The Queensland horticulture industry will come together this June 2021 to celebrate the industry’s export achievements at the Queensland Horticulture Export Dinner.
Presented by peak industry body for Queensland horticulture, Growcom the Queensland Horticulture Export Dinner will be held in conjunction with Hort Connections on Tuesday 8 June 2021 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Growcom CEO Stephen Barnard said the Queensland Horticulture Export Dinner presented an opportunity to not only celebrate the vibrant horticulture industry but recognise individuals and businesses who had achieved success in the export sector.
“Despite the many challenges the industry has faced this past year, demand for Queensland’s fresh horticultural exports continue to remain strong,” Mr Barnard said.
“Queensland’s horticulture industry has long enjoyed a reputation as a sustainable producer of premium safe food, primarily due to our high standards across all stages of the supply chain.
“The Export Awards provide an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the industry’s leaders and for the wider industry to celebrate the best and brightest in the field.”
Nominations are now open for two Export Awards to be presented on the night of the dinner – Queensland Horticulture Exporter of the Year and New Exporter Award.
The Queensland Horticulture Exporter of the Year Award will be presented to an individual or businesses that has demonstrated a strong commitment to exporting; invested in building a sustainable export capability; and actively contributes to activities that assist the industry to increase horticultural exports.
The New Exporter Award will recognise an individual grower or business who within the last three years has either entered into the export space; increased their export volume by over 50%; begun exporting a new and innovative product.
With a forecasted gross value of production (GVP) in excess of $2.9 billion, the Queensland horticulture industry is a prominent contributor towards the State’s economy. Horticulture is Queensland’s second biggest and fastest growing agricultural sector, second only to the beef industry in value, and larger than the sugar and grain industries. A substantial proportion of Australia’s total banana, pineapple, mandarin, avocado, mango, fresh tomato, capsicum, and zucchini production is supplied from Queensland. In 2018/19 Queensland grew 32% of the nation’s fruit and nuts, 30% of the nation’s vegetables, and exported over 16% of all fruits and vegetables produced.
The Queensland Horticulture Export Dinner is expected to attract over 400 guests from across the supply chain. To nominate or secure your ticket, visit: www.growcom.com.au/qhed. Nominations close Sunday 2 May 2021. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Source: QFF