Melons Australia's CEO Update


Welcome to this version of Melon E-News in times where great uncertainty and significant challenges have been faced by industry. We hope this provides you with some relevant insights, and please reach out to our team if there is anything we can assist you with or any questions you may have.

The month of March 2026 has seen global impacts begin to flow on to impacting the Australian agriculture industry, including our amazing melon growers. We appreciate the insights being provided by growers on the shifts in freight, fuel and inputs availability and costs and this information is being provided directly through to Government and other sources to guide actions being undertaken. If you still wish to provide us with some insight then please call me, or complete the short survey to allow us to capture emerging needs: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6SS6XRW or scan the QR code.



I was in Canberra from 24-26th March 2026 as part of an NFF Hort Council delegation, engaging with Federal politicians to raise your concerns and drive an awareness of the impacts being felt by the Australian melon industry. These included impacts from flooding and extreme weather conditions, the impacts of the Middle East conflict, and the significant burden of compliance and costs associated.

Our team's work continues towards what we hope will be a future focussed 2026 Australian Melon Conference and Field Day, being held across 7th to 9th October 2026 in Townsville, QLD. Please reach out to myself, Joanna (biosecurity@melonsaustralia.org.au) or Courtney (comms@melonsaustralia.org.au) if you wish to discuss any element of the conference and associated events. We will be releasing tickets for sale and discounted accommodation options in the coming weeks – so please don’t wait as these specials will not last long!

Other key activities delivered this month were submissions to public comment periods in relation to the review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct and a response opposing the Federal Government’s proposal to increases in cost recovery for Horticulture exports. We welcome today’s announcement that the government will establish a fertiliser taskforce, commit to fertiliser underwriting, and defer the phased transition to full cost recovery for export regulatory services until 1 July 2027. The transition was originally scheduled to begin on 1 July 2026.

We appreciate these will seem very minor to our industry, and we look forward to engaging with industry and Government over the coming months to ensure systems being implemented are grower focused provide our communities with food security and don’t increase costs to growers.

We appreciate that some in our sector are doing it very tough, we are here to help. So please, 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

Grocery Supply Agreement


Recent updates to the Food and Grocery Code of Conduct (V3) have made it essential for all retailer agreements to be formally reviewed and signed.

Key Changes
  • New provisions to increase protections for suppliers
  • Penalties and fines now available to the ACCC
  • Updated compliant Trading Terms (GSAs) must be sent to suppliers
 

What This Means for You?

From 1 April 2026, retailers may only place orders with suppliers who have signed Code-compliant agreements.
  • Woolworths will not order from any grower without a signed agreement.
  • For Aldi and Coles, continuing to supply or accept orders without a signed agreement may be treated as acceptance by performance.
 

Without a compliant signed agreement, you risk being unable to receive purchase orders. Retailers can also face prosecution if agreements are not properly executed.

What You Need to Do?
  • Ensure your new Terms are Code-compliant.
  • Actively review and negotiate the agreement – it is not a simple ‘tick and flick’. Some clauses may not suit your business.
  • You must be seen to be trying to negotiate, even if you don’t fully succeed. Doing nothing is the worst option.
 

Action Required

Please prioritise reviewing and signing your retailer agreements now. You should have returned the signed documents to your retail partners well before 1 April 2026 to protect your supply arrangements and avoid any disruption.

Clear, signed agreements reduce risk, protect your interests, and help maintain strong commercial relationships in the updated regulatory environment.

Middle East Conflict - Advice for growers


If you have not already done so, it is strongly recommended growers commence discussions with their customers as a matter of priority about the impacts recent input and service cost increases are having on your business. The following should be key considerations:
  • Growers are advised to prepare and provide relevant information and evidence that supports the case for a price increase.
  • Where possible, this should include documented evidence of additional charges, or input cost increases from suppliers (eg evidence of increases in fuel, fertliser, packaging, transport or other key input costs).
 

Requests for price increases should be realistic and based on evidence to enhance the prospect of success.

As you compile this information, please also consider sharing it with Melons Australia so we can support your engagements by pursing this discussion from an industry wide perspective too. Any insights can be submitted via the survey at the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6SS6XRW or directly to Johnathon (ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au)

Women's leadership scholarships up to $3,000


Women & Leadership Australia are dedicated to supporting women to achieve their leadership potential. They are currently offering partial scholarships ranging from $700 - $3,000 for women at any level.

Four programs are available to suit every stage of leadership - from aspiring and emerging leaders to mid-level and experienced executives ready to expand their influence and organisational impact.

Water Markets Intermediaries Code - ACCC Compliance Checks


The ACCC is responsible for enforcing the mandatory Water Markets Intermediaries Code prescribed by the Water Regulations 2008 (the Code), and the trust accounting requirements in Part 5 of the Water Act 2007 (the Water Act).

The ACCC plans to use its compulsory information gathering powers under section 100ZD of the Water Act to conduct three rounds of compliance checks in 2026, with the first round of compliance checks beginning soon.

The purpose of these compliance checks is to ensure that eligible water markets intermediaries (intermediaries) are complying with their obligations under the Code. 
  1. Round 1 compliance checks will be issued to a select group of 10-20 intermediaries, spread across brokers, irrigation infrastructure operators and real estate agents (who offer water markets intermediary services independent of land sales).
  2. The documents sought in round 1 will be general records relating to intermediaries’ compliance with the Code and will be limited to a subset of the records that intermediaries are required to keep, generate or maintain under the Code.
  3. Rounds 2 and 3 will be conducted in the second half of 2026 and will relate to statutory trust account and broking water account record keeping requirements. These compliance check notices will be sent to all intermediaries that have notified the ACCC that they hold a statutory trust account(s) and/or broking water account(s) and will require the production of documents that intermediaries with statutory trust accounts and/or broking water accounts are required to create and maintain under the Water Act and Code.
  4. Not all intermediaries will receive a compliance check notice in 2026.

Before issuing a section 100ZD notice, the ACCC will contact the selected intermediaries to outline the notice the intermediary will receive, expectations for responses, and guidance at a general level. This process ensures transparency and supports compliance. The ACCC encourages all selected intermediaries to engage openly, as their cooperation is important to the success of this initiative.

The ACCC plan to share a summary of their findings from the compliance checks publicly. This summary will not include any identifying information. The ACCC’s Compliance and Enforcement Policy sets out the principles adopted by the ACCC to achieve compliance with the law.

The ACCC has also published guidance about the requirements of the Code and the trust accounting framework in Part 5 of the Water Act. 

We encourage irrigators, infrastructure operators and industry groups who have concerns about the conduct of an intermediary to reach out to the ACCC at watercode@accc.gov.au.

Valuable On‑Farm Monitoring and New Technology Trials Conducted


The Quality project team spent the first two weeks of March carrying out on‑farm maturity monitoring across several farms in the Southern growing region. The opportunity to visit multiple properties and work directly with growers has been hugely valuable, and the team extends a big thank you to everyone who hosted a visit.

The focus for these visits was twofold: demonstrating the project’s sampling and measurement protocol and harvest predictions, and trialling non‑destructive measurement technologies. The Sunforest NIR (near‑infrared) device was tested on rockmelons, honeydew and mini‑watermelons and watermelons as available on the farms visited. Early results are promising, confirming that the device works well for assessing a whole population of fruit. The team is now exploring how best to calibrate the device to make it easy for growers and staff to use on‑farm.

A new non‑destructive technology currently in development for watermelons was also trialled on one farm