Protected cropping (PC) is one of Australia’s fastest-growing horticultural sectors. It encompasses fruits, vegetables, berries, leafy greens, herbs, cut flowers, nursery and medicinal cannabis as well as the aquaponics, vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) industries.
Last year’s PCA Conference In Coffs Harbour was wet but well-attended, with around 400 delegates, a packed program of speaker and panel sessions and two bustling trade-show marquees. In 2023, the annual gathering of Australia’s protected cropping industry takes place in Brisbane, Queensland and has the forward-leaning theme ‘Growing our Future’.
It will feature thought-provoking speakers, exhibitors and sponsors from around Australia and abroad, sharing their knowledge, research and innovations.
On the agenda
Attendees can expect a fresh program of speakers, training and grower discussion panels in addition to the regular conference program. PCA2023 also includes an trade show-exhibition; ample time for networking, notably at the annual PCA Conference Dinner; and the perennially popular farm tours. For program and speaker updates, click here.
Farm tours
This year’s day tours, scheduled for Thursday 20 July, will visit leading farms and agrifood businesses to the north and west of Brisbane, “offering a unique and exciting way to explore the countryside and get an up-close and personal look at the world of farming… meet the farmers, learn about the history of the land and witness the daily operations of working farm”, says PCA Chair Matt Plunkett.
The North Farm Tour takes in University of Queensland, Australian Plants Online, the Ginger Factory, and Bunya Fresh; the West Farm Tour encompasses visits to Brisbane Markets, Currey Flowers, Alegro Farms and Horticraft.
Both tours are sponsored by Hanna Instruments.
Student presenter free passes
PCA has pledged to collaborate with its partners in continuing to support full and part-time students and recent graduates in protected-cropping-related disciplines (horticulture, PC, science, sustainability) – the sector’s ‘next-gen’ cohort – in attending the conference.
To apply for a research and/or poster presentation spot at PCA2023, submit a three-minute video of your proposed presentation and/or slide of your research poster. Successful applicants get a year’s free PCA membership, free conference registration and funding to help with travel to and from the event.
For more information, and to register your interest/submit your application, click here. Note that applications must be received by COB on 24 February 2023.
Grower Trade Show free passes
A key feature of PCA2023, says PCA Chair Matt Plunkett, is “working with our partners, the allied trade and equipment suppliers to encourage greater grower attendance through subsidising up to 150 free Grower Trade Show passes. This will allow entry to our popular exhibition trade show and include tailored skills training for growers to meet the needs of the various sectors PCA represents.”
For more information about the PCA2023 Grower Trade Show and how to secure a free grower pass, email Lydia Lazar at lydia.l@asnevents.net.au.
Sponsorship and exhibiting
A range of partnership and exhibition options are available for PCA2023. To receive a copy of the prospectus, or for any partnership and exhibition enquiries, contact Lydia Lazar at lydia.l@asnevents.net.au.
Key details
This year’s PCA2023 Conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Glenelg St, South Brisbane, Queensland. View on map.
The conference is scheduled to run from Monday 17 July through to Thursday 20 July, with sessions from around 9am to 5pm daily. Save these dates to your calendar.
For information about ticket prices, earlybird and member discounts, and the registration process, click here.
Registration and further information
Register and purchase tickets here.
For further information or queries, visit the official event website or contact Jordyn at ASN Events, via email at jordyn.t@asnevents.net.au or by phone on +61 3 8658 9530.
The host
Conference host Protected Cropping Australia (PCA) is the nation’s peak protected-cropping industry body, representing commercial hydroponic, greenhouse and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) growers across Australia and enjoying a wide international following.
Lead image: PCA Chair Matt Plunkett addresses the conference audience in 2022. Credit: Merran White