AUSVEG and the Central Markets Association of Australia in partnership with Fresh Markets Australia (CMAA-FMA) are pleased to announce that Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) will once again jointly host the National Horticulture Convention, to be held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort from 23-25 June 2016.

APAL joined AUSVEG in hosting the 2015 Convention, with the partnership resulting in over 1,400 local and international delegates converging on the Gold Coast for the biggest event in the history of Australian horticulture.

“AUSVEG and the CMAA-FMA are delighted to have APAL return to the Gold Coast to continue to build on the partnership that resulted in the most successful Convention in Australian horticulture history,” said AUSVEG CEO Richard Mulcahy.

“The partnership between AUSVEG and APAL for the 2015 Convention resulted in an unprecedented number of local and international delegates attending the event and gave vegetable, potato, apple and pear growers the opportunity to network with the widest range of industry members in the history of horticulture.”

“With the return of APAL and the addition of CMAA-FMA as hosts, the 2016 National Horticulture Convention is expected to surpass all records and become the most highly-anticipated event on the Australian agriculture calendar.”

AUSVEG, the CMAA-FMA and APAL are horticulture’s leading industry bodies, collectively representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers; the authorities or owners of the five central wholesale markets around Australia; the wholesalers and supporting businesses located at these central wholesale markets; and Australia’s 600 commercial apple and pear growers.

The 2016 National Horticulture Convention is set to surpass the success of previous events, with even more delegates from a more diverse range of industries expected to head to the Gold Coast for the premier event in Australian agriculture.

“We are delighted to return to the Gold Coast next year for what is fast becoming the most prestigious and celebrated event in our region’s horticulture sector,” said APAL CEO John Dollisson.

“To be able to showcase the Australian apple and pear industries to the country’s leading industry members and international dignitaries at the biggest event on the calendar again is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to working with AUSVEG and the CMAA-FMA to make the 2016 Convention once again the premier event in Australian agriculture.”

“Given the success of the partnership between AUSVEG and APAL in 2015, we are excited to see them come back on board for the 2016 Convention and look forward to working with them to provide an even greater experience for the country’s growers and marketers,” said CMAA-FMA spokesperson Angelo Demasi.

“AUSVEG, the CMAA-FMA and APAL are extremely excited to host the 2016 National Horticulture Convention together to ensure the widest range of industry members can benefit from listening to world-class presenters, visit the industry’s leading agribusinesses at an expansive trade show and network with each other,” said Mr Mulcahy.

“We are also in discussions with other industry groups to come on board for the 2016 Convention to help further unite Australian horticulture.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Shaun Lindhe, Manager – Communications, AUSVEG

Phone: (03) 9882 0277 Mobile: 0405 977 789 E-mail: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au