VICVID 2026

The VegNET WA team recently swapped Perth sunshine for raincoats and muddy boots, heading east to attend VicVid 26 on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Words Lisa Hasson, Regional Support Officer, vegetablesWA

HELD over two days at Taranto Farms in Tyabb, VicVID 2026 brought together growers, researchers, industry representatives and service providers from across Australia to showcase the latest developments in vegetable production, technology and innovation. Delivered by AUSVEG VIC, VegNET Victoria and Stuart Grigg Ag-Hort Consulting, the event featured field demonstrations, machinery displays, crop trials and extensive networking opportunities.

For the WA team, the trip also provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with fellow VegNET Regional Development Officers from across the country, sharing ideas, discussing regional priorities and comparing the challenges currently facing growers in different production regions.

While many industry issues are shared nationally including labour shortages, rising input costs and the increasing need for practical technology adoption, the Victorian weather was certainly a reminder that growing conditions can vary significantly across Australia.

Rain, cold winds, and even overnight hail swept across the event over the two days, creating conditions vastly different from a typical Perth autumn. Despite the weather, the event continued in true horticulture fashion, with muddy boots, warm coffees, and plenty of conversation becoming part of the experience.

A major focus throughout VicVID 2026 was the rapid advancement of agricultural technology and automation within the vegetable industry. Across both the field demonstrations and trade displays, growers had the opportunity to see emerging technologies designed to improve labour efficiency, reduce chemical use and support more targeted farm management.

Autonomous and AI-driven technologies attracted significant attention, including precision spraying systems from Carbon Robotics and Kilter, alongside AI-enabled spot spraying and camera-guided weed detection systems.

Drone technology also featured strongly throughout the event, reflecting the growing interest in practical automation solutions within Australian horticulture.

Within the trade showcase, attendees were also introduced to several technologies still in development, including autonomous blanket spraying systems and AI-powered produce quality assessment tools aimed at improving grading consistency and post-harvest efficiency.

Across the site, attendees explored a wide range of crop trials, seed genetics, machinery and agtech demonstrations, with companies showcasing innovations aimed at improving productivity, efficiency, and crop performance. Variety demonstrations across crops including lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, celery, and leafy vegetables allowed growers to compare performance side-by-side under commercial growing conditions.

For the VegNET WA team, VicVID 2026 reinforced the value of national collaboration and the importance of staying connected to broader industry developments. Events like these provide an opportunity not only to see emerging technologies and production systems firsthand, but also to bring ideas and insights back to WA growers.

Most importantly, the event once again highlighted the strength of the Australian vegetable industry, with growers and industry continuing to show up, connect and share knowledge — rain, hail or shine.