University of Queensland agricultural student Ben Choice hopes his scholarship to attend Asia’s leading trade show for the international fruit and vegetable industry will lead to new opportunities.
The final year agribusiness student will attend Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong next month, thanks to a scholarship provided by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Australia-New Zealand.
“I was so surprised when I received the call – I just had to call my fiancé and my parents – I just needed to let the world know,” he said.
“I can’t wait to learn more about the global horticultural industry, its key players, key issues and some of the revolutionary technologies transforming the sector.
“The Asian markets are going to be a vital market for Australian horticultural produce in the future, so it’s a no-brainer for Australian businesses to attend.”
Ben runs a cut flower business with his fiancé and works for a digital ag-tech company which offers farm management software for broad acre cropping enterprises, helping them become more efficient and profitable.
“As we enter the age of data and information sharing, our farms will need to keep up with technology to remain internationally competitive,” he said.
“UQ’s offered me some great opportunities to build my skills and experience, through teaching in innovative areas like changing agribusiness models, value chains and the application of data and technology within farming practices.”
Ben is hoping that the trade show will expand his network.
“The conference is a breeding ground for doing business, building and developing relationships and setting up vital export/import pathways,” he said.
“I’d love to connect with some key industry members to learn more about the industry, career opportunities, and see what key advice these titans of agriculture can offer to younger generations.”
Media: Ben Choice, benjamin.choice@uq.net.au, +61 427 119 282; Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.
