AUSVEG, Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL) and the Central Markets Association of Australia, in partnership with Fresh Markets Australia (CMAA-FMA), said that they are pleased to welcome Growcom and Persimmons Australia as hosts for the Convention, which is already shaping up to be the most successful event in the history of Australian agriculture.

“We are delighted to return to the Gold Coast for the Convention with two more of horticulture’s most respected organisations in Growcom and Persimmons Australia,” said AUSVEG National Marketing Manager, Nathan McIntyre. “Given that the Convention is returning to Queensland, it is fitting to have the state’s horticultural representative join us as a host. This will no doubt benefit all growers from across the country.”

“Opening the doors to Australia’s persimmon growers will also add an extra dimension to the Convention, providing growers and stakeholders with the opportunity to network with a more diverse range of delegates than ever before.”

The 2016 National Horticulture Convention is set to surpass the success of previous events, with a greater number of delegates expected to descend on the Gold Coast for the premier event in Australian agriculture.

“Many of our members are regular Convention attendees, so we’re excited to be hosting this event on our home turf with AUSVEG, APAL, CMAA-FMA and Persimmons Australia to make the 2016 Convention even more successful than its predecessors,” said Growcom, CEO Pat Hannan.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for the country’s hard working persimmon growers to network with a wide range of horticultural growers, wholesalers and marketers,” said Persimmons Australia President, Brett Guthrey. “With the addition of so many industries for this year’s Convention, we look forward to being part of a true National Horticulture Convention. The ability to participate in an event of this size will provide excellent value for Australia’s persimmon growers.”

“We’re all very excited to host the 2016 National Horticulture Convention together, ensuring a wider range of delegates from different horticultural backgrounds can benefit from listening to horticulture’s most celebrated thinkers from around the world, visit leading agribusinesses at an expansive trade show and network with each other,” McIntyre said. “We are also in discussions with other industry groups to come on board for the 2016 Convention to help further unite Australian horticulture.”