Hort Connections 2027 will bring together the entire fresh produce industry for four days of learning, networking, and celebration.
Stay tuned for the Program Overview to be released over the coming weeks!
Bob & Judith Brinsmead – Tropical Fruit World
Damien Silm – Cedar Creek Orchards
Greensill Farming – Green Solutions Wide Bay
Joanne Tingey-Holyoak – Adelaide University School of Accounting and Finance
John Tselekidis – Mitolo Family Farms
Joseph Younes – Perfection Fresh
Julian Horsley – A & D Australasia Pty Ltd
Sam Nastasi – C & L Nastasia and Sons Pty
Dr Anita Marquart – Biological Service
Connie Taylor – Taylors Family Produce
Georgia Stormont – Curious Georgia Coaching
Gianna Russo – Adelaide Hydrofresh
Helen Aggeletos – Venus Citrus Pty Ltd
Jane Parker – McCormick Foods/Gourmet Garden
Jane Vassallo – Gourmet Herbs
Joanne Tingey-Holyoak – Adelaide University
Johanna Brighenti-Barnard – Sumar Produce
Julie Bird – Hort Innovation
Leeanne Scott – Scott Brothers
Leneila Lynne – Acumind.AI
Michelle Towers – Elders
Miriam Villen King – Stahmann Webster
Monika Fiebig – Monika’s Organics
Nardia Stacy – Pomewest
Paula Whitchuch – Nutrano Produce Group
Zurriyet Braham – Braham Produce
A & D Australasia – Precision Standards to Minimise Packhouse Waste
Biological Services – Safeguarding Trade Under Statewide Serpentine Leafminer Response
David Harris – Harris Farm Markets
Jane Parker – McCormick Foods/Gourmet Garden
Julian Horsley – A & D Australasia Pty Ltd
Mark and Damien Slim – Creek Orchard – Juice Crushing
Mellor Olsson Lawyers – Succession Management Masterclasses
Monika Fiebig – Monika’s Organics
Mulgowie Farming Company – Mulgowie Farming Company
Netafim Australia – Netafim Australia
Scott Kompo-Harms – Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers
Waterfind Australia – Water Analysis and Groundwater Reform
Ben Evert – Metagen
Jane Parker – McCormick Foods/Gourmet Garden
John Golding – Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development NSW
Dr Mike Rettke – South Australian Research and Development Institute
Nancy Schellhorn – RapidAIM
Paul Palmer – Palmer Produce Management
Richarda Jost – La Trobe University
Sukhvinder Pal Singh – NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
Tamieka Pearce – Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Waterfind Australia – Water Study Work
Zhong-Hua Chen – Adelaide University
Angelo Shwebeth – SA Fresh Harvest
Arseneos Arharidis – Arharidis Fresh
Chris Cannizzaro – Macadamia Farm Management Pty Ltd
Damien Silm – Cedar Creek Orchards
Evan Braham – Braham Produce
Jaspreet Mann – Montague Farms
Johnny Nguyen – HHH Pty Ltd
Luca Farmer – Farmer Group
Miles & Clayton Donovan – The Donovan Group
Brent Reeve – Redland Fruit
Craig Van Rooyen – Van Rooyen Family Trust
Fabian Guidotto – Gino’s Nursery
Jane Vassallo – Gourmet Herbs
Joseph Trimboli – GTS Farms
Mario Casotti – Casotti Group
Scott Stevenson – AJ & AM Stevenson
Stephane Frichot – Centerwest
Steve Marafiote – Sundrop Farms
Val Micallef – Alandale Produce
This premier award recognises outstanding achievement in the field of marketing within the Australasian fresh fruit, vegetable and floral industries.
The Marketer of the Year Award celebrates an individual or team that has developed and executed a highly visible, unique and effective marketing campaign. It highlights how marketing can be used to build brands, connect with customers, and elevate products. MOYA honours innovative and creative campaigns that deliver value and promote the very best that Australasia’s fresh produce industry has to offer.
