hear directly from growers who are turning R&D into real‑world outcomes
Explore practical tools and innovations they can apply on farm
Take part in open discussion and knowledge exchange
See how Hort Innovation’s investments are delivering impact from DNA to plate

SA: Building Soil Health in practice: Cover Crops & Managing Constraints (Penfield)
2026-06-02 10:00 - 14:00 (Australia/Adelaide) | Mitolo Family Farms, Penfield, South Australia, Australia
Join in Penfield for a field walk focused on improving soil health for potato production in South Australia.
The field walk will take place at Mitolo Family Farms, where cover crops are integrated into potato rotations to build soil health and improve system resilience.
We’ll hear from guest speaker Julie Finnigan (Muirs), who will share practical insights into adopting cover crops, managing soil constraints and developing more resilient, productive farming systems. Attendees will gain actionable knowledge and real-world examples that can be applied on-farm.
Topics:

Cover cropping in practice: Integrating cover crops into potato rotations to improve soil structure and moisture retention, with focus around species selection and disease risk.

Managing soil constraints: Practical strategies for managing sodicity and salinity in sandy soils.

Building soil health: Improving water holding capacity, soil structure, and organic matter through application of ameliorants.

Healthy soil biology: Supporting healthier soils and reducing soilborne disease through improved biological function.

This is a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow growers and industry members, share experiences, and walk away with practical strategies to improve soil health and reduce input costs.

Food Matters Live London
2026-06-03 - 2026-06-04 | Olympia International Convention Centre, London, United Kingdom
The world-class event series where food takes shape – uniting insight, innovation and unforgettable experiences for the industry’s NPD, technical and nutrition professionals.

Food Innovate Amsterdam
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-10 | NT
Join leading food innovators, professionals, and experts as they discuss the newest innovations, technologies and developments in the industry. Our key speakers come from some of the largest companies to share their best practices, regulations, and techniques.
Those in attendance will benefit from a packed two-day programme, where they will explore the critical issues with the industry’s best speakers. There will be plentiful networking times, expect to meet fellow industry leaders, enabling meetings, connections, and business growth.

Bridge2Food Europe
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-11 | Copenhagen, Denmark
Bridge2Food Europe 2026 is set to take place in Copenhagen, with a renewed focus on what really defines success in next-generation food innovation: products that consumers genuinely want to buy, eat, and come back for.
From taste and texture to functionality, processing, scale-up, nutrition, and cost, we’ll tackle the hard topics that stand between innovation and commercial reality.

GreenTech Amsterdam
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-11 | RAI Amsterdam
Join us on 9 – 10 – 11 June 2026 at RAI Amsterdam for the #1 horticulture technology event! Industry professionals from all over the world come together to connect, network, share knowledge and do business.
GreenTech Amsterdam offers you a complete overview of the products and services for growing the best crops in your greenhouse.

Warsaw Food Expo
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-11 | Warsaw, Poland
The key event for the food industry, bringing together producers, distributors, and culinary enthusiasts. The fair offers opportunities to establish business connections, explore market trends, and discover exceptional flavors.

Future Food Tech Chicago
2026-06-15 - 2026-06-16 | Convene Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL, 60606, United States
Future Food-Tech Chicago is where breakthrough innovators unite with global food corporates, investors, ingredient providers, manufacturers and policy makers to forge partnerships, bridge supply gaps and discover the next generation of sustainable proteins and ingredients.
As America’s leading food-industry hub, Chicago takes you to the heart of major corporate decision-making, opening fast-track pathways to global food brands and high-value partnership opportunities.

World Agri-Tech South America
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-24 | Hotel Unique, São Paulo, Brazil
World Agri-Tech’s South America Summit spotlights the vast potential the region holds in scaling innovation and driving the global transition to sustainable and climate-smart farming practices.

Groundswell Festival England
2026-07-01 - 2026-07-02 | Lannock Farm, United Kingdom
The Groundswell Festival provides a forum for farmers, growers, or anyone interested in food production and the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems.

Webinar - Future proofing potato production: emissions, resilience, and market expectations
2026-07-02 12:30 - 13:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Join PotatoLink for a webinar exploring:

the changing emissions reporting landscape in fresh produce,

why it is becoming increasingly important across the supply chain,

how growers can prepare for future requirements, and

growers’ current experiences with emissions monitoring and reduction.

The webinar will also feature the latest updates from the levy-funded greenhouse gas emissions analysis project being led by Lifecycles, including:

early findings,

emissions hotspots within potato production systems, and

what these results may mean for growers.

Webinar: Level Up Hort - How to Make More Margin in Your Business
2026-07-02 14:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
Profitable businesses are generating up to 4× more profit per hectare.
Join us for the Level Up Hort webinar on 2 July to learn why some businesses continue to be profitable, and how you can make more margin in your own operation.
Learn about the key drivers of profitability in vegetable businesses and the practical actions growers can take now to improve productivity and maximise margins in the year ahead.
Information: Contact project manager Steff Carstairs 0428 712 852 / steff@planfarm.com.au

Webinar: Competition Law 101 with the ACCC
2026-07-03 14:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Webinar
AUSVEG has invited the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to deliver a practical webinar on the fundamentals of Australian competition law and how it applies to horticultural businesses.
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.
