In its first year, the project focused on laying strong foundations—developing the research framework, building industry connections, and clarifying focus areas. Key achievements included early stakeholder engagement, preliminary research, collaboration with groups like AUSVEG and Melons Australia, and receiving the Peter Murphy Research Prize. Attendance at events like Hort Connections 2025 provided valuable industry insights and networking opportunities.
The team also worked towards securing ethics approval, ensuring the research meets proper standards and respects growers' rights. Moving into the next phase, a survey will be rolled out across the vegetable and melon industries to gather insights into current biosecurity practices and challenges, setting the stage for future analysis and adoption strategies.
Looking ahead, the project surveys is expected to begin in August 2025 and for more information, contact the following:
Dr Tim Clune, Senior Lecturer – Management & Marketing, La Trobe Business School,
T: (02) 6024 9853,
E:
t.clune@latrobe.edu.au
Joseph Sithole, PhD Student- Management & Marketing, La Trobe Business School,
T: +61 499 790 835,
E:
J.Sithole@latrobe.edu.au