Nominations from any part of the value chain for any product or service are welcome. The award is open to campaigns conducted in Australia and New Zealand and international campaigns conducted by Australasian entities. Ongoing campaigns can be submitted, providing new iterations can be demonstrated in the 2026 nomination.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• The ability to develop and execute a highly visible, effective marketing campaign
• How the mix of marketing tools were used to position the campaign to the target audience
• The ability to use unique features to stand out from other campaigns
• Validated evidence highlighting the campaign’s success
• How the campaign could be used to promote the importance of marketing to industry
Family businesses are the roots of the horticulture industry, sustaining production, knowledge, and community across generations. This award celebrates those family enterprises that demonstrate excellence in business performance, leadership, succession, and long-term contribution to the industry.
It recognises families who successfully balance tradition and innovation, build enduring enterprises across generations, and create strong cultures that support people, productivity, and sustainability.
This award is open to family-owned and family-operated horticulture businesses operating within the Australian fresh produce sector.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Demonstrated excellence in business performance and financial sustainability
• Clear family governance, leadership, and role definition within the business
• Successful succession planning or multi-generational transition
• Strong workplace culture and development of family and non-family staff
• Adoption of innovation while respecting family values and tradition
• Long-term vision and strategic planning for future generations
• Commitment to sustainable farming and responsible resource management
• Contribution to the broader horticulture industry or local community
This award recognises outstanding achievements in applying agricultural technology and mechanisation to advance horticultural production, efficiency, quality, or sustainability. It celebrates forward-thinking approaches that reshape how horticultural produce is grown, managed, and delivered.
This award is open to;
• Organisations, growers, researchers, service providers, or collaborative groups operating within the horticulture sector.
• Projects or systems must be actively trialled or implemented within the past 24 months.
• Entries should relate to on-farm practices, post-harvest processes, or technical solutions supporting horticultural farming operations.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Clear use of mechanical, digital, or automated technologies.
• A notable progression beyond established techniques or conventional methods.
• Evidence of problem-solving or engineering tailored to horticultural needs.
• Reduced environmental impact.
• Improved soil, water, energy or production efficiency.
• Longer-term resilience for growers or supply systems.
This award recognises a fresh produce grower or business that has demonstrated excellence and leadership in developing and sustaining export markets.
The Exporter of the Year Award celebrates those who invest strategically in export capability, build strong international relationships, and contribute to the growth and reputation of Australia fresh produce in global markets.
It honours enterprises that not only achieve commercial success but actively support industry-wide efforts to expand exports and strengthen international competitiveness.
This award is open to fresh produce growers and businesses engaged in exporting from Australia.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Demonstrated commitment to building and sustaining export markets
• Growth, consistency, or diversification of export activity
• Investment in export capability, people, systems, and infrastructure
• Contribution to industry initiatives that support export development
• Quality, reliability, and reputation of exported products
• Long-term strategy and resilience in international markets
This award recognises an individual or business that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in advancing environmental responsibility and sustainable practices across the horticulture sector.
The Environmental & Sustainability Award celebrates those who embed sustainability into everyday operations, develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges, and actively promote responsible practices within their industry and community.
It honours leadership that not only reduces environmental impact but strengthens the long-term resilience and viability of horticultural production.
This award is open to individuals and businesses operating within the Australian horticulture sector.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Leadership in promoting environmental responsibility within the industry
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable farming or supply-chain practices
• Development or adoption of innovative environmental solutions
• Measurable reductions in environmental impact or resource use
• Engagement with local or wider community on environmental issues
• Contribution to long-term industry sustainability and resilience
This award recognises an individual or business that demonstrates exceptional responsibility in the management of resources, materials, and community relationships within the horticulture sector.
The Community Stewardship Award celebrates proactive leadership in safety, environmental care, and community engagement. It recognises those who go above and beyond industry standards in the safe storage and use of on-farm materials, and who actively participate in initiatives that strengthen local communities and the wider industry.
This award honours stewardship that delivers tangible benefits for people, land, and industry reputation.
This award is open to individuals and businesses operating within the Australian horticulture sector.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Active participation in community or industry initiatives
• Contribution to improving industry capability and public trust
• Implementation of systems that exceed industry standards for safety and material management
• Responsible planning and management of on-farm resources
• Long-term commitment to responsible and ethical operations
Recognising an outstanding woman whose leadership, expertise, and commitment have made a significant contribution within the horticulture industry.
The Women in Horticulture Award celebrates excellence across all areas of the sector, including growing, business excellence, farm management, research and development, technical services, and industry leadership. It recognises an individual who is proactive in building her career, demonstrates consistent achievement, and plays an important role in strengthening the capability and culture of the industry.
This award also honours those who actively support and mentor other women, helping to create opportunities, build confidence, and encourage greater participation and leadership across the sector.
This award is open to women working in any role within the Australian horticulture industry.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Demonstrated excellence and achievement in their chosen field
• Commitment to professional growth and industry success
• Leadership and influence within their workplace or sector
• Active mentoring and support of women in horticulture
• Contribution to building a more inclusive and capable industry
• Reputation for integrity, professionalism, and collaboration
This highly regarded award recognises an individual, business, or organisation whose leadership and innovation have delivered significant positive change within their community or across the horticulture sector.
The Industry Impact Award celebrates initiatives that challenge established norms, creates value within their community, introduce new technologies or business practices, and create measurable benefits across the value chain. It recognises leadership that influences policy, advocacy, community outcomes, technical development, or industry capability.
This award is open to individuals, businesses, and organisations operating within or in service to the Australian horticulture sector.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Demonstrated leadership in driving community or industry-wide change
• Contribution to commercial competitiveness and industry resilience
• Clear departure from conventional industry approaches
• Introduction of innovative technologies, systems, or business practices
• Scale and breadth of impact across the horticulture value chain
• Demonstrable impact on best practice, efficiency, or cost savings
This honoured award recognises a researcher whose work has delivered lasting value to the horticulture industry through high-quality research, extension, and knowledge transfer.
The Researcher of the Year advances industry capability by generating practical, credible research outcomes, actively communicating findings, and supporting on-farm adoption. The award also acknowledges contributions that enhance the reputation of Australian horticultural science internationally.
This award is open to researchers and extension professionals working in, or in partnership with, the Australian horticulture sector.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Demonstrated industry impact and long-term benefits
• Evidence of adoption or uptake of research on-farm or in practice
• Contribution to national or international scientific reputation
• Effectiveness in communicating research outcomes to industry
• Quality, rigour, and relevance of research or extension work
• Collaboration with industry, growers, or research partners
This award recognises a young fresh produce grower who is helping to define the next generation of industry leaders through innovation, commitment, and a strong sense of stewardship.
The Young Grower of the Year demonstrates a high level of dedication to the industry, brings fresh perspectives to their enterprise and community, and shows a clear commitment to enhancing agriculture, land health, and long-term sustainability.
This award is open to emerging and early-career fresh produce growers operating within the Australian horticulture sector.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Demonstrated commitment to the horticulture industry and its future
• Contribution to community, regional development, or industry enrichment
• Leadership potential and engagement with peers, mentors, or industry bodies
• Adoption of innovative practices or new approaches to production
• Commitment to sustainable farming and land stewardship
• Evidence of professional growth and future leadership capacity
This award honours a business, team, or individual whose innovative use of technology has delivered meaningful change within the Australian fresh produce sector.
The Tech Innovation Award recognises initiatives that translate creative ideas into practical solutions, improving how fresh produce is grown, handled, moved, or marketed. It celebrates innovation that delivers measurable value, whether through smarter systems, new digital tools, novel applications of data, or technologies that enhance decision-making and performance.
This award is open to individuals, teams, and organisations from any part of the fresh produce supply chain operating in Australia.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Originality and strength of the innovation concept
• Demonstrated value delivered to the business or supply chain
• Quality of design, development, and implementation
• Measurable impact on efficiency, productivity, quality, or sustainability
• Scalability and potential for broader industry adoption
• Overall contribution to the advancement of the fresh produce sector
This highly regarded award recognises a fresh produce grower or growing business that demonstrates excellence across all aspects of modern horticultural production.
The Grower of the Year delivers outstanding performance in core areas including growing practices, product quality, environmental management, and staff leadership. Their operation reflects not only technical skill, but a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, people, and long-term success.
Beyond their own enterprise, the Grower of the Year actively contributes to the broader industry through leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to share knowledge, helping to shape the future of horticulture.
This award is open to individual growers, grower families, and growing businesses operating within the Australian fresh produce sector.
Entries will be assessed against the following criteria:
• Excellence in crop production and product quality
• Adoption of innovative or efficient production methods
• Strong environmental management and sustainable farming practices
• Effective leadership, staff development, and workplace culture
• Sound business management and long-term viability
• Active contribution to the broader horticulture industry
