CEO report UPFRONT

As the festive season approaches, Western Australia’s horticulture sector has been buzzing with activity, insight, and innovation. A series of high-impact events over recent months have spotlighted the strength, diversity, and forward-thinking nature of our industry.

Words Peter Spackman, CEO, vegetablesWA

FROM regenerative farming to agtech acceleration, and from local food promotion to strategic collaboration, these gatherings have not only showcased our growers but also deepened connections across the supply chain.

Western Australian Horticulture Update (WAHU) 2025

Held at the picturesque Mandoon Estate on October 22nd, the Western Australian Horticulture Update (WAHU) brought together the vegetablesWA’s team, Committee members, growers, and industry leaders from across the state. The event was also attended by representatives from AUSVEG, Hort Innovation, DPIRD, and a wide range of service providers and supporters.

WAHU featured a dynamic mix of guest speakers and panel discussions, but the real energy was found in the trade display arena. Here, growers and stakeholders engaged in meaningful conversations, explored new technologies, and forged partnerships that will help shape the future of horticulture in WA.

The collaborative spirit was obvious, reinforcing the importance of shared knowledge and mutual support in driving industry growth.

This year’s Meet the Buyer was a vibrant showcase of Western Australia’s finest produce.

Buy West Eat Best — Meet the Buyer

On October 21st, Crown Perth hosted WA’s largest and most diverse local food and drink trade show: the Buy West Eat Best Meet the Buyer event. With over 100 exhibitors and more than 500 attendees — including buyers, importers, chefs, sommeliers, media, and educators — the event was a vibrant showcase of Western Australia’s finest produce.

This annual gathering plays a critical role in connecting producers with key market influencers, helping to elevate the profile of locally grown, farmed, fished, and processed products.

For vegetablesWA, it was a prime opportunity to demonstrate the quality and sustainability of our growers, while building valuable commercial relationships.

Gatton AgTech Showcase

vegetablesWA facilitated the attendance of five growers from across WA’s growing regions at the Gatton AgTech Showcase — an event designed to accelerate agricultural technology adoption and leadership development. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with growers describing the experience as “invaluable.”

The showcase featured study tours, planning sessions for the upcoming Gatton Smart Farm Field Day, and a strong vegetable cohort participating in the Growing Leaders program. These initiatives are helping to build a new generation of tech-savvy, strategic growers ready to lead the industry into the future.

A standout moment was the Vegetable Cluster Workshop, where representatives from onions, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes joined forces to identify shared investment priorities.

This kind of cross-sector collaboration is essential for unlocking efficiencies and amplifying impact across the horticulture landscape.

Gatton AgTech Showcase — accelerating agricultural technology adoption and leadership development.

vegetablesWA held its Annual General Meeting on 18 November, bringing members together to review the year’s achievements and elect the committee of management for the coming year.

Leadership positions:

• Chairperson | Paul Shain (Re-elected)

• Deputy Chairperson | Maurice Grubisa (Re-elected)

• Committee members re-elected | Andrew Bogdanich, Ben Tran, Lin Lin Do, Lisa Tana, Michael Grubisa, Paul Glavocich, Pennie Patane

• New committee members | Vange Panagiotidis and Tony Colotti join the committee, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the team.

Farewell and thanks

The AGM also marked the departure of Michael Le, who chose not to renominate. Members expressed sincere appreciation for his service and contributions over the years.

With a blend of experienced leadership and new perspectives on board, the vegetablesWA is looking towards a productive and successful year ahead.

Soil Wealth ICP and the PlusOne Program

The Soil Wealth ICP team also made a strong contribution at Gatton, leading guided field walks through a cover crop exhibit featuring 12 varieties.

Growers gained practical insights into integrating cover crops into their production systems, including tips on termination methods and soil health benefits.

Meanwhile, the PlusOne Program is gaining momentum nationally, aiming to help Australians consume one additional serve of vegetables per day by 2030. With multiple projects now underway, this initiative is a powerful example of how nutrition goals and industry growth can go hand in hand.

A season of growth and recognition

This intensive focus on horticulture in the lead-up to Christmas has been welcomed across the industry. As attention grows around agriculture and vegetable production, so too does public understanding and appreciation for the work of our growers.

Through events like WAHU, Buy West Eat Best, and the Gatton Showcase, WA’s horticulture sector is not only celebrating its achievements but laying the groundwork for a more connected, innovative, and respected future.

More information
Contact Peter on 0407 545 924.