Vegetable and onion growers and industry stakeholders are invited to lodge their Expression of Interest for four international study tours to be held over the next financial year. The first tour to New Zealand will be held in August 2025, followed by tours to Europe in September 2025, and Fruit Logistica in Berlin in February 2026.

These industry study tours provide opportunities for Australia’s vegetable and onion growers and supply chain businesses to increase their awareness and knowledge of the research and innovations in the global horticulture industry through the delivery of tours to strategic vegetable and onion growing regions, conferences, facilities, and innovation centres around the globe.

AUSVEG, the national peak industry body for Australia’s over 3,600 vegetable, potato and onion growers, has welcomed the 5-year international study tour program funded by Hort Innovation. The study tours are aligned to the Vegetable and Onion Industry Strategic Investment Plans, in particular to improve industry capability and foster an innovative culture that maximises investments in productivity and demand and builds resilience across the sector.

Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield said, “Capability building is essential for the continued growth of Australia’s horticulture industry. International study tours are one of the many ways we invest in this priority, and we’re pleased to support the vegetable and onion industries to deliver this valuable initiative.

“Study tours have long been popular among vegetable growers, providing a unique platform for learning and connection – both among Australian growers and with overseas counterparts. We encourage growers in the industry to get involved and look forward to hearing all of the learnings collected from across New Zealand and Europe.”

AUSVEG CEO Michael Coote said, “International study tours have a considerable impact of driving innovation and building the capabilities of the Australian vegetable growing community through increased knowledge sharing, networking and collaboration, which will lead to improving the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of the industry.

“The learning opportunities go both ways. Australian industry members get to experience what’s happening overseas, what is working and what does not, and the farming operations they visit learn about what is happening in Australia.”

The benefits of study tours should not be underestimated. AUSVEG and Hort Innovation encourage growers from across the country, young and old, to lodge their expression of interest now. The EOI form also includes a survey for growers to provide feedback on what they would like to see included in the 2026-2027 study tour program.

Growers can express interest in being part of the study tours here.

The Vegetable and Onion Industry Study Tours (VG23002) have been funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable and onion research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

EOI Deadline for first tour to New Zealand: 2 July 2025