The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) will bring growers and industry leaders together in Barham, NSW, for Rice Connect 2026, a refreshed two-day event designed to strengthen connections and focus on the future of the Australian rice industry.
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The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) will bring growers and industry leaders together in Barham, NSW, for Rice Connect 2026, a refreshed two-day event designed to strengthen connections and focus on the future of the Australian rice industry.
The event, to be held from August 13-14, will feature a streamlined and purposeful program, combining celebration, industry insight and opportunity for meaningful engagement.
RGA President Peter Herrmann said the streamlined format reflects a deliberate shift toward a more focused and accessible industry gathering.
“Rice Connect 2026 has been designed to bring the industry together to improve efficiency and impact,” Mr Herrmann said.
“We’re creating a space where growers, partners and leaders can connect, share ideas and focus on what’s ahead for our industry.”
The event will open on Thursday, August 13 with the Rice Industry Awards gala dinner, celebrating excellence, innovation and leadership across the sector. The gala dinner will serve as a key networking opportunity and highlight the achievements of individuals and businesses driving the industry forward.
On Friday, August 14, delegates will come together for a streamlined Rice Connect Summit, beginning with an industry breakfast and followed by a focused program of discussion and insights. The summit will incorporate the RGA AGM and member session, bringing growers together for a unified industry conversation.
Mr Herrmann said the refined format builds on the success of the established Rice Connect event, with a focus on maximising value for attendees by prioritising quality engagement over scale.
“Rice Connect has already proven its value in bringing the industry together, and this next iteration is about refining that experience,” Mr Herrmann said.
“Rather than a traditional multi-day conference, we’re concentrating the most important conversations into a shorter, more meaningful format.
“It’s about ensuring every session, every connection and every interaction delivers real value for growers and our broader industry.”
Rice Connect 2026 will be delivered in partnership with key industry stakeholders, with SunRice Group confirmed as the Platinum Partner, working alongside the RGA to bring the event to life.
The event is also supported by event sponsors including AgriFutures Australia, Nice Rice, along with Murray Irrigation, and a growing number of supporting organisations.
Further partnership opportunities remain available for organisations seeking to engage directly with growers and decision-makers.
Program details, including speakers and additional partner announcements, will be released in the coming weeks.
Television cook and author Poh Ling Yeow, a long-standing brand ambassador for SunRice Group, wowed attendees at the 2024 Rice Connect/RiceX event with a celebrity cooking demonstration showcasing her culinary expertise.
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