Horticulture industry leaders, growers, and agri-businesses are gathering in Melbourne for the Ausveg Hort Business Summit, held in conjunction with National Agriculture Day. The event, convened by AUSVEG, brings together vegetable, potato, and onion growers to discuss current operating pressures and longer-term challenges in the sector.
The summit, held at the Science Gallery, features sessions examining the economics of farming, compliance requirements, AgTech adoption, and national efforts to increase vegetable consumption. A session on grower-retailer relations will include Woolworths Food and Grocery Code Mediator Trish Henry and Coles Food and Grocery Code Mediator Jenny Linsten. Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, will address attendees on the role of advocacy in agriculture.
© AUSVEG
Ausveg CEO Michael Coote said the summit provides an opportunity for growers and industry stakeholders to review key issues. He noted that industry sentiment surveys show two in five vegetable growers are considering leaving the sector due to current business conditions. Coote said it remains important for growers to understand operating challenges and consider potential responses that support the long-term viability of vegetable production and the broader horticulture industry.
He added that the event aligns with Ausveg's program of work focused on the productivity and financial resilience of growers. Coote also noted the role of the horticulture sector in contributing to the national food supply.
The organisation acknowledged support from event partners, including MEGT, Muirs, Hort Innovation, Syngenta, and Steritech.
For more information:
Campbell Cooney
AUSVEG
Tel: +61 (0) 3 9882 0277
Email: [email protected]
www.ausveg.com.au
