Despite a challenging economic climate Hort Connections 26 gave growers confidence, with efficiency drivers attracting much attention.

No longer a vague promise, artificial intelligence (AI) has begun to unpack the data conundrum tree crop growers have long grappled with, driving a shift from endless measurement to efficient data driven outcomes.

The week began with a series of farm tours, including the innovative Ceravolo Orchards and Ashton Valley Fresh where AI has saved precious hours on the sorting line. Delegates observed the apples flash down the line, and to the side a small office stacked with computer monitors offering a glimpse of the technology at work, efficiently detecting blemishes or other defects.

“We used to have to run a batch of apples down the line four times to build a map,” third generation grower Tony Ceravolo said.

“We would have to do that for each crop, multiple times a year.

“AI has replaced that, and it can even detect if an apple has defects under the skin.”

Between their fresh and value-added juice venture, every minute counts.

“This is all to enhance consumer experience with our fresh products,” Tony said.

The theme of AI-led efficiency continued within the trade show at the Adelaide Convention Centre, not only amid a proliferation of supply chain partners, but as the subject of speaker sessions - including Adrian Cullen from the National AI Centre, the federal government’s lead body for focused on efficiency and safety.

“Over recent months we’ve been deep in discovery: dozens of conversations with growers, agronomists, peak bodies, agtech vendors and researchers across the value chain,” he said.

“Regional businesses adopt AI at lower rates than metro counterparts, yet agriculture is one of the strongest examples in Australia of technology producing measurable productivity gains.”

Judges for the Horticulture Awards for Excellence also recognised the importance of the technology with innovators BioScout receiving two gongs; both the John Deere AgTech & Mechanisation and UPL Tech and Innovation awards.

Led by Charles Simons, BioScout has replaced reactive disease management with the world’s first autonomous, real-time fungal surveillance network, powered by patented AI and automated microscopy.

From productivity measures to demand generation, nearly 4000 attendees welcomed progress from the Plus One Serve campaign.

In a major coup, celebrity chef and fourth generation farmer Matt Moran AM has signed on as program ambassador.

"If we can get more people adding just one extra serve of veg to their meals, that's a simple change that can make a real difference, for people's health and for the future of Australian growers,” he said.

Hort Connections continues to provide opportunities for growers and the wider industry to network, gain exposure to the latest trends, innovations and technologies, and also consider the key themes, challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

“Hort Connections 2026 once again proved to be a major success, with over 3,900 delegates attending this year’s event, including more than 1,000 growers,” AusVeg ceo Michael Coote said.

“That Hort Connections attracted so many delegates – and especially growers – shows how important the event continues to be, as the biggest and most comprehensive horticulture conference and trade show in the southern hemisphere.”

Co-hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association, Hort Connections will return to Melbourne in 2027.