The southern hemisphere’s largest horticulture conference is arriving in Melbourne June 3-5.

With a huge program boasting local and international horticulture experts, representatives from government, agri-finance and much more, Hort Connections 2024 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Staying true to the theme for 2024 of ‘grow connect and thrive’ the event will bring together more than 3,500 horticulture industry professionals to experience first-hand the latest offerings from leading local and international exhibitors, and hear from expert speakers about industry trends, research and innovations. 

AUSVEG national manager events and partnerships Nathan McIntyre said Hort Connections is a must-attend event on the Australian horticulture industry’s calendar.

“The Hort Connections conference program and affiliated events such as the Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar give attendees access to groundbreaking research and the latest trends from industry experts, and are an unparalleled opportunity to network with others in the Australian horticulture industry,” he said.

This year’s conference program will be emceed by Olympic gold medalist swimmer and TV presenter Giaan Rooney and headlined by plenary speakers Lucy Bloom former CEO of Sunrise Cambodia and Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia and Su McCluskey, the inaugural special representative for Australian Agriculture at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 

Growers looking to attend this years event can again benefit from the grower funding initiative with levy paying growers able to be reimbursed up to $1,000 for eligible Hort Connections expenses, including your Grower Conference Access Pass, flights and accommodation. 

The Grower Funding program was introduced at Hort Connections last year after support from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 

“While it’s tough for many to be away from the farm, the Grower Funding program is a great avenue for financial support to help growers access the many opportunities on offer at Hort Connections,” said Mr McIntyre. 

The event will also host the Horticulture Awards for Excellence 2024. 

Presented throughout the conference, the awards are a celebration and opportunity for recognition of  game-changing improvements and achievements made by exceptional individuals and companies within the industry. 

Award nominations for ten different categories are open for growers, supply chain operators, marketers, researchers and other industry members until April 29. 

“Australian horticulture has a long history of innovation and exceptional contributions from those who work in the industry,” said Mr McIntyre. 

“We encourage everybody in the horticulture industry to nominate the sector’s shining lights, and give them the recognition they deserve.” 

Hort Connections is a joint initiative between AUSVEG and the International Fresh Produce Association Australia New Zealand (IFPA-ANZ)  

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

To learn more and apply for Grower Funding, visit hortconnections.com.au/grower-funding-2024/.