Over the past month, Melons Australia has continued to drive progress in key areas ahead in delivering key initiatives and in preparation for upcoming events. In mid-July, I actively participated in the Hort Innovation Peak Industry Body Forum in Brisbane, reinforcing the need for strategic levy investment to deliver maximum value back to growers and levy payers. I joined industry peers and government representatives to advocate for more efficient resource allocation and transparency in levy-funded programs and also the industries call for ongoing reform in this space.
I led the 2025 Spain International Study Tour from 30th June through till 9th July. This was successfully delivered with 8 industry colleagues joining the tour, where we spent the days in the melon agriculture regions of southern Spain. The tour group was exposed to new melon varieties soon to hit the Aussie shores, new products being developed in support of increased melon quality and harvest indicators, along with vast green house production of melons and other vegetable varieties in the Almeria region. We met with growers and cooperatives who are branding, marketing and setting their products up for success in meeting the consumer requirements, including juicing, labels and laser etching! And we also saw in field application and production lines of new crop protection materials – all of which were of great interest to our tour attendees. Our team will now prepare a report following the conclusion of the tour for all to appreciate the insights gained – stay tuned!
Melons Australia have also proudly sponsored the upcoming Taste of the Kimberley event, taking place mid‑August in Kununurra, WA. Our sponsorship recognised the event as an opportunity to showcase melon growers and highlight the Kimberley’s importance to Australian fresh-produce supply chains. If there are other regional events that we should consider being involved in, then please reach out to myself and the team.
We have also continued to reflect back to our 2025 Australian Melon Conference, held on 4 June, and its momentum continues to resonate. Follow-up discussions and content have been shared widely in this timeframe and we are still working to release a video recording of the Conference for those unable to attend.
As always, if there is anything that the Melons Australia team can support or assist you with please feel free to reach out.
Melon Quality Project Update - Testing the Impact of Rough Handling on Melon Condition
New research is showing how easily melons can be damaged during handling. Tests using sensor-fitted melons revealed that even a 100mm drop onto concrete can cause forces of up to 20g—enough to cause internal bruising.
The project aims to help the industry reduce damage during transport and packing, ensuring better eating quality for consumers. The results will inform new handling guidelines to protect fruit throughout the supply chain.
Request for Proposal: Generation of data - Melon residue trials, dimethoate for post-harvest use
Hort Innovation is seeking a suitably qualified, experienced and capable delivery partner for the project: Generation of data - Melon residue trials, dimethoate for post-harvest use (VM25001).
The objectives of the services being sought are:
Generation of required dimethoate and omethoate residue data in honeydew and rockmelons as requested by the APVMA in support of the renewal of minor use permit PER87065. One trial per crop (one in honeydew melon and one in rockmelon) is required.
Hort Innovation has prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) document that provides background information, outlines the scope of services, the procurement process and the information required from interested parties.
The RFP may be downloaded from www.tenders.net (you will need to be a member of tenders.net to access this information).
The closing date for responses is August 11, 3:00PM (AEST).
Melon Industry Boosts Biosecurity Readiness Through New Project
Plant Health Australia (PHA), in partnership with Melons Australia, has launched a new three-year project funded by the Horticulture Innovation melon levy. This initiative aims to strengthen the industry's ability to respond quickly and effectively to any new pests or diseases that may enter Australia. The project combines PHA’s expertise in biosecurity planning with the knowledge of pest and disease specialists from key government agencies and the melon industry itself to tackle these emerging threats.
A key component of the project is the review and update of the industry's Biosecurity Plan. Originally developed in 2018, the current plan needs to be revised to ensure it reflects the latest information about the pests that pose the highest risk to the melon industry and supports ongoing efforts to boost preparedness.
After updating the Plan, the project team will work on filling any gaps identified in the accompanying Action Plan. They’ll also create new practical resources for growers to help them understand how to protect their crops from exotic pests and manage any outbreaks effectively should they occur.
This update provides valuable insights into the regulatory threats facing agrichemicals currently approved for managing pests and diseases in melon crops. They also support strategic initiatives aimed at addressing pest management gaps across the industry.
Since the HARPS standard was introduced in 2016, industry discussions have focused on audit delivery, accuracy, consistency, and cost. To better understand these concerns and enhance the audit process for growers and suppliers, the HARPS Retailer Committee has introduced post-audit surveys to gather valuable feedback.
Following your audit, you’ll receive an email with your HARPS Certificate, final audit report, and a link to the survey. HARPS encourage you to take a few moments to share your thoughts and help shape future improvements.
The Canzirri family farm in Carabooda, WA, is focused on producing top-quality vegetables and melons for premium markets. Growing crops year-round, they face challenges like extreme heat and persistent diseases.
To combat powdery mildew in melons, they introduced Verpixo® Adavelt® active, a new fungicide, into their program with strong results. It’s now a key part of their disease management and will also be trialled on lettuce to help control sclerotinia.
Farmsafe’s campaign is encouraging all of those working and living on farms to build safety into the plan, not just bolt it on later.
Tips include:
Build Buffer Time: Don’t schedule work down to the last minute. Build in margins for weather, equipment delays or staff needs. Quick Huddles Before High-Pressure Jobs: Even a 5-minute chat before starting a big job can clarify roles, spot risks, and set the tone.
Know Your Pressure Points: Identify when you’re most likely to cut corners. Is it late in the day? Before knock-off? When contractors are on site?
