Profile

Origins

The Australian Melon Association (AMA) was formed in 1994 at the 2nd Australian Melon Conference held in Ayr.

Delegates voted overwhelmingly to form a national melon association. It was set up as an industry organization rather than just a grower organization recognizing that all members of the industry need to work together to improve the viability and sustainability of the industry.

A committee was formed and included John Salvestrin, (Department of Agriculture, Griffith), Shaun Jackson (South Pacific Seeds), Paul Centofanti (Syngenta Seeds), Judy Greensill (Bundaberg grower), Darryl O’Leary (Chinchilla grower), Graeme Reinbott (Burdekin grower - now retired), Ross Wright (QDPI, Bowen), and Andrew Rix (Sunraysia grower). Although not present at the Conference the committee also included Tony Mancini (Griffith grower) and Joe Cummings (Kununurra grower).

Darryl O’Leary served as Chairman and Judy Greensill as Secretary/Treasurer of the Association for the first six years.

In an article printed in the Ayr newspaper at the time, Andrew Rix was quoted as saying "In the long term, the committee may direct research and development proposals and look at the introduction of an industry quality standard". He also said that "the association would provide one voice for the industry".

AMA Today

The functions of the AMA are to improve communication between members, facilitate the communication of information about important issues to industry and to represent members on issues that affect the viability of individuals and the industry as a whole.

AMA attempted to introduce a national levy to address R & D and promotional funding but this was unsuccessful.

Over the years AMA's role in the industry has increased.

The AMA now has a committee consisting of an executive of four (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer and an Executive member), plus representatives from growing regions including Burdekin, Northern Territory, Bundaberg, St George, Sunraysia and Bourke, and representatives from industry including seed companies (2), Sydney Markets, seedling production and mulch products.

The AMA co-manages the Industry Development Officer project that aims to improve the transfer of technical and industry information to industry members. Through membership fees, business sponsorships and a partnership with HAL and Growcom, AMA has employed two part time Industry Development Officers to assist AMA perform its functions. An important part of this is the distribution of the melon industry newsletter that is produced four times a year and has a distribution of over 600 (growers, packers, market agents, researchers, commercial company representatives).

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