Chairman's report

Australian Melon Association AGM - 27^th October 2011

Welcome to the Annual General Meeting of the Australian Melon Association. In 2011, the Australian melon industry has developed into an industry with a value in excess of $170 million. Production areas have continued to expand with farms in NSW coming back on line as irrigation water has become available. In Queensland, it seems that there is less production in the Bowen and Burdekin areas but southern Queensland looks set to increase watermelon production. The Northern Territory has enjoyed good returns and continues to produce a large amount of fruit.

Early 2011 provided many challenges to melon growers due to floods in Queensland and other areas and through disease pressure from constant rainfall. The State Government funded a Flood Recovery Officer for the melon industry who was able to assess the amount of damage to the industry and to assist growers with claiming for disaster grants and low interest loans. The Association also facilitated the supply of fertilizer that was donated to flood stricken growers.

The 2011 Chinchilla Melon festival was a huge success despite the area suffering from two floods only weeks before the event. The grower's dinner was well attended and the festivities the following day attracted many visitors. Unfortunately, the field day had to be cancelled as crops were wiped out by flood and rain.

As a result of a Submission by AMA to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, melon growers will be able to continue to use dimethoate now that melons, including watermelons, have been removed from the APVMA's suspension list. This will continue for twelve months, at which point further assessments will be made about the future use of the chemical. The suspension followed the release of the 2011 Dimethoate Residues and Dietary Risk Assessment Report in August, which found that its use on many crops could exceed the recommended public health standard. The Australian Melon Association is part of the APVMA working group, and will continue to have a voice in any further developments.

Growers, researchers and industry gathered in Townsville in early July for the Melon Industry's 2011 Marketing Forum. The Forum examined national and inter-national approaches to promotion and marketing and discussed future opportunities for the melon category in Australia. Speakers from the USA and Australia were featured with opportunities for discussion of a proposed Watermelon levy. Bob Morrissey, from the United States National Watermelon Association outlined melon marketing developments and programs in the US.

Speakers such as Martin Kneebone of FreshLogic, Antony Allen from Avocados Australia, and Treena Welch, Marketing Manager for OneHarvest's "Calypso" mango presented a range of topics from the latest consumption and market data, promotional activities and the potential opportunities for watermelons.

Following the forum, AMA strongly lobbied for a marketing levy for watermelons to be introduced. A sub-committee consisting of many leading growers worked very hard to inform other growers about the advantages of such a levy. In the lead-up to the ballot the Levy Committee was very active in explaining the reasons for the proposed levy; how the funds would be managed; and the benefit to growers.

Unfortunately, those levy payers who voted in the Watermelon Levy ballot rejected the proposal by a small majority. The Executive Committee remains committed to the levy process and believes these activities are essential to maintain strong demand as expected watermelon production increases.

Despite this result, AMA has continued to push the promotion of melons. The Melbourne Market Authority is supplying school children with cut melon as part of their educational school's program. The melon is supplied free of charge from wholesalers in the Melbourne Market and coordinated through AMA. Extension of the school's program in Queensland is currently in the planning stage with Brisbane Market Limited.

Industry communications have continued to grow with the industry website hosting a range of information for all growers and a password protected section for AMA members. The latest industrial relations information, technical articles and project summaries are available. Members also now have access to twice weekly Central Market Reports on the website. This has been made possible through the generosity of Farmoz who have sponsored the cost of this project.

Growers are sent a quarterly Melon News which has recently grown from 4 pages to eight. Sponsorship from advertising has helped to offset the cost of the newsletter. The introduction of a monthly electronic newsletter to all of industry including suppliers has proved popular as more requests to join the mailing list are received. This communication gets information out to growers very quickly and provides links to further information on the website.

Women in our industry are currently taking part in a program to connect with other women from melon farms across Australia to learn more about their industry. The program includes six webinars and a workshop in Brisbane focusing on personal development and leadership. The program commenced this month and it seems the ladies are showing the way in becoming more connected within their industry.

In the research area, AMA has continued to support the industry through a number of projects and initiatives. With limited funds, the Association contributes to both cross-industry projects and melon industry development projects.

The National Horticultural Research Network consisting of all State research agencies has finalized the lead agency for all crops. The nominated research agency will play a leadership role in developing and facilitating a national approach to R&D for an industry. New South Wales is leading this role for the melon industry. AMA is looking forward to working with DPI in NSW as they provide a formal linkage for the industry.

The Australian melon industry continues to benefit from strong leadership and I would like to thank those on the Executive Committee who have shown commitment and tenacity in their efforts in the past year. We look forward to an even better year in 2012.