A group of 10 young Australian vegetable growers will take the next steps in their development as future industry leaders tomorrow when they set off for Japan and South Korea, as part of an industry leadership and innovation initiative.
Meetings with representatives from Asia’s largest retailer and senior trade officials, and attendance at one of the region’s largest agricultural trade shows, will all be on the agenda during the mission, aimed at exposing young growers to innovation, and opening up business development opportunities.
“Young growers are the future of our industry, and they will be responsible for driving innovation throughout the sector in the years ahead,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Stefan Oberman.
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.
“Through initiatives such as this we can ensure young growers are exposed to cutting-edge innovations from the Asian region, which can in turn be brought back to Australia and shared with our domestic industry.”
During their time in Asia the young growers will spend a day with representatives of Asia’s largest retailer AEON, and will also attend high-level briefings with Austrade staff.
“The group will also attend several large farming and market operations in Japan and South Korea, and will have the chance to network with suppliers and create vital business contacts during a visit to Agritech, Japan – one of Asia’s largest agricultural technology and trade shows,” said Mr Oberman.
“With the vegetable industry’s ongoing focus on developing export markets, this event will ensure our industry’s young growers have the best chance possible of creating future business contacts and capitalising on the lucrative Asian market.”
The venture is also set to benefit the broader Australian vegetable industry, with key findings to be presented in a final report made available to all levy-paying growers.
The leadership and innovation development initiative has been funded by participating growers, with support from HAL using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funding from the Australian Government.
For more information
AUSVEG
Stefan Oberman
T: (03) 9882 0277
C: 0425 782 968