This month’s Australian Citrus Congress is all about delivering tangible takeaways for growers.

Citrus Australia chief executive Nathan Hancock said the nation’s citrus growers and industry leaders, will receive a hands-on approach, with a sharp focus on practical solutions to rising costs, efficiency gains, and the future of citrus farming.

Nathan said the event will be held in Griffith and Leeton from March 18 to 20. 

“This year, we’re putting resource efficiency at the core of everything— from our speaker sessions to live demonstrations,” Nathan said.

“It’s all about farming for the future, tackling today’s challenges while harnessing tomorrow’s technology.”

The congress program will feature expert panels on economics, labour efficiency, and crop protection, with insights from key speakers including: 

•Carol Kong (Commonwealth Bank) –Economic trends impacting domestic and export markets.

•Jesse Reader (Hort Innovation) –Global tech advancements shaping citrus production.

•Sharon Chapman (ABC Software) and James Paterson(Aerobotics) – Practical solutions to improve labour efficiency through technology.

•Danny Thornton (Agreva) and Dr Meena Thakur (NSW DPIRD)– Navigating new pest and disease control methods in a changing regulatory landscape.
For the first time, the congress will feature a dedicated field day, hosted byG2 Netting at Moricom Orchard, Leeton.

Growers will get up close to the latest in crop protection structures, precision irrigation, autonomous machinery and pest management technologies.

“Participants will see cutting-edge tech in action — from water-saving systems to autonomous vehicles and spray units,” Nathan said.

“It’ll be a farmer’s paradise.”

The congress will also include the prestigious Citrus Australia industry awards dinner.