Melons Australia's CEO Update


This past month has been extremely busy for our Melons Australia team, with many different priorities on hand. We have been working frantically to finalise the agenda for the upcoming 4th June 2025 return of the Australian Melon Conference, which is set to be an event not to be missed. We are excited to announce that we will have Juliemar Rosado, Director of Retail and International Marketing at the US National Watermelon Promotion Board, coming to present our keynote speech at the conference. Alongside a really engaging and exciting lineup of speakers throughout the day – the full program will be released online soon.

If you’re coming along to the conference – make sure you book your tickets ASAP HERE as we do not have unlimited capacity. While you’re at it, we would love to have as many industry folks as possible at our 30th Anniversary of the Australian Melon Association following the conference on the evening of Wednesday 4th June, so grab a ticket HERE to that too for just $50 and join us for an evening of networking, music, melon inspired treats and entertainment.

We are well on track in delivering our upcoming Study Tour to Spain from 30th June – 9th July, with our tour group selected by the PRG, bookings well underway and now the finer details of securing our specific meetings and visits into the run sheet. I look forward to reporting more on this soon!

On Tuesday 29th April 2025, I had the pleasure of hosting our latest Melon RD&E Webinar update, we certainly appreciate the strong turnout. I wish to record my thanks to the Melons Australia team for the organisation of this event, to our project update speakers and to the attendees – what a brilliant way to share timely updates of four projects being progressed. Please enjoy the webinar recording which is presented further on in this edition of Melon E-News.

And finally, we are now also starting to shift our focus to planning for events, activities and priorities for the 2nd half of 2025. We are considering the recommencement of our roadshow series in late 2025 and will announce further details, location, timing etc when they become available.

As always, if there is anything that the Melons Australia team can support or assist you with please feel free to reach out.

Johnathon Davey CEO

E: ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au

P: +61 407 032 023

www.melonsaustralia.org.au

Melons RD&E Project Update Webinar


Missed the Melons Australia Webinar? Watch the Recording Now!

Melons Australia recently hosted a one-hour webinar providing updates on several melon levy-funded projects. If you weren’t able to join us live, the full recording is now available on our website.

The webinar includes brief 10-minute presentations from project leads on the following initiatives:
  • Identification and Management of a Fungal Disease Complex in Melons (VM22001): Gummy stem blight and anthracnose in melons – What are your risk factors?
  • Melon Food Safety Monitoring and Support – Phase II (VM24001)
  • Strengthening the Sustainability of Melon Production (VM23001)
  • Melon Quality Improvement Program (VM23002)
 

This is a great opportunity to see how your levy funds are being used to support the industry.

Second Phase of NIR Measurement Testing Underway - Melon Quality Project Update


The search for viable non-destructive maturity measurement using Near Infra-Red (NIR) technology has entered its second phase. The evaluation of five different NIR instrument models during the first phase of the testing has identified one that may be suitable for rockmelons and honeydew and two that may be suitable for measuring watermelon.

Non-destructive testing using these short-listed NIR model options will now be carried out in conjunction with traditional destructive measurement testing protocols during the routine project inspections. This comparison testing will enable the project team to validate the precision and accuracy of each NIR option and whether they can recommend them as suitable alternatives.

Project Lead, Mark Loeffen says, “There’s been a lot of interest from growers and distribution centres for a reliable non-destructive measurement option to help reduce sampling costs and food waste. We have started by evaluating the available NIR options and may look at other non-destructive technologies if they look like they may offer a workable solution and are available for testing.”

Varroa Update


The Varroa destructor mite has now been confirmed in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT, with the latest detection in Queensland’s Lockyer Valley in March 2025. In September 2023, the National Management Group announced that eradication was no longer possible and endorsed a shift to a Transition to Management (T2M) phase in February 2024. This program aims to slow the spread of the mite, build industry resilience, and provide effective management strategies, including IPM and chemical control options, while supporting pollination security.

Varroa Development Officers have been appointed across all states and territories to work with beekeepers on best practices and monitoring programs. The T2M program will run until February 2026, helping the industry adapt to living with Varroa.

For more information about the T2M plan go to National Varroa Mite Management Program

For a list of the VDOs in all states and territories go to > Varroa Development Officers — National Varroa Mite Management Program

For access to the National Pollination Coordinator (tasked with assisting pollination dependent industries) go to Pollination Coordinator — National Varroa Mite Management Program

New Food Safety Standards for Victorian berry, melon and leafy vegetable producers and primary producers


New Food Safety Standards Now in Effect
New national food safety standards for berries, leafy vegetables, and melons came into effect on 12 February 2025. These are regulated in Victoria by Agriculture Victoria.

What You Need to Do:
  • Register with Agriculture Victoria via the Agriculture Victoria Connect portal – this is a legal requirement.
  • Compliance enforcement for unregistered growers begins 1 July 2025, with support offered beforehand.
 

