Horticulture Innovation Australia (HIA), the sector’s new grower-owned Research and Development Corporation (RDC), commends the success of the recent 2015 National Horticulture Convention held from 25–27 June at the Gold Coast.
Hosted by AUSVEG – the leading horticultural body representing Australia’s 9,000 vegetable and potato growers, and Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) – the industry body representing Australia’s more than 600 commercial apple and pear growers, the Convention was the first occasion the two industry bodies collaborated at this particular event.
HIA CEO, Mr John Lloyd, welcomed almost 1,400 local and international delegates to the Convention as he delivered the Opening Address on the morning of Friday 26 June.
Mr Lloyd congratulated the joint association of AUSVEG and APAL and the delivery of the largest Convention in Australian horticulture history.
“This is a positive step towards a more united horticulture sector,” Mr Lloyd said.
“By aligning our priorities and working together on common goals and interests, we can build a stronger sector and provide better outcomes for all horticulture growers, domestically and internationally.”
Mr Lloyd commented on the feedback received at HIA’s national Between the Rows grower roadshow, with leadership identified as a key priority.
“The industry can benefit from the development of a platform for leaders,” Mr Lloyd said.
“The leadership displayed by AUSVEG and APAL at this Convention is commendable and we are optimistic that similar partnerships across all of Australian horticulture will develop in the future.”
"Horticulture is a great place to be at the moment. The sector is growing in leaps and bounds and with great leadership and collaboration, the possibilities are endless.”
For more information
Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd
Level 8, 1 Chifley Square NSW 2000 Australia
T: 61 2 8295 2300
F: 61 2 8295 2399
