HORTICULTURE'S biggest show has received government backing.
Hort Connections has scored $2 million to help ensure the future of the event and its continued growth.
Delivered by Ausveg and the International Fresh Produce Association of Australia and New Zealand (IFPA ANZ), the event brings together more than 3000 industry representatives, including 1000 vegetable, fruit and nut growers.
The funding is part of the federal government's $12 million for large agricultural events in the 2022-23 Budget to back growth in the beef, horticulture, sheep and lamb, and digital agritech industries through direct support to their large conferences and events.
Federal agriculture minister David Littleproud said partnerships formed through major agricultural events were a cornerstone of agricultural growth.
"Large events like Casino Beef Week, Lambex and Hort Connections bring the agricultural and supply chain sectors together to create partnerships, foster innovations and show off our world-class agricultural products," Mr Littleproud said.
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"Hort Connections is the largest horticultural conference and trade show in the southern hemisphere, typically bringing together over 3000 industry representatives including more than 1000 vegetable and fruit growers from around Australia."
The Australian Farm Institute estimates that digital technologies could help the agriculture industry increase the gross value of production by more than $20 billion.
"Growing digital agriculture by connecting the farmer with the best tools available is key to additional farm productivity. These events also connect our industry with investment capital," Mr Littleproud said.
"That is why we'll work with the Australian Agritech Association and AgriFutures to support events that showcase innovation and digital agriculture."
Ausveg chief executive officer Michael Coote welcomed the announcement and said the funding would provide a much-needed boost to support grower attendance.
"Vegetable and fruit growers are grappling with an uncertain future in the face of rising input costs and labour shortages that is undermining confidence and placing considerable stress on growers and their businesses," Mr Coote said.
"Industry events such as Hort Connections are an important avenue to foster face-to-face interactions with growers and the wider industry to not only learn about the latest technologies and growing practices, but also much-needed networking that is vital to support the social networks within the industry that growers can rely on in tough times."
Hort Connections attracts representatives from all aspects of the whole supply chain together to address industry issues facing the sector and discuss the future opportunities on the horizon.
"Agricultural events such as Hort Connections provide an opportunity for farmers to network with their peers and colleagues in the supply chain, and allows the industry to put its best foot forward as it looks to continue its expansion through new markets and new product development," Mr Coote said.
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