Registration is easy in a few steps
  1. Businesses are required to log into Agriculture Victoria Connect to complete their food safety registration.
  2. To register your business on Agriculture Victoria Connect, you must first register as an individual and create a user account. To do this, watch our quick video tutorials: How to create an account and then Create your profile.
  3. Once you have created your account, you can register your business by following the video on How to add a business and then how to Manage your business roles.
  4. If your business is Freshcare Certified, you will need to opt-in and provide consent via your profile on the Freshcare website, prior to registration with Agriculture Victoria.  There may be a delay for this to register in Agriculture Victoria Connect.
  5. Follow the prompts to complete your relevant food safety registration pathway.
  6. The 50% discount will have already been applied to the total shown in the summary and payment sections. The registration fee is non-refundable.
  7. Your registration will be valid for 12 months from the approval date. As the renewal date approaches, you will be sent a reminder.
  8. More information on registration, including the registration cost structure and how other jurisdictions are implementing the standards, can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Support for Primary Producers Affected by Western Queensland Floods


Report damage

Primary producers and agribusinesses impacted by the Western Queensland floods are requested to report damage or losses via the Disaster Impact Survey.

Reports help determine if additional assistance is needed to support our industries’ recovery needs. You need to include date-stamped photos, which most phone cameras do automatically.

Financial assistance

Financial recovery assistance is now available for primary producers and agribusinesses.

Primary producers and agribusinesses in eligible local government areas may be able to access financial assistance including:
 

For loan applications and eligibility details visit QRIDA or call 1800 623 946. For information and advice on livestock affected by flooding, crop recovery after flooding and additional resources, please visit Agriculture recovery after flooding and high rainfall | Business Queensland.

You can also contact DPI on 13 25 23.

Mataranka Regional Roadshow


NT Farmers invites you to the Northern Australia Food Futures Regional Roadshow in Mataranka on the 27th and 28th of May.

This dynamic event will bring together all sectors of the agricultural industry featuring:
  • Half-day field trip showcasing local agricultural innovations;
  • An interactive forum exploring regional challenges and opportunities;
  • Discussions on sustainable development and innovative farming techniques; and
  • Networking opportunities with industry leaders, researchers, local growers, and experts.
 

The roadshow is open to farmers, researchers, investors, local producers, and anyone passionate about agricultural innovation.

Attendees can register for:
  • The Information and Workshop Day (27th May);
  • FREE Welcome Drinks and BBQ Dinner at The Mataranka Homestead (27th May);
  • The Half-Day Industry Tour of Mataranka and surrounds (28th May).
 

This project is hosted by NT Farmers and proudly supported by FRRR, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Be part of the conversation driving agricultural transformation across Northern Australia!

Australian Melon Conference 2025


The Melon Conference 2025 is set to deliver a bold, future-focused agenda designed to challenge, inform, and inspire. The day will be packed with insightful discussions, industry updates, and networking opportunities.

Location: Rydges Southbank, Brisbane

Date: Wednesday 4th June 2025

Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

💡 Registration is FREE for all within the melon industry, but spaces are limited. Register now to secure your spot!
Bringing the kids? We’ve got you covered!

To make attending easier for families, on-site child-minding and babysitting services will be available. Just let us know your child’s name and age, and we’ll take care of the rest! To book this service, contact Courtney at 📧 comms@melonsaustralia.org.au

Melons Australia's 30th Anniversary


After the conference, join us for the Australian Melon Association Inc. 30th Anniversary Celebration! 🎊 This exclusive cocktail event on Wednesday evening is the perfect opportunity to reflect on 30 years of industry growth, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and connect with fellow industry professionals.

Location: Rydges Southbank, Brisbane

Date: Wednesday 4th June 2025

Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

🎟️ Tickets are just $50 per person, but numbers are strictly limited. Don’t miss out – grab yours today!
Bringing the kids? We’ve got you covered!

To make attending easier for families, on-site child-minding and babysitting services will be available. Just let us know your child’s name and age, and we’ll take care of the rest! To book this service, contact Courtney at 📧 comms@melonsaustralia.org.au.

Hort Connections 2025


Come along to the return of the Australian Melon Conference (Wednesday 4th June 2025) and then stay on in Brisbane for Hort Connections 2025.

Hort Connections 2025 promises to deliver even more opportunities to:
  • Grow your network, knowledge, and business with access to world-class educational content and networking events,
  • Connect with industry professionals, including growers, packers, processors, retailers, researchers, and industry leaders,
  • Thrive through innovative horticulture practices, new sustainability solutions, agtech advances, emerging horticulture trends or alternative opportunities.
 

Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Date: Wednesday 4th – Friday 6th June 2025

International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium 2025


The 2025 International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium (#IFPSS25) will be held on 29–30 July at Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach, following the success of its 2024 debut. The event will feature two days of expert-led sessions focused on fresh produce safety across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. Topics will include risk assessment, pathogen control, traceability, and innovative technologies. Attendees can also expect networking opportunities and an interactive exhibition showcasing the latest in food safety solutions.

Location: Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach

Date: Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 July 2025


Contact:

Melons Australia

E: ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au

Copyright © 2023 Melons Australia

All rights reserved.

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