This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

The 2013 Emerging Technologies in Horticulture Seminar was held on May 30, 2013 at Jupiters, Gold Coast. The Emerging Technologies seminar was designed to assist Australia’s horticulture industry tackle current and future challenges; showcasing new opportunities for levy investment and promoting collaboration between vegetable producers and researchers on a global scale. The seminar hosted 100 vegetable growers from across Australia and assembled a delegation of eight international and domestic research specialists to showcase emerging horticultural technology.

The Emerging Technologies Seminar acted as a mechanism for vegetable growers to identify opportunities for levy investment and promoted dialogue between researchers and growers. The seminar exhibited research and technological innovation previously unknown to many Australian vegetable growers. The assemblage of vegetable growers intent on increasing productivity and embracing new techniques emphasised the significance of future planning to Australia’s vegetable production industry. Maintaining industry knowledge of emerging research and the availability of new technology will further assist growers in making long-term business decisions.

The Emerging Technologies seminar illustrated a whole industry initiative to support the adoption of technological innovation and promote enhanced collaboration between industry and research. The substantial grower participation demonstrated an industry-wide commitment to optimising production methods. The impact of the Emerging Technologies Seminar resonated throughout Australia’s vegetable production industry for some time, encouraging growers to consider challenges in the context of solutions offered by emerging horticultural technology.