Melons Australia's CEO Update


Welcome to this latest edition of Melon E-News, and I trust that you have had an opportunity to read and enjoy the Winter 2026 edition of Melon News. For those who haven’t seen this as yet, it can be viewed here: https://www.melonsaustralia.org.au/news-and-resources/publications/magazine

Since our last E-News, our team has been working away on a number of key work streams, including the program and logistics for the 2026 Australian Melon Conference, melon industry promotions and consumer engagement opportunities (more to come on this over the next few weeks), along with industry representation and engagement at Hort Innovations July Peak Industry Body Forum.

We continue to see strong interest in, and tickets being purchased ahead of the 2026 Australian Melon Conference, taking place from 7–9 October 2026. Get your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/australian-melon-conference-2026, and if you have any questions about the conference, field day or the program, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

We’re keen to unpack the impact and support needed for growers through the ongoing spread of Varroa mite in Australia, with several key projects underway or being established. One opportunity we recommend growers engage in is the NFF Hort Council webinar exploring pollination security, what growers need to know about working with commercial beekeepers in a Varroa environment, and how to plan ahead for future pollination needs. This webinar is being held next Wednesday, the 5thAugust 2026, from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm (AEST) – make sure you register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/fd308a06-6960-4cff-a4f0-c2346b32f88e@7a386100-22f6-4adc-b20a-22dec1256272

If there is anything that the Melons Australia team can support or assist you with feel free to reach out.

Johnathon Davey - CEO

E: ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au

P: +61 407 032 023

www.melonsaustralia.org.au

Australian Melon Conference Agenda Now Online


We're excited to announce that the provisional draft agenda is now available for the 2026 Australian Melon Conference & National Melon Field Day, taking place from 7–9 October 2026 across Ayr and Townsville, Queensland. This is evolving rapidly as speakers and the program areas are locked in.

This year's event will bring together growers, researchers, industry leaders and agribusinesses from across Australia for three days focused on Cultivating Tomorrow: Insights, Market & Innovation.

The program has been designed to provide practical insights, valuable networking opportunities and the latest developments shaping the Australian melon industry.

Highlights include:
  • Australian Melon Field Day – featuring variety trials from leading seed companies, technology demonstrations, protected cropping trials and the latest     research and innovation.
  • Research Update & Strategic Workshop – exploring biosecurity, compliance, marketing, export opportunities, levy reform and future industry priorities.
  • 2-Day Trade Show – showcasing the latest products, services and technologies supporting melon production.
  • Gala Dinner – an evening of networking and celebration with colleagues from      across the industry.
  • Conference Program – presentations from industry experts covering market insights, consumer engagement, sustainability, innovation and the future direction of the Australian melon industry.
 

Whether you're a grower, researcher, supplier or industry stakeholder, this event offers an outstanding opportunity to connect with peers, discover new ideas and contribute to the future of Australia's melon industry.

We encourage you to review the full agenda and register early to secure your place.

Planning pollination post-varroa — webinar


The NFF Horticulture Council and the Australian Honeybee Industry Council (AHBIC) will host a public webinar on 5 August 2026 to help growers prepare for the changing pollination landscape following the spread of varroa mite across Australia's eastern states.

The session will provide practical advice from apiarists and industry experts on the spread of varroa, securing hives and pollination services, managing pollination costs, and on-farm actions growers can take to support hive health and pollination security. The webinar is relevant to all growers who rely on bee pollination, including fruit, nut and berry producers.

Plant Export Industry Notice


IAN 2026-42: Plant Exports – Export documentation system email address change

The purpose of this IAN is to inform plant export clients and stakeholders of an update to the email contact details for the Export Documentation System (EXDOC) Plant Program.

Important information: Micor platform migration on Thursday, 16 July 2026


The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is launching a new Micor platform on Friday, 17 July 2026.

Key dates:
  • The current platform will be unavailable from 8:00 pm AEST on Thursday, 16 July until 6:00 am AEST on Friday, 17 July 2026.
  • The new platform will be available from 6:00 am AEST on Friday, 17 July.
 

What you need to know:
  • The Micor website address will remain the same.
  • Existing content, newsletter subscriptions and the overall platform layout will remain largely unchanged.
  • Users accessing public information do not need an account or Two-Factor Authentication (TFA).
  • Users accessing password-protected content will need to reset their password and set up TFA after the new platform goes live.
  • If you have bookmarked specific country or case pages, these will need to be recreated, as the page links will change.
 

Help resources, including user guides and FAQs, will be available after launch on the Micor website.

