³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾

Thousands of growers and industry members from the fresh produce industry will kick-off Hort Connections 2023, the biggest event in Australian horticulture, on Monday 5 June at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Hort Connections 2023 will explore the theme of Knowledge for Growth to ensure the industry is primed to take advantage of the next generation of research, technology and business innovation to grow the production and value of the horticulture industry.

The event will cater 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.

“Hort Connections is a highlight in the calendar for many in the industry, particularly for the many growers who attend the event to see the latest innovations and technologies that are available to make their businesses more productive and profitable,” said AUSVEG ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Marketing Manager Nathan McIntyre.

“Delegates will learn from the industry’s leaders during a range of plenary and industry-focused speaker sessions. They will also learn about the innovations that are set to change the face of Australian horticulture from the sector’s leading agribusinesses at the sold-out Trade Show, which features over 200 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies, products and services to Australian fruit and vegetable growers.

“The Hort Connections 2023 conference will be a ‘one-stop-shop’ that incorporates unparalleled networking opportunities for everyone in the horticulture supply chain, a trade show showcasing leading local and global businesses, and world-class speakers. There is still time to register if you haven’t already.”

Key speakers and events for Hort Connections 2023 include:

• Chef, restauranteur, food writer and Australian food champion Stephanie Alexander
• Former Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer at Lonely Plant Gus Balbontin
• Chief Science Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association Max Teplitski
• Global Food Futurist Tony Hunter
• Industry workplace panel featuring the Hon David Littleproud, Mick Keogh (Deputy Chair, ACCC), Neil Rechlin (Director, Next Gen) and Ron Lemaire (President, Canadian Produce Marketing Association)
• The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ 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 Australia New Zealand (IFPA A-NZ). These annual events have rapidly become a central fixture in the Australian and New Zealand horticulture calendar, with over 3,000 delegates from all sectors of the horticulture industry attending Hort Connections 2022 and more than 200 commercial and not-for-profit businesses, government departments and industry organisations partnering in the event.

Hort Connections 2023 is being supported by Hort Innovation – Principal Convention Partner – as well as Major Partners Coles, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Corteva Agriscience, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and Syngenta. Have a look at the event program at hortconnections.com.au and see the opportunities on offer.

A selection of key events