1 June 2022

Thousands of growers, industry members and representatives from throughout the fresh produce industry will kick-off Hort Connections 2022, the biggest event in Australian horticulture, on Monday 6 June at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Hort Connections 2022 will take place from 6-8 June 2022 and caters to all members of the horticulture industry, ranging from primary producers to retailers and the entire supply chain. It is an opportunity for growers and industry members to come together in one central location to build their knowledge and networks, and find out new ways to improve the productivity and profitability of their businesses.

“Delegates will learn from the industry’s leaders during a range of plenary and industry-focused speaker sessions, as well as learn about the innovations that are set to change the face of Australian horticulture from the sector’s leading agribusinesses at the Trade Show,” said AUSVEG National Marketing Manager Nathan McIntyre.

“The industry is eager to meet up and reconnect after the unprecedented challenges over the last two years due to the pandemic and the crippling increases to input costs. Hort Connections 2022 will be a chance to reflect on what the industry has achieved in these hard times, and what growers can achieve through new technologies and innovations to help grow the value of the industry.

“The Hort Connections 2022 conference will incorporate unparalleled networking opportunities for everyone in the horticulture supply chain, a trade show showcasing leading local and global businesses, and world-class speakers. If you haven’t already registered, have a look at the event program at hortconnections.com.au and see the many opportunities on offer for growers and industry members.”

Key events for Hort Connections 2022 include:

  • Keynote addresses from leading agricultural and industry thought leaders, including entrepreneur and Vinomofo co-founder Justin Dry, meteorologist and television presenter Jane Bunn, experienced fresh producer Shane Quinn from Mulgowie Farming Company, leading social commentator Bernard Salt and many engaging panel sessions on important industry topics.
  • Highly informative and engaging presentations and expert panels to inspire and educate delegates on all manner of topics, from on-farm productivity to the latest updates on agricultural technology and industry issues affecting the entire supply chain.
  • Numerous opportunities for formal and informal networking at organised events and the Trade Show.
  • The National Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, where the accomplishments of the industry’s leaders will be acknowledged and celebrated.

Hort Connections is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association of Australia and New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ) that encompasses the vegetable, fruit, nut, cut floral and nursery sectors.

The Hort Connections team is working with people on-the-ground at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and in the wider Brisbane community to ensure the experience for delegates is safe and enjoyable. For more information or to register for the event, please visit hortconnections.com.au.

 

A selection of key events

Event Location Time
Monday 6 June
Farm and Retail Tours Off-site 6am – 4pm
Panel and Workshop: Working together to reduce food loss and waste in horticulture BCEC, Plaza Level, Room 1 9am – 11am
Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar

  • VegNET 3.0 and Regional Development Officers in your area
  • Owner reimbursement costs – Grower financial recovery after a new pest or disease detection
  • Transitioning to protected cropping – What are the considerations?
  • Increasing international and domestic horticulture market access opportunities
  • Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection – Innovations through demonstration sites
 BCEC, Meeting Room M4 Noon – 4pm
Welcome Reception BCEC, Exhibition Halls 1 & 2 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Tuesday 7 June
Perfection Fresh Breakfast – Justin Dry, Vinomofo BCEC, Great Hall 8am – 9am
Hort Connections 2022 Trade Show BCEC, Exhibition Halls 1 & 2 9am – 6pm
Diversity & Inclusion / Women in Horticulture

  • Joe Clarke & Vincent Lange, Centrefarm
  • Catherine Velisha, Velisha Farms
  • Shanna Whan, Sober in the Country
 BCEC, Meeting Room M4 1pm – 3pm
Wednesday 8 June
Plenary Sessions

  • Panel: State of the Industry
  • Shane Quinn, Mulgowie Farming Company
  • Bernard Salt, The Demographics Group
 BCEC, Great Hall 9:10am – 11am
Growing and Farming Stream

  • Panel: Horticulture advocacy at a national level
  • Jonathan Holloway, Syngenta Australia and New Zealand
  • Jane Bunn, Jane’s Weather
  • Panel: Growing Australian horticulture through innovation and sustainability
  • Mark Barthel, Stop Food Waste Australia
 BCEC, Meeting Room M1 & M2 11:20am – 3:10pm
Supply-Chain and Consumers Stream

  • Tristan Kitchener, Kitchener Partners
  • Dr SP Singh, NSW Department of Primary Industries
  • Matthew Crouch, Soto Group
  • Panel: Improving supply chain performance
  • David McKinna, McKINNA et al
 BCEC, Meeting Room M3 11:20am – 3:10pm
Hort Connections 2022 Trade Show BCEC, Exhibition Halls 1 & 2 8am – 2:30pm
Hort Connections Gala Dinner and Awards for Excellence BCEC, Great Hall 7pm

 

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT
Shaun Lindhe, AUSVEG National Manager – Communications
Phone: 03 9882 0277, Mobile: 0405 977 789, Email: shaun.lindhe@ausveg.com.au