The Australian Vegetable Industry Seminar (AVIS) will again run alongside the Hort Connections conference and trade show this year, bringing a lineup of expert speakers sharing information and insights specifically tailored for vegetable growers.

Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 3-5 June, Hort Connections is the largest conference and trade show for the horticulture sector in the southern hemisphere. A number of affiliated events run alongside Hort Connections this year, including AVIS and Avo Connections, the annual forum for the Australian avocado industry.

The Australian Vegetable Industry Seminar is a Hort Innovation Vegetable Levy-funded R&D initiative held each year to showcase emerging products and innovations in horticulture, as well as focussing on key areas for business and personal development of vegetable industry members.

This year the event will be emceed by Olympic gold medallist and broadcaster Giaan Rooney, and will kick off with a presentation by Jane Bunn on unlocking productivity and driving efficiency with hyper-local weather forecasting.

Jane is well known as Channel 7’s meteorologist and weather presenter, but beyond her on-screen work she’s also the founder and CEO of Jane’s Weather, an advanced weather forecasting system to help Australian farmers boost agricultural output. Jane’s Weather aims to advance yield with agriculture-specific guidance on frost, spraying conditions, evapotranspiration, growing degree days and more.

AVIS will also feature presentations on weights and measures legislation and what it means for vegetable growers, industrial relations laws for horticulture, the role of biological inputs in modern agriculture and more.

Beyond supporting AVIS with Vegetable Levy funding, Hort Innovation also returns as the Principal Convention Partner of Hort Connections 2024, and sponsor of the Exporter of the Year Award.

Hort Innovation works to advance Australia’s $16 billion horticulture industry by investing in research and development, marketing and trade to build a prosperous and sustainable future for growers. The grower-owned company partners with Australian and international co-investors including government, leading science, technology, and consumer strategy experts to anticipate future challenges and opportunities.

“Hort Innovation’s return as the Hort Connections Principal Convention Partner is the continuation of a long and successful collaboration between Australia’s grower-owned horticulture research and development corporation and the country’s largest horticulture event,” said AUSVEG National Manager – Events and Partnerships Nathan McIntyre.

“As well as being the Principal Convention Partner, Hort Innovation also has a large activation within the Trade Show and a significant involvement within the conference program.”

Hort Innovation’s support of Hort Connections provides an opportunity to spotlight the numerous research, development and marketing programs the organisation invests in to benefit Australian growers, according to Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield.

“Hort Connections is the largest gathering of horticulture growers and industry stakeholders in Australia, and it offers an unrivalled platform to showcase grower-funded R&D and engage with the industry,” said Mr Fifield.

“We are proud to be the Hort Connections 2024 Principal Convention Partner, and we look forward to working with AUSVEG, the International Fresh Produce Association of Australia and New Zealand and other partners to deliver another fantastic event for the horticulture industry.”

For more information about Hort Connections, including key convention partners, and to register for the event, please visit hortconnections.com.au.

Media Contact: Andrew MacDonald. Phone: 03 9882 0227, Mobile: 0406 836 330, Email: andrew.macdonald@ausveg.com.au