The Australian Cherry Conference is returning in 2026 as a premier biennial event for growers and industry stakeholders.  

Held the weekend prior (30 May – 1 June) to Hort Connections 2026 in Adelaide, the two-day program will feature a one-day conference, and a field tour to Adelaide Hills cherry growers, bringing together domestic and international experts to share the latest research and innovation shaping the cherry industry. 

Funded by Hort Innovation, the 2026 conference will be delivered by Cherry Growers Australia and supported by industry partners. 

Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation explained the importance of events like this conference: “Events like the Australian Cherry Conference are vital for sharing knowledge and driving innovation. By bringing together growers, researchers and industry leaders, we can ensure the cherry sector remains competitive, resilient and well-prepared for future challenges.”  

The previous Cherry Conference in 2024 was a resounding success, attracting more than 260 delegates from across the industry. The 2026 Conference aims to take this success further, increasing engagement and awareness to continue growth and capability building across the sector.  

This project will align with the national cherry communication and extension strategy (CY22002), covering updates on relevant R&D and discussion around strategies to improve productivity and profitability, exploring themes around quality, sustainability, profitability and export.    

With presentations from domestic and international experts, networking opportunities and a field day showcasing contemporary growing practices, the 2026 Cherry Conference promises to deliver valuable insights and foster collaboration across the industry. 

This project (CY25001) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the cherry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.