Victoria’s vegetable, potato, apple and pear industries will swap spades for shades when hundreds of its most prominent members represent the state at the 2015 National Horticulture Convention, Trade Show and Awards for Excellence, to be held this week at Jupiters Gold Coast from 25-27 June.

The state’s representatives will join 1,400 local and international industry members at the biggest event on the Australian horticulture calendar, now incorporating AUSVEG and Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL).

“We are thrilled to see so many Victorians supporting the national horticulture industry by registering to attend this year’s not-to-be-missed horticulture event,” said AUSVEG Manager – Events and Marketing Lauren Winterbottom.

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers. APAL is the industry body representing Australia’s more than 600 commercial apple and pear growers.

This year’s Convention includes a range of exciting events to inform and entertain delegates, including the Panel Forum, proudly sponsored by Kalfresh which will discuss Free Trade Agreements, the Great Debate, proudly sponsored by Haifa focused on organic versus conventional production, and a host of other leading industry figures presenting at speaker sessions.

“The Convention is an excellent opportunity for growers and industry stakeholders to see the new technologies and strategies being used and developed in Australia and around the world that might change the face of horticulture,” said Ms Winterbottom.

“The strong support demonstrated by the Victorian horticulture industry through its presence on the Gold Coast is fantastic and will help AUSVEG effectively advocate to the nation’s decision makers on the Federal issues most important to the industry’s survival.”

The Convention will play host to a wide array of exciting events, including presentations from industry leaders such as President & CEO of the U.S Potato Board, Blair Richardson, and the Assistant Minister for Health the Hon. Fiona Nash.

For more information on the 2015 National Horticulture Convention, contact AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277 or visit www.ausveg.com.au/convention.

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew MacDonald, AUSVEG Manager – Communications

Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0406 836 330, Email: andrew.macdonald@ausveg.com.au