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Speaker Sessions

AVIS

Plenaries

Trade Show - Green

Trade Show - Blue

AVIS

Session 1: AI on the Farm: Practical Pathways for Growers

Carl Larsen – RMCG

Ben Finkel – Australian Regional AI Network

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Session 2: 10 years of VegNET

Anthony Kachenko – Hort Innovation

Sharron Windolf – Windolf Farms

Olive Hood – Hort Innovation

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Session 3: Keeping Chemistry on the Farm

David Daniels – AUSVEG

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Session 4: Harvest Automation: Where It's At and Where It's Going

Ian Layden – Queensland Department of Primary Industries

Ben Palone – Western Growers Innovation Team

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Session 5: Converting What Consumers Say They're Going To Do Into What They Actually Do

Professor David Hughes – Imperial College London

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Session 6: Plus One Serve

  • Justine Coates – Plus One Serve, AUSVEG

Video To Come.

Session 7: AUSVEG Study Tours

Andrew Braham – Braham Produce

Lynley Van Lathum – Rugby Farms

Monika Judith Fiebig – Monika’s Organics

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Session 8: Growing Leaders Panel

Jill Briggs – Affectus

Tayla Field – VegNET

Connor Steel – Elders

Evan Braham – South Australian Grower

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Plenaries

Welcome Address

Julie Bird, Hort Innovation

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From Farm Gate to Global Markets: Building Smarter Trade Pathways

Ollie van Heusden – DP World

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IFPA State of the Industry: Re-igniting Fresh Consumption Driving Multi Generational Change Through Influence – Fruit and Veggies Yummy Yummy

Belinda Wilson – International Fresh Produce Association A-NZ

John Tselekidis – Mitolo Family Farms

Carlo Ceravolo — Harris Farm Markets

Luke Field — The Wiggles

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Guy Debelle – FundsSA and previous Deputy Governor of the RBA

Guy Debelle – FundsSA

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Update From the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Secretary Victoria Anderson – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

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Together we can add one more serve of vegetables by 2030

Matt Moran

Justine Coates – Plus One Serve

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Trade Show - Green

Wed Session 1: Not just another shovel: What AI can really mean across the hort value chain

Adrian Cullen – National AI Centre

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Wed Session 2: Closing the Readiness Gap: A 25-Year data dive into solving the Horticulture workforce crisis

Justine McLeod – Chrrup

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Wed Session 3: VegWatch: Enabling better biosecurity outcomes for the vegetable industry

Zarmeen Hassan – AUSVEG

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Wed Session 4: Roots, Roles and Realities: Succession in Horticulture Family Businesses

Catherine Sayer – Family business association

Marisa Riccio – Hood Sweeney

Andrew Andreyev – ADLV law

Catherine Sanders – Bower Place

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Wed Session 5: Family Business Panel Session

Andrew Muir – Muirs

Renee Pye – Zerella Fresh

Daniel O’Sullivan – ABBE

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Wed Session 6: Sam Beaton – Cobram Estate

Sam Beaton – Cobram Estate

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Wed Session 7: Current State of the World – Global Conflict, Local Consequences

Stephen Annells – Fertilizer Australia

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Wed Session 9: Beyond Yield, How consumers shape vegetable breeding

Frances Tolson – Rijk Zwaan

Stefanie Renaud – Rijk Zwaan

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Wed Session 10: Global Mechanisation and Automation in Specialty Crops: What Works, What Doesn't

Ben Palone – Western Growers Association (USA)

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Wed Session 11: Smart Stewardship: Protecting Crops and the Environment with AI-Powered Early Warning Systems

Charles Simons –  Bioscout

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Wed Session 12: From social feed to field: How social media is driving demand in horticulture

Karina Keisler – Hort Innovation

Thanh Truong – The Fruit Nerd

Saynaree Oudomvilay – Thinkerbell

Eliza Seymour – The Veggie Scientist

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Wed Session 13: Age Isn’t the driver – Mindset is: Rethinking health, Snacking and Fresh Food demand

Shansel Sami – NIQ

Angela Carter – NIQ

Georgia Haenke – Hort Innovation

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Wed Session 14: Converting what consumers say they’re going to do into what they actually do

Professor David Hughes – Imperial College London

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Wed Session 15: From TikTok Trends to Transformation: Driving Behaviour Change Across Traditional & Social Media

Eliza Seymour – The Veggie Scientist

Jemma O’Hanlon – Foodwatch

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Wed Session 16: Influence to Impact: Bringing Fresh to-life At Retail

Belinda Wilson – International Fresh Produce Association A-NZ

Carlo Ceravolo – Harris Farm Markets

Joe Manariti – Premier Fresh Australia

Tom Millis – Flavorite Group

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Thurs Session 1: Harris Farm Market – Retail Forum

Luke Harris, Co-CEO

Kate Haselhoff, Head of Purpose & Sustainability

Carlo Ceravolo, Head of Fresh Buying

Martine Cooper, Head of Merchandise Strategy & Support

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Thurs Session 2: Global Conflict, Local Consequences: Real-Time Impacts on Horticulture

Miriam M. Wolk, CAE – International Fresh Produce Association

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Trade Show - Blue

Wed Session 1: Fair Farms - Labour Hire Compliance: Your Risk, Your Reputation, Your Responsibility

Amanda Higgins – Fair Farms

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Wed Session 2: Protecting the Grower-Trader Relationship for the Next 10 Years

Gail Woods – Fresh Markets Australia

Shane Schnitzler – Fresh Markets Australia

Brett Collins – Fresh Markets Australia

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Wed Session 3: From Niche to Mainstream: Commercialising Native Edible Plants at Scale

Mark Tucek – Tucker Bush

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Wed Session 4: High performance – Maximise your efficiencies and outcomes to true High Performance and be the best you can be!