Ag Trade Apprenticeship - Survey to confirm support and interest


The National Farmers’ Federation is seeking feedback on a proposed new agricultural trade apprenticeship. The trade apprenticeship has the potential to improve the industry’s capacity to highlight its diverse career pathways and recruit and retain its future workforce. This survey was developed by Ag’s JSC Skills Insight and is a vital part in showing industry support for a dedicated Ag Trade Apprenticeship. If you have 10 mins to share your views on how Ag can ensure a safe, productive and dedicated workforce please click the link below.

Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarship


If you're a young Victorian farmer looking to develop your skills and invest in your future, applications are now open for the Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship.

The scholarship provides up to $10,000 in funding, including up to $5,000 for education or training and up to $5,000 to implement your new skills through on-farm improvements or professional development.

This is a great opportunity to build knowledge, strengthen your business and support the future of your farming enterprise.

Applications close 14 August 2026. Find out more and apply via the Victorian Government's Young Farmers Scholarships webpage.

Melon Quality Improvement Project - Understanding Regional Differences in Melon Maturity


The Melon Quality Improvement Project is investigating why melons grown in northern regions show varied maturity results. Monitoring data continues to highlight noticeable differences in the proportion of fruit meeting minimum maturity standards between regions, prompting a deeper look into the underlying causes.

Initial analysis explored whether climatic variability might be influencing maturity development. However, comparisons of average daily temperatures, rainfall, and daylight hours across two northern winter growing areas found no meaningful differences, ruling out weather as the cause.

The project team is now shifting focus to a more detailed examination of maturity outcomes by region to identify other factors that may be affecting maturity. Once these influences are better understood, the project team will look at developing practical processes to help growers manage them. In regions where variability is known to occur, ongoing maturity monitoring remains essential to ensure fruit is harvested at the correct maturity.

Industry Liason Officer Training Program


Plant Health Australia (PHA), in conjunction with QDPI, will deliver Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training in Bundaberg, Queensland on 18 August 2026, registrations are now open.

Why you should attend

PHA’s ILO training is designed to provide participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively respond to biosecurity emergencies and support plant industries. By attending the training, you will:
  • learn about the incident management structure and the critical function of an ILO during a response
  • learn practical skills and knowledge to how an ILO can contribute to biosecurity response
  • connect with government stakeholders and plant industries.
 

Participants will gain practical skills and knowledge to effectively represent their industry during biosecurity emergency responses, including understanding incident management structures, the role of an ILO during a response, and opportunities to connect with government stakeholders and plant industries.

Registrations close on 3 August 2026. For further information or assistance with registration, contact the PHA training team at training@phau.com.au.

National Fruit Fly Strategy regional workshop series


Plant Health Australia is hosting a series of regional workshops to support development of the next National Fruit Fly Strategy.

Workshops will be held in Mildura 11 August, with a further session planned for southern Western Australia later in August.

These sessions will help inform future priorities, investment and biosecurity outcomes for fruit fly management in Australia.

Date: Tuesday 11 August 2026
Time: 9 am to 3 pm, with registrations open from 8:30 am
Venue: Vanden Estate Winery, Mildura

National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo


Hear real case studies from farmers using renewables to cut input costs, what the economics were and what they've learnt along the way.

This event brings together farmers, agriculture and energy consultants, peak bodies and Government representatives to share stories of on-farm renewables, their business case and discuss what’s driving the transformation of energy use in agriculture.

Large scale solar and wind developments present opportunities for farmers and regional communities if planned well with meaningful engagement around benefit sharing. These topics plus combining farming and solar, termed agrivoltaics, also forms part of the yearly Conference program.

Date:

Wednesday 12 August 2026

Time:

8am – Expo opens
9am to 5pm – Conference sessions running, followed by a wine tasting and stand up canape networking light dinner until 7.30pm.

Location:

The Greenhouse, 231-243 Anson St, Orange, NSW

Farmers only:

Afternoon gathering on 11 August, 3-5pm

Tour:

13 August 2026
See Saw organic winery solar tour
Or Flyers Creek wind farm tour



The Nuffield Australia National Conference 2026


The Nuffield Australia National Conference 2026 is heading to Darwin from 8–10 September, bringing together agricultural leaders from across Australia and around the world.

This is Nuffield’s flagship event - where ideas are shared, connections are built, and the future of agriculture is explored.

Why attend?
  • Hear from Nuffield Scholars presenting globally informed research
  • Connect with producers, agribusiness, and industry leaders
  • Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping agriculture
 

Set against the backdrop of the Northern Territory, the conference places you at the centre of key conversations around trade, biosecurity, and innovation in agriculture.

Darwin Convention Centre
8–10 September 2026

2026 Australian Melon Conference - Tickets Now Available


Dates: 7-9 October 2026

Locations: Ayr and Townsville, QLD

Contact us for exclusive accommodation rates - comms@melonsuastralia.org.au


Contact:

Melons Australia

E: ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au

Copyright © 2026 Melons Australia

All rights reserved.

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