Nearly 150 members of the New South Wales vegetable and potato industry will convene at the Cairns Convention Centre from 19-21 June for the highly-anticipated 2014 AUSVEG National Convention, Trade Show and Awards for Excellence.

The AUSVEG National Convention is the biggest event on the Australian horticultural calendar, and will attract over 1,000 delegates from across Australia and the globe to the tropical north Queensland city.

“It is impressive to see such a strong show of support from members of the New South Wales vegetable and potato industry who have registered to attend this week’s not-to-bemissed event in Queensland,” said AUSVEG spokesperson, Michael Bodnarcuk.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.

“The New South Wales vegetable industry contributes over $300 million to the Australian economy, so it is pleasing that the state’s vegetable and potato growers are well represented at this critical industry event.”

“The Convention will address several areas of importance to the New South Wales vegetable industry, such as market access, innovation and consumer attitudes towards vegetables,” said Mr Bodnarcuk.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers, including leading agricultural researchers, key food industry figures and influential decision makers such as the Federal Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP.

As the biggest event in horticulture, the AUSVEG National Convention celebrates the achievements of the past year and brings together vegetable and potato growers from around the country to experience new technologies and ideas.

To register for the AUSVEG National Convention, visit www.ausveg.com.au/convention or contact AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277.

MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Bodnarcuk, AUSVEG. Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0400 114 266, E-mail: michael.bodnarcuk@ausveg.com.au