Affectus

09/09/2026

'26 Growing Leaders Mission and Project Launch tomorrow @ 1.30pm AEST.

Be here! We will be live streaming.

31/08/2026

What a great opportunity...

Expressions of Interest are now open for vegetable levy payers and vegetable industry stakeholders to participate in the Horticultural Insights Study Tour of New Zealand, running approximately 1–11 November 2026.

09/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Sugeesha Diunugala - Kialla, VIC

I am a results-driven Farm Manager with over 13 years of experience in agricultural operations and leadership. Currently overseeing harvest operations at one of Australia’s largest hydroponic facilities, I lead diverse teams to deliver high-performance outcomes in quality, safety, and productivity. With a background in Agricultural Technology, an MBA in Marketing, and a Diploma in Human Resource Management, I combine technical expertise with strong people leadership. Passionate about continuous improvement and team development, I am committed to strengthening the vegetable industry through innovation, collaboration, and building capable future leaders within his workplace and community.

09/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Sophia Thach - Eveleigh, NSW

I am an early career researcher and project Manager for Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection, the national extension and communications project supporting Australia’s vegetable industry. I am participating in the 2026 Growing Leaders program to strengthen my leadership, communication and change-management skills so I can lead high-performing teams and deliver greater impact across horticulture projects. My vision is a resilient, profitable vegetable industry built on simple, evidence-based systems that improve soil and crop health, reduce costs, and support long-term sustainability and industry-led innovation.

08/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Richelle Kelly - Bowen, QLD, 4805

I have been working with BGGA as the VegNET Regional Development Officer since late 2024, but I have a long background in agriculture. I grew up on a sugarcane farm in NQ before completing a communications degree and returning to work on the farm for 10 years. I then worked for a sugarcane agronomy firm before moving to this role in vegetables. I enjoy the challenge of horticulture, and working with the growers and my team to learn and develop in the industry i find to be rewarding.

07/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Nina Morozenko - Warragul, VIC

Hi. I am Nina Morozenko. I am a Head Grower at Flavorite farm.
I am participating in 2026 Growing Leaders to challenge myself and enhance my knowledge in leadership.

06/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Nikola Manchev - Warragul, VIC

I am a National Sales and Technical Specialist at Boomaroo Nurseries, working closely with vegetable growers to improve seedling performance, crop reliability and commercial outcomes. My role bridges technical agronomy and sales, focusing on practical solutions, innovation and long-term partnerships. I like identifying opportunities for improvement and turning ideas into measurable results. Originally from Europe and now based in regional Victoria, I value hard work, resilience and continuous growth. Outside of work, I’m a husband and father of 9 year old girl and 10 year old boy, which doesn’t leave me much time for my motorbike.

02/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Natasha Schultz - Blenheim, QLD, 4341

I am an agronomist with Elders Gatton in the Lockyer Valley, supporting vegetable and horticulture producers across the region. Coming from a farming family, I understand firsthand the challenges and rewards of agricultural life, which shapes the practical, grounded advice I provide. I work closely with growers on crop nutrition, soil health, and pest and disease management to improve productivity and sustainability. I am passionate about building strong relationships and delivering solutions that are both economically sound and environmentally responsible.

02/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Mendurim Selimovski - Dandenong, VIC, 3175

Arriving in Australia in 2000 as an immigrant, I joined Schreurs & Sons as a celery packer. Over time, I have managed to work my way up to my current role of Production Manager. I am taking part in Growing Leaders as I want to improve my supervisory skills so that I can get the most out of my team, ensuring that they can continue to develop in their roles and drive change within the business. I want to help ensure that the vegetable industry can continue to grow healthy and safe vegetables in a sustainable and economically viable way.

01/04/2026

Meet the 2026 Growing Leaders.

Josh Cranwell - Milang, SA

Josh Cranwell is a sixth-generation vegetable grower from South Australia, part of a family-run multi-crop farm best known for producing Brussels sprouts. He values the farm’s history and is focused on keeping it strong for the next generation. Josh is participating in the 2026 Growing Leaders program to challenge his thinking and strengthen his leadership skills. He wants to play a role in improving standards and adopting practical innovation to keep farming strong into the future.