Two of Australasia's leading produce industry groups have combined efforts to kickstart a new convention for the sector, which is due to take place in Adelaide next year. 

Ausveg and PMA Australia-New Zealand Limited (PMA-ANZ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to host the event at the Adelaide Convention Centre in May or June, with the date yet to be confirmed.

The deal brings two of Australian and New Zealand industry's biggest fairs to provide growers and whole-of-supply-chain companies with a significant horticulture event for the region.

"AUSVEG and PMA-ANZ are excited to join forces in 2017 to deliver an industry event that will not only continue the positive legacy from our respective conventions, but also provide even more information and value to our growers and industry members,” said Ausveg chairman Geoff Moar.

"We are looking forward to working with PMA-ANZ to create a truly unified horticultural event that will bring growers and industry from around the world to one location.

"We are confident this partnership will ensure attendees can benefit from listening to a wider range of world-class presenters, visit the industry’s leading agribusinesses at an expansive trade show and network with each other."

PMA-ANZ John Said highlighted the union would be certain to strengthen the future of horticulture and fresh produce in Oceania.

"We are excited to join AUSVEG in hosting this event in 2017 and making it a truly world-class event that brings together the full supply chain and the wide range of fruit, vegetable and floral producers," he said.

"They can look forward to once again hearing from world-class presenters who will inform and inspire fresh produce industry members, while the trade show will be the place to showcase the most exciting developments in horticulture.

"This combined industry event will allow a wider range of horticulture growers and members of the fresh produce supply chain to forge strong business networks and gain valuable insights into the entire industry."

Ausveg and PMA-ANZ are also in discussions with other industry groups to co-host the event in an effort to further unite the horticulture industry.

Horticulture Innovation Australia chief executive John Lloyd reflected continued growth in demand for support and innovation in the country's horticulture sector.

"The Australian horticulture industry has never been so diverse and exciting with value-adding, technology use and trade options opening up like never before," he said.

"Industry has this real hunger and passion for learning and sharing knowledge, and in this environment, this conference and trade show will thrive."

Lloyd commended the organizations for their collaboration, adding participants in all stages of the Australian supply chain stood to benefit.

"This new event will bring with it a great opportunity for industry to learn, share and further succeed through the knowledge they will be exposed to, and the networks they will build."

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