Hort Innovation supports horticulture industry through Hort Connections sponsorship | The National Tribune

, the Australian horticulture industry’s research and development corporation, has demonstrated its support for the horticulture industry and its growers through its sponsorship of Hort Connections 2021, which will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7-9 June 2021.

As the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for the Australian horticulture industry, Hort Innovation invests over $120 million annually in research and development, marketing and trade programs on behalf of industry to improve the productivity, profitability and global competitiveness of fruit, vegetable and nut sectors, as well as transformational investments that benefit the broader Australian horticulture industry as a whole.

Hort Connections 2021 will celebrate 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables and will bring members from all sectors of the horticulture industry together, including growers, supply chain members, government stakeholders and industry service providers, to recognise the significant contributions towards the health and national economy.

AUSVEG CEO James Whiteside said that Hort Innovation served a critical role in improving the productivity, profitability, and competitiveness of the broader industry and that its continued involvement in Hort Connections was important in bringing people together.

“Hort Innovation invests grower levy funds in projects that have proven to improve the productivity and profitability of the industry. It works closely with industry bodies and growers to ensure it continues to invest levy funds in meaningful projects that deliver a return on investment,” said Mr. Whiteside.

“Hort Innovation’s continued support of Hort Connections is another example of a worthwhile investment, as the event brings people together to learn the latest research and innovations in the sector, including those funded by Hort Innovation, which will undoubtedly help improve growing and business practices across the industry.”

Produce Marketing Association Australia – New Zealand CEO Darren Keating said that the partnership between Hort Connections and Hort Innovation was a win-win for event delegates and the research and development corporation as the event provided the perfect platform to demonstrate the significant projects and campaigns that Hort Innovation funds on behalf of industry.

“We are thrilled that Hort Innovation has once again shown its support behind Hort Connections. Its presence at the trade show and throughout the speaker sessions continue to be informative and engaging and demonstrates the breadth of work that the company undertakes on behalf of the industry’s hard-working growers,” said Mr. Keating.

Hort Innovation CEO Matt Brand said that the organisation’s support for Hort Connections was a key component in its strategy to connect the outcomes of its research, marketing and trade programs with growers and update the industry on the wide range of investments it makes in consultation with industry and on behalf of growers around the country.

“Now more than ever, in the face of local and global uncertainty it is important for the broader industry to take the opportunity to meet with friends and colleagues from across the sector. It’s an opportunity to learn about the latest technologies and innovations taking place in the sector and strengthen their business and support networks,” said Mr. Brand.

“The industry is eager to meet up and reconnect with each other face-to-face. Hort Connections 2021 will be a chance to reflect on what the industry has achieved in the face of unprecedented challenges and what growers can achieve through new technologies and innovations to help grow the value of the industry.”

“Hort Innovation is proud to continue supporting the industry through the sponsorship of Hort Connections. We look forward to showcasing the wonders of Australian fruit, vegetables, nuts, nursery, and turf on our interactive trade stand, continuing our knowledge-sharing live events with our in-house experts and bringing people together through networking opportunities.”

The Hort Connections team is working with people on-the-ground at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and in the wider Brisbane community to ensure the experience for delegates is safe and enjoyable.