The regional NSW city of Griffith will host the 2025 Australian Citrus Congress, providing a practical environment for the exchange of knowledge and high-quality networking.

Taking place from March 18-20, the event will recognise the recent margin squeeze felt by growers and will focus on identifying and implementing efficiency gains across the supply chain.

Citrus Australia chief executive Nathan Hancock said as high-cost producers, the fortunes and global competitiveness of the Australian citrus industry hinge on the ability to consistently produce high-quality fruit as efficiently as possible. 

“The 2025 Australian Citrus Congress will take a deep dive into where these efficiencies lie, particularly labour efficiencies and efficiencies that save resources – time, money, energy and water being some examples,” he said.

Mr Hancock says the theme and location of the 2025 Australian Citrus Congress (ACC 2025) are very purposely aligned.

“As Australia’s largest citrus growing region by planted area, the Riverina provides the ideal backdrop to explore this topic through immersion,” Mr Hancock adds.

“We’re diligently developing a program which combines traditional congress elements – a conference program, exhibition and networking events – with opportunities to see innovation in action.”

Mr Hancock says the ACC 2025 program will include an interactive field day, allowing industry-aligned businesses to showcase their products and services in-action at a local orchard.

Industry service providers will also be able to exhibit as part of a dedicated tradeshow.

Mr Hancock says tradeshow hours would be extended from the highly successful 2024 Australian Citrus Congress.

“We’ll be holding an official welcome event within the exhibitor area, while a more consolidated speaker program will allow for added interaction on the tradeshow floor,” Mr Hancock says.

“ACC 2025 will retain the same rich vein of insights that made the 2024 event such as success, while presenting even more opportunities to forge new business connections.”

Alongside the welcome event, the ACC 2025 social program will feature a golf day and a gala dinner, which will include the presentation of Citrus Australia’s annual awards.

Citrus Australia’s 2025 AGM will also be held during the event.

“We’re excited to bring key industry updates, insights and high-quality networking to one of our major production hubs,” Mr Hancock said.

“We encourage industry members to lock away those March dates, and touch base with us regarding how they can get involved in the event,” he said.

“Whether it’s at a nursery, on an orchard, in packhouse or aboard a truck, efficiency gains can be made across the entire citrus supply chain.

“By investing in attending ACC 2025, industry members will be investing in optimising their operations, ultimately bolstering their bottom line.”

Citrus Australia will release more information about ACC 2025 in the coming months, including exhibitor and sponsor packages, ticketing, accommodation options and a full program of events.