Sunshine Coast, Queensland, 5-7 March 2024

First Australian Citrus Congress focused on building profitable sector

The inaugural Australian Citrus Congress will focus on building a profitable future for the sector. Hosted by Citrus Australia at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort on 5-7 March 2024, the event will bring together experts from across the global citrus industry.

The 2024 congress marks the start of a new-look annual event, combining Citrus Australia’s popular Market Outlook and Technical Forums. The theme for 2024 will be ‘Driving Profitability – Research, Connection and Direction’.

Citrus Australia chief executive Nathan Hancock says: “It captures what the event is all about. While the industry has faced some challenges on the back of the Covid pandemic – with rising input costs, trade impacts and some production issues – we are now looking at a more stable trading environment, but it’s crucial we drive profitability going forward. This new event promises to deliver the insights, connections and vision to help build that profitable future.”

Program
The congress will bring together experts from the global citrus industry for an exhibition and multi-track conference program on 6-7 March.

A biosecurity symposium, welcome event and Citrus Australia’s 2024 AGM will be held on 5 March.

The congress’ gala dinner, which includes the presentation of Citrus Australia’s annual awards, takes place on 6 March.

An optional study tour will take place in the Bundaberg region on 4 March. Delegates interested in attending the study tour will need to make their own way to Bundaberg. Transport will be provided for the tour and back to the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort at the tour’s conclusion.

Insights aplenty
A key focus will be on global trends and new research to advance the Australian citrus industry.

US-based Chris Cockle will travel to Queensland for the event. Cockle is vice president of sales – imports and exports at Wonderful Citrus. He will provide an outlook for Australian citrus exports, along with discussing opportunities and challenges for the global citrus industry in the future.

The biosecurity symposium will focus on huanglongbing (HLB) disease. Attendees will also learn about how a detection of an exotic citrus pest or disease would be managed in Australia under existing emergency plant pest response arrangements.

Confirmed speakers for the biosecurity symposium include US-based Nate Jameson of Brite Leaf Nursery and Etienne Rabe of Wonderful Citrus. Jameson will explain how the citrus industry in Florida has continued operating under the cloud of citrus canker and HLB. Rabe will discuss the status of HLB and Asian citrus psyllid in California. Entry to the biosecurity symposium is free for registered congress delegates, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers.

Hancock concludes: “Whether you’re interested in exhibiting, sponsoring, speaking or attending as a guest, we look forward to welcoming you to the Australian Citrus Congress in 2024 and beyond.”

For more information:
Australian Citrus Congress 2024
https://bit.ly/46zlv0c

Source: Fresh Plaza