Say No to ‘Just This Once’ Thinking: Create a culture where safety doesn’t get flexible just because the clock is ticking.
Pause for the Plan: A few minutes of planning can save hours of re-doing a job later, or even prevent a tragedy.
Whether you're working in research, agtech, sustainability, or food systems innovation, if you're creating impact, this is your opportunity to go further.
Caring for Country Music Competition - promoting biosecurity through song and dance
The 2025 Caring for Country Music Competitionis now open.This initiative, which is part of the Commonwealth's Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy (NABS), is a creative and engaging way to encourage participation and learning about biosecurity through music and dance. It would be great to see some plant biosecurity - or even melon-specific - themed entries! Our very own Biosecurity Officer, Jo is a guest judge.
Key details:
🎶 Residents of WA, QLD, and NT are invited to submit original songs or dance videos that celebrate caring for country and promote biosecurity.
🗓️ Entries open: Monday 14 July - Sunday 5 October 2025
Hort Innovation is seeking two new non-executive directors to join its skills-based Board. The ideal candidate for the role will have expertise in financial reporting, corporate finance, risk, strategy, and horticulture production and supply chains.
Applications close Friday 1 August 2025 and must be submitted via Rimfire Resources. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in September, with final nominations announced ahead of the November AGM.
DRONES IN AG: Berries Australia Webinar - current legislation & industry issues
Berries Australia are running a webinar on current legislation & industry issues.
This session is designed for growers to increase their knowledge of legislation around drones, and the challenges facing industry.
Mark Lewis, Senior CASA Inspector, Regulatory Oversight Division
Drones are increasingly becoming a valuable tool for modern farming, but with this technology comes a need to understand the rules. In this webinar Mark will take a practical look at what growers need to know before taking flight including:
A basic run down of drone legislation – where can I fly, do I need to register, what licensing (if any) do I need?
Herbicide spraying using drones – Risks vs Benefits
Flying over other people’s land, business and national forests
Flying drones under the influence of drugs/alcohol
Am I responsible for any breaches of legislation a contracted drone operator may make?
How quickly is drone technology evolving?
Leoni Kojetin, Industry Development Manager, Australian Macadamia Society
Drone spraying and growers – the benefits of aerial application, regulatory gaps, useful information, and what Macadamias are doing to advocate for farmers.
Taste of the Kimberley is a celebration of the region's vital agriculture and food production, set against its stunning natural landscapes and rich indigenous heritage.
This event highlights the importance of local farming traditions through a series of food-focused experiences, showcasing the Kimberley's unique contributions to Australia's agricultural sector.
This year Melons Australia is sponsoring the event so if you can, go and support the event and you will also have the opportunity to taste some value added melon products supporting the fight food waste campaign!
This year’s theme - Transformative Farming Efficiency, brings the future of farming into focus, right now, with bold ideas, practical solutions, and powerful voices from across the agriculture sector.
View the released Speaker Line-up(with more to come) and Agendato begin planning your three days of cutting-edge content across 39+ sessions, expert-led discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.
The event is focused on the innovations accelerating growth in farming practices, explore collaborations driving farm resilience and hear directly from farmers about what’s working and the challenges still to overcome.
Secure your Early Bird Conference Ticket for just $180 and get full access to the Main Stage, Expo Theatre, Exhibition and Networking Drink.
Is your soil working for you? Join the Soil Health Masterclass
Join the Soil Wealth ICP team for a practical, hands-on Soil Health Masterclass, tailored specifically for vegetable and melon growers, as well as agronomists.
Across two days, you’ll gain practical insights into soil biology, learn tools to improve soil structure and function, and leave equipped to enhance both productivity and sustainability on-farm.
The Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium will be held virtually on Friday, 29 August, offering a morning of engaging discussions, real-world leadership stories, and practical development sessions tailored to support and empower women leaders across Australia.
The program features a diverse lineup of speakers and a high-impact leadership session focused on building confidence, influence, and connection in leadership roles.
Two funded places are available for women involved in the melon industry to attend this event. Those interested in applying for a funded place can contact comms@melonsaustralia.org.au.
Back by popular demand –the Gatton AgTech Showcase returns 15th & 16th October 2025.The Showcase will deliver an expanded program over the two-day event featuring:
More live and static field AgTech and machinery demonstrations as well as exhibition displays
Official launch of DPI’s Centre for Mild Winter Climate Protected Cropping. And a dedicated protected cropping showcase with the support of NFF’s National Horticulture Roadshow
AgTech speaker and student immersion program
As a national, grower-focused event, the Gatton AgTech Showcase is expected to attract growers from all over Australia, with even greater international reach in 2025. Organisers are gearing up for 1,500 attendees across the two-day event.
From farmers navigating floods and droughts, to industry leaders driving innovation and sustainability, AgXchange is where the full supply chain comes together to tackle the challenges that matter. Across two dynamic days, you’ll:
✅ Gain practical insights from producers and experts
✅ Connect with 600+ people shaping the future of food & fibre
✅ Hear unfiltered conversations about risk, resilience and opportunity
✅ Build partnerships across agri-business, policy, research and community
Who should attend? Farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, researchers, consultants, service providers, manufacturers - anyone invested in the future of Australian agriculture.
📅 23 September - 25 September 2025
📍 Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD
🚜 Farmer & NFF Member: Discounted access for NFF members
🧑🎓 Emerging Leaders: Special rates for under 35s
🧭 One Day Passes: Flexibility to suit your schedule
