An impressive group of 10 current and emerging leaders across the Australian horticulture industry have been selected for the inaugural Global Grower Leaders Program.

The program is jointly delivered by International Fresh Produce Association A-NZ (IFPA A-NZ), in partnership with Hort Innovation, to strengthen the future of Australian horticulture.

The inaugural Global Grower Leaders cohort is: John Tselekidis, Mitolo Family Farms (SA); Ashlee Kilmartin, Nutrano Produce Group (VIC); Rick Butler, Butler Market Gardens (VIC); Craig Taylor, FT Farming Group (QLD); Nicky Mann, Family Fresh Farms (NSW); Joseph Kenny, Muirs (SA); Sam Hood, Rugby Farming Group (QLD); Cameron Carter, Seeka Limited (NSW); Maryanne Babic, Freshmax Services and Trading (VIC); Jayden Wensing, Hort Innovation (NSW).

Participants will undertake a curated study tour to Florida, USA, centred around the Global Produce and Floral Show 2026, providing unique access to global leaders, emerging technologies, sustainability initiatives, retail environments, international supply chains and tailored mentoring.

IFPA A-NZ Chair Dean Gall said the program would build leadership capability across Australia's fresh produce supply chain, while fostering international relationships and knowledge-sharing.

"Investing in people and international collaboration is one of the most powerful ways we can support long-term growth and resilience across the sector," he said.

“We are providing a world-class learning experience and, importantly, creating pathways to make sure the knowledge and insights gained are translated into practical outcomes that benefit the broader horticulture sector.”

The inaugural cohort represents a diverse cross-section of Australian horticulture, spanning growing, agronomy, supply chain, export, category management, protected cropping and industry development.

Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield said participants were selected for their leadership potential, commitment to industry advancement and willingness to share learnings across the sector.

“Throughout the program, participants will explore topics including automation, workforce development, sustainability, protected cropping, export growth, consumer demand, retail partnerships, varietal innovation, data-driven decision making and supply chain resilience,” he said.

“Insights gained from the study tour will be shared with the wider industry to help build capability across Australian horticulture.”

The Global Grower Leaders project is funded through Hort Innovation Frontiers with co-investment from IFPA and contributions from the Australian Government.

It has been developed to strengthen leadership capability within Australian horticulture through structured international industry engagement.

The program combines international exposure, mentoring and practical learning to support the next generation of industry leaders.