For nearly four decades, AgLink has supported Australian growers in their mission to produce safe, high-quality, and sustainable food and fibre. Originally a national network of 13 independent agribusinesses operating across more than 230 sites, AgLink has built a reputation for providing trusted agronomy and animal production advice, underpinned by reliable product supply and deep technical expertise.

Today, that same spirit of collaboration and progress is propelling AgLink onto the world stage.

AgLink International was born out of a 2018 meeting with likeminded organisations in the United States, and formally launched the following year. Since then, it has grown into a powerful alliance representing 115 independent agricultural retailers across 17 countries, collectively generating over US$7 billion in revenue.

Its founding members include AgLink Australia, AgLink Canada, IAP (USA), and AgriRede (Brazil). Most recently, the alliance welcomed Novafield from Europe and ICD from New Zealand, strengthening its presence across key global agricultural markets.

Ian Scutt, CEO of AgLink Australia and Chair of AgLink International, explains that the organisation’s purpose is to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange across borders while maintaining the unique identity of each member business.

“AgLink International is a platform for progress. It gives independent retailers access to global resources and ideas, while preserving the local expertise and culture that make each member successful,” Ian says.

One of the most impactful initiatives has been AgLink International’s staff exchange program. Initially launched with AgLink Canada, this four-week exchange enables employees to immerse themselves in different farming systems and environments.

“The results have been transformational,” Ian says. “The exposure to different ways of working has broadened perspectives, deepened technical knowledge, and built stronger relationships between participants. It’s lifting both confidence and capability across the network.”

In addition to staff development, AgLink International is focused on strategic areas such as:

• Market insights and global supplier and retail trends
• Member networking, knowledge sharing and study tours
• Agricultural technology (digitalisation) and innovations in agronomy, bio-stimulants and biopesticides.

While the alliance has thus far prioritised non-commercial benefits—such as professional development, technology trials, and knowledge transfer—Ian notes that its scale also presents commercial opportunities for the future.

“We’ve laid the foundation through trust and collaboration,” he says. “Now we’re in a position to explore how our collective strength can unlock even greater value for members.”

AgLink’s journey began in 1986, when three leading horticultural businesses—EE Muir & Sons, Serve-Ag, and IK Caldwell—formed a collaborative group known as IHD (Independent Horticultural Distributors). The group evolved into AgLink in 2012, built on values of technical excellence, shared knowledge, and a unified voice for independents.

From its earliest days, AgLink has worked closely with agricultural chemical suppliers to ensure independent retailers’ voices are heard. That commitment to influence, innovation, and integrity remains central today—both in Australia and around the globe.

AgLink International is not just a network—it’s a movement. One that is helping to shape the future of agriculture through global collaboration and local action.