VEGNET GIPPSLAND
REGIONAL UPDATE

Farm World continues to cement its place as one of Gippsland’s most significant agricultural events, bringing together growers, industry leaders, technology providers and the broader community for three days of innovation, networking, and inspiration.

Despite challenging weather conditions, farmers, growers and community members showed up in droves, demonstrating the resilience and strong sense of community that defines Gippsland agriculture. Despite the rain and mud, the event buzzed with energy as conversations, connections and opportunities took shape across the site. It was a strong reminder that while conditions may change, the dedication of the people within the industry remains constant.

A key event for Gippsland growers

For local Gippsland growers, Farm World is far more than an event – it is a critical touchpoint in the agricultural calendar.

With extensive displays and hands-on demonstrations, growers had the opportunity to explore emerging machinery, compare products and services side-by-side, and gain practical insights that can be taken straight back to the farm. It’s one of the few places where so many parts of the supply chain come together in one location, making it an efficient and valuable use of time for busy growers.

Beyond the equipment and demonstrations, it’s the conversations that really matter. Farm World creates space for growers and farmers to connect with each other, share experiences from the season just gone, and talk through challenges and opportunities. Those informal chats often provide just as much value as any formal presentation – offering reassurance, new ideas and a sense of shared experience across the region.

VegNET Gippsland: A reflection from the ground

Farm World is always a great opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and really connect with growers face-to-face – and this year was no different.

Spending time on the ground, having honest conversations and hearing directly what growers are dealing with right now was incredibly valuable. It gave a clear picture of the pressure growers are under, but also the opportunities they’re seeing.

A big takeaway was just how much resilience there is across the region. Even with a tough season and less-than-ideal weather at the event, people still showed up, still engaged, and still made the effort to connect.

It also reinforced the importance of making sure everything we deliver through VegNET is relevant, timely, and genuinely useful. Hearing directly from growers helps shape where the focus needs to be – whether that’s events, trials, or simply making sure the right information is getting to the right people at the right time.

Farm World provides that valuable feedback loop. It allows us to test ideas, sense check priorities and ensure that what we’re working on aligns with what growers actually need on the ground.

Driving regional impact

The impact of Farm World extends well beyond the gates of Lardner Park. The event plays a vital role in supporting regional economic activity and showcasing Gippsland as a leading agricultural region.

It also provides an important bridge between urban and rural communities, giving the broader public an opportunity to engage with agriculture, understand where their food comes from, and appreciate the work that goes into producing it. This connection is critical in building long-term support and understanding of the industry.

For organisations like Food & Fibre Gippsland, Farm World offers a unique platform to engage directly with industry, strengthen partnerships and ensure that programs and initiatives remain grounded in real-world needs.

Launch of Food & Fibre Gippsland’s Strategic Plan and branding

A key highlight of this year’s event was the launch of Food & Fibre Gippsland’s new Strategic Plan alongside the unveiling of their new membership offer and refreshed branding, including the introduction of Gippsland Trusted, “a brand that will drive the values of our quality Gippsland produce into retail markets across Gippsland, Victoria, and beyond”.

This marks an exciting step forward for the organisation and the region, reinforcing a clear and unified identity for Gippsland’s food and fibre sector. The Strategic Plan sets a strong direction for the future, with a focus on supporting growers through innovation and extension, strengthening resilience and sustainability, and driving greater collaboration across the sector. It also aims to create new opportunities for growth, investment and workforce development, ensuring Gippsland remains competitive and well-positioned into the future.

Importantly, the plan has been shaped by industry input, ensuring it reflects the priorities and challenges faced by local growers. This alignment is critical in delivering meaningful outcomes that support the region at both a business and community level. To learn more about the launch at Farm World and Food & Fibre Gippsland’s Strategic Plan click here.

Looking ahead

Farm World continues to evolve alongside the agricultural industry, reflecting the increasing role of technology, sustainability and collaboration in modern farming.

For Gippsland growers, it remains a cornerstone event – one that not only showcases the latest advancements but also reinforces the strength and future of the region’s agricultural sector.

The strong turnout along with the launch of Food & Fibre Gippsland’s Strategic Plan, new membership and new branding, signals a confident and united future for Gippsland agriculture. With a clear direction and continued collaboration across industry, the region is well placed to navigate challenges and build on the opportunities ahead.

FIND OUT MORE
Please contact Amanda Gould
Food & Fibre Gippsland | 0474 500 380
amanda.gould@foodandfibregippsland.com.au