“This year’s theme is Growing WA: Fresh food, Sustainable futures. WAHU 2025 will explore how our state can lead the national in sustainable horticulture, food system resilience and export-ready excellence”
The biannual WA Horticulture Update presented by the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is nearly here! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Swan Valley’s Mandoon Estate, WAHU 2025 features a conference, trade show, and sundowner, bringing together growers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
Why participate?
Attendees will hear directly from industry leaders and innovators, gaining valuable insights through expert presentations and dynamic panel discussions. The program will showcase cutting-edge research and real-world case studies that celebrate WA’s exceptional produce — the pride of our state. From sustainability strategies to economic resilience, the event will explore how we can strengthen our horticultural systems for the future. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues, providers, and changemakers who are shaping the future of food and farming in WA.
Hosted by experienced Horticulture Event MC Elizabeth Brennan, a snapshot of the day includes:
Session 1 - Grant Dusting provides his expertise as a social researcher - Gazing to 2040 - WA Horticulture's role in "feeding the future"
Session 2 - Panel discussion showcasing productivity, growth, and profitability in a changing world
Session 3 - Reconnecting to our consumers - rebuilding value - demonstrating how horticulture is central to the lifestyle that Western Australians enjoy, underpining health, culture, and identity that is often taken for granted
Session 4 -Tools for tomorrow: building resilience, managing resources and measuring progress, how we can collaborate for a bright future.
Special Guest Speaker Brad Hogg
Before the Sundowner and the event concludes, Brad Hogg will share his insights and lessons learned, providing inspiration for the way forward and helping participants reflect on the key takeaways from the day.
"The journey isn’t always what it seems."
Growing up on an isolated wheat and sheep farm, the journey of pursuing "The Baggy Green Dream" involved sacrifices and overcoming obstacles. It meant finding a way in through the back door and confronting crippling insecurities. Mentorship played a crucial role in this journey, leading to victories, including two World Cups. Encounters with legends of the game spanned three decades, highlighting the intense pressure within the sport. The path wasn't always smooth; there were moments of collapse and times when he had to come back from the brink. Ultimately, he has become an accidental hero, embracing the need for reinvention along the way and inspiring others.