Inaugural Australian Citrus Congress scheduled for March 2024 on the Sunshine Coast with an exciting programme already coming together
Citrus Australia’s new Australian Citrus Congress will be held for the first time on 5-7 March 2024 on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Hosted at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, the event will bring together experts from across the global citrus industry.
The 2024 congress marks the start of a new-look annual event, combining Citrus Australia’s popular market outlook and technical forums.
Citrus Australia chief executive Nathan Hancock said the theme for 2024 will be ‘Driving Profitability - Research, Connection and Direction’.
“It captures what the event is all about. While the industry has faced some challenges on the back of the Covid pandemic – with rising input costs, trade impacts and some production issues – we are now looking at a more stable trading environment, but it’s crucial we drive profitability going forward,” said Hancock.
“This new event promises to deliver the insights, connections and vision to help build that profitable future.”
Programme
The congress will bring together experts from the global citrus industry for an exhibition and multi-track conference programme on 6-7 March.
A biosecurity symposium, welcome event and Citrus Australia’s 2024 AGM will be held on 5 March.
The congress’ gala dinner, which includes the presentation of Citrus Australia’s annual awards, takes place on 6 March.
An optional study tour will take place in the Bundaberg region on 4 March. Delegates interested in attending the study tour will need to make their own way to Bundaberg. Transport will be provided for the tour and back to the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort at the tour’s conclusion.
Insights aplenty
The conference program for the Australian Citrus Congress 2024 is beginning to take shape, with citrus industry experts locked in to share insights on relevant topics from across the value chain.
A key focus will be on global trends and new research to advance the Australian citrus industry.
US-based Chris Cockle will travel to Queensland for the event. Cockle is vice president of sales - imports and exports at Wonderful Citrus, one of North America’s leading grower-packer-marketers of fresh citrus.
Cockle will provide an outlook for Australian citrus exports, along with discussing opportunities and challenges for the global citrus industry in the future.
The biosecurity symposium will focus on huanglongbing (HLB) disease. The event will provide industry members with further knowledge and tools to assess the risk that this exotic disease poses to individual business operations.
Attendees will also learn about how a detection of an exotic citrus pest or disease would be managed in Australia under existing emergency plant pest response arrangements.
Confirmed speakers for the biosecurity symposium include US-based Nate Jameson of Brite Leaf Nursery and Etienne Rabe of Wonderful Citrus.
Jameson will explain how the citrus industry in his home state of Florida has continued operating under the cloud of citrus canker and HLB. Rabe will discuss the status of HLB and Asian citrus psyllid in California.
The biosecurity symposium audience will be comprised of citrus growers, supply service providers, researchers and policy makers.
Entry to the biosecurity symposium is free for registered congress delegates, exhibitors, sponsors and speakers.
Ideal location
The Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort at Twin Waters hosted Citrus Australia’s 2022 Technical Forum.
Hancock said the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort, which hosted Citrus Australia’s 2022 Technical Forum, would provide the perfect backdrop for the event.
“We have been intentional in our decision to hold the 2024 Australian Citrus Congress on the Sunshine Coast, away from the growing regions, to encourage growers, managers and stakeholders to step out of their businesses and immerse themselves in the opportunity to hear from leaders in their fields and network with others in a resort environment,” Hancock explained.
Hancock said the event would provide the perfect opportunity to build on the positive momentum gathering behind the industry.
“Whether you’re interested in exhibiting, sponsoring, speaking or attending as a guest, we look forward to welcoming you to the Australian Citrus Congress in 2024 and beyond,” he said.
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