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Program Overview

Hort Connections 2027 will bring together the entire fresh produce industry for four days of learning, networking, and celebration.

See below for an overview of the schedule. A full, in-depth program including session details and speaker line-up will be released closer to the event.

Across the four days, there’s an unmissable program of:

Monday 7 June

  • Farm & Retail Tours
  • Annual Vegetable Industry Seminar

Tuesday 8 June

  • The Plenary
  • Trade Show Opening
  • Welcome Reception (inside Trade Show)

Wednesday 9 June

  • Hort Connections Breakfast
  • Trade Show Open
  • Trade Show Speaker Sessions
  • Demonstration Lounge
  • Cooking Activation

Thursday 10 June

  • Trade Show Open
  • Trade Show Speaker Sessions
  • Demonstration Lounge
  • Cooking Activation
  • Hort Connections Gala Dinner

Be notified when the full
program is released

Mailing List

  • Ben Martin – Marto’s Mangoes
    David Harris – Harris Farm Markets
    Derek Pregl – Red Valley Farms
    Glenn and Jo Fahey – Glenbernie Orchard/Darkes Cider
    Helen Aggeletos – Venus Citrus Pty Ltd
    Mark and Damien Slim – Cedar Creek Orchard
    Mark Russo – Adelaide Hydro Fresh

  • Charles Simons – Bioscout
    Ecorobotix – Ecorobotix
    Faruk Buzaki – PineCo
    Ian Layden – Department of Primary Industries (Queensland)
    James Smith – Bowhill Produce

  • Antony Allen – The Avolution
    Anthony Poiner – Fresh Produce Group
    Francis Tedesco – Centerwest Exports
    Jordan Bain – Redland Fruits
    Marquis Macadamias – Marquis Macadamias
    Matthew Benham – Top Citrus
    Nicolas Ktoris – Sentek Technologies
    Rebecca Blackman – WA Farm Direct

  • Craig Van Rooyen – Van Rooyen Family Trust
    Isaac Sandercock – Propak Industries Pty Ltd
    Jane Parker – McCormick Foods/Gourmet Garden
    Liam Van Schaik – Van Schaik’s Bio Gro
    Lisa Solomons – Viscount
    Sam Nastasi – C & L Nastasi and Sons Pty
    Val and Sam Micallef – Alandale Produce

  • 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

  • Charles Simons – Bioscout
    Leneila Lynne & Justin Koschitzke – Acumind.AI
    Viscount
    Nancy Schellhorn – RapidAIM
    Roei Yonai – Netafim ANZ

  • Flavorite Group: Maddie’s Month Campaign

    Holly Jackson, Hort Innovation: Greener Spaces Better Places – Plant Value Report Campaign

    Nutrano Produce Group: Delite Seedless Mandarins – Afternoon Delite Campaign

  • 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