Chris Webb – Blue Ribbon High Performance

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Wed Session 5: Sustainability Panel

Joseph Batten – Nutrien Ag Solutions

Nathan Price – Yara Australia

Claire Kneller – Leading Harvest

Lilia Jenkins – Cesar Australia

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Wed Session 6: From Principles to Practice: Regen Ag Toolbox for Productive Horticulture

Carl Larsen – RMCG

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Wed Session 7: Tackling the Tomato-Potato Psyllid: Key insights from NZ

Daniel Sutton – Vegetables NZ

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Wed Session 8: The Future of Exports

Mila Bristow – Hort Innovation

Joseph Ekman – Fresh Produce Group

Christian Parson – Costa

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Wed Session 9: Making Every Blueberry Count: How Emerging Technology Improves Allocation, Quality, and Pack-Out Value

Troy Cleaver – TOMRA Food

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Wed Session 10: Inside Hort IQ: data that’s shaping Australia’s horticulture industry, from farm to consumer

Lucy Noble – Hort Innovation

Wendy Hubbard – Hort Innovation

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Wed Session 11: MOYA Showcase 2026

Tim Withers – IFPA

Liam O’Callaghan – Produce Plus

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Wed Session 12: Inside the Basket: What Millions of Shopping Baskets Reveal About Fresh Produce Sales

Steven Keyte – Quantium

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Wed Session 13: Price Isn’t the Problem: What Consumers are Really Doing in Fresh Produce

Samrat Acharya – Binary Consulting

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Wed Session 14: Digging into diagnostics: How investment in biosecurity science is protecting trade and reducing disruption

Ashley Zamek – Hort Innovation

Andrew Manners – QDPI

Leanne Gillies – Fleming Nurseries

Brendan Rodoni – AG Vic

Katherine Delbridge – Australian Seed Federation

Erin Cranwell – AE Cranwell & Sons

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Wed Session 15: From Soil to Shelf – Insights from the Ground Up

Josie Zilm – NAB

Pete Wadewitz – Peats oil & Garden Supplies

Andrew Braham – Braham Produce

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Wed Session 16: Lessons Learnt from Combatting the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus

Andrew Redman – Perfection Fresh

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Wed Session 17: Autonomous eTractors: What Automation Actually Looks Like on a Farm

Richard Beaumont – Agovor

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Wed Session 18: Future-proofing growth: Why on-site DAC is the circular CO2 Solution for CEA

Ameen Bou Diab – Skytree

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Thurs Session 1: The uncomfortable truth about spray efficiency – and what it’s actually costing you

James Turtle – MagrowTec

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Thurs Session 2: Next generation weed management: AI and robotics in Australian Vegetables production

Gordon Rogers – AHR

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Thurs Session 3: Biocontrol of Crop Pathogens

Dr Ross Gilmour – Novonesis

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Thurs Session 4: A practical view of autonomous technology in specialty crops

Nathan Soich – Yamaha Agriculture

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Thurs Session 5: Smart cooling + water treatment: boosting quality, sustainability and profit in post-harvest

Rod Gardner – Wyma Solutions

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Thurs Session 6: When disaster strikes: Protecting fresh produce food safety in a changing climate

Damien Farrelly – Fresh Produce Safety Centre

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Thurs Session 7: Horticultural Research at Waite Campus of Adelaide University

Zhong-Hua Chen – Adelaide University

Cassandra Collins – Adelaide University

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Thurs Session 8: Industry capability & productivity

Tom McCue – Hort Innovation

James Haslett – 2025 Horizon Scholar

Julia Strang – Australian Rural Leadership

Courtney Lean – Australian Rural Leadership

Andy Clarke – Nuffield Australia

Belinda Wilson – IFPA

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Thurs Session 9: Learning lessons from global peers – Biologicals in the EU

David McKeon – Elders

Jason Kirk – Farmer Group

Georgia O’Shea – Elders

Ashley Zamek – Hort Innovation

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  • 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

  • A half-day curated retail tour connecting delegates with Category Managers, Operations Leaders, Fresh Buyers and Store Executives. Each retail site will include a structured 10-15 minute executive briefing covering category evolution, supplier expectations, sustainability priorities and digital integration.

  • All tours start and finish at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

    Northern Tour 1
    Join us on a tour starting at SA Produce Market. Over the course of the day visit Nicol Carrots, a surprise TBC location, and Apex Greenhouses to enjoy lunch!
    Northern Tour 2
    Travel to Voco Fresh and then continue to Adelaide Hydrofresh. Our final visit, details to follow.
    Eastern Tour – SOLD OUT
    Visit the team of AE Cranwell and Sons. Stop 2 will be confirmed shortly. The tour will then continue to Ashton Valley Fresh.
    Potato & Onion Tour
    Details to follow shortly.

  • 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