Hort Connections 2025 highlights tech and resilience

From June 4–6, the Brisbane Convention Centre hosted Hort Connections 2025, Australia’s premier horticulture event. With over 3,000 delegates from across the supply chain, the conference provided a platform for growers, researchers, retailers, and policymakers to connect and shape the industry’s future.

Julie Bird, Chair of the Hort Innovation Board, opened the plenary sessions, highlighting the sector’s $17 billion contribution to the Australian economy. “We grow more than produce,” she said. “We grow possibilities.”

A key theme was resilience, particularly in response to rising input costs, labour shortages, and climate volatility. Tom McCue, R&D Manager at Hort Innovation, stressed the need for mechanisation and automation. With fertiliser costs up 107% and packaging up 57%, he emphasised adopting robotics, AI, and precision farming to sustain profitability. Technologies like laser weeders, robotic harvesters, and smart sprayers are already being trialled through the VG23003 program in Tasmanian and Victorian paddocks.

Innovation was a major focus. Julie Bird noted that productivity now means smarter, more sustainable systems. Hort Innovation is investing in tech like the Ecorobotix ARA Smart Sprayer and FarmDroid autonomous seeders to reduce grower costs and improve efficiency. These advancements will also be showcased at the upcoming Gatton AgTech Showcase 2.0 in October 2025.

Wendy Hubbard, Insights Manager at Hort Innovation, and Shansel Sami, Director at NielsenIQ, introduced Hort IQ 2.0—an AI-powered consumer insights platform. Featuring four years of trend data and category-specific insights, it enables growers and industry players to make informed, data-driven decisions in a rapidly evolving market.

The spirit of collaboration was another major takeaway. Julie Bird called for rethinking current practices to face climate challenges, labour shortages, and shifting consumer expectations. “To feed the future, we need to rethink how we grow today,” she urged.

This call to action was reflected throughout the event, from grower-led trials and cross-industry partnerships to the strategic integration of consumer insights. The message was clear: meaningful change comes from shared effort, trust, and a deep understanding of industry priorities.

As the conference concluded, optimism was high. A renewed partnership between Hort Innovation, AUSVEG, and the International Fresh Produce Association Australia-New Zealand ensures the continued success of Hort Connections. In a time of uncertainty, the event offered a clear path forward: a resilient, innovative, and collaborative horticulture sector, ready to meet the future together.

For more information:
Shannon​​​​ O’Mara
Hort Connections
Tel: +61 02 8295 2300
Email: shannon.omara@horticulture.com.au
www.horticulture.com.au