Vessey is a fourth generation farmer and President of leading American vegetable producer Vessey and Company Inc. He will address the issues facing western United States vegetable production, which are relevant to all industries represented at the Convention.

“As President of one of the oldest and most respected growing operations in California, Mr Vessey is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in North American horticulture, and will provide an exciting perspective on international horticulture for delegates,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Nathan McIntyre. “The announcement of Mr Vessey as a Convention speaker will undoubtedly excite delegates, who will have the chance to hear from a pre-eminent international authority in their field, with deep roots in American horticulture and a vast amount of experience across a range of horticultural commodities.”

The National Horticulture Convention will be hosted by AUSVEG, the leading horticultural body representing more than 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers, as well as Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL), the Central Markets Association of Australia, in partnership with Fresh Markets Australia (CMAA-FMA), Growcom, Persimmons Australia Inc. and Australian Organic.

Vessey is set to enthral delegates during his presentation on Saturday, 25 June with his vast knowledge and experience across a range of commodities.

“Mr Vessey’s extensive lineage in American horticulture is in itself is a novel and foreign concept to most of our local growers, who we anticipate will revel in his address,” McIntyre said.

“Mr Vessey will join other distinguished speakers, including keynote speaker Rob Kaan, Managing Director of Dow AgroSciences, and Emmy Award winning genetic modification expert Jon Entine, to provide delegates with valuable information that they can potentially use to improve their business operations.”

“The 2016 National Horticulture Convention will ensure 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.

Discounted accommodation is available for Convention delegates booking through AUSVEG.

For more information or to register, please contact AUSVEG on (03) 9882 0277 or e-mail, or visit hortconv.com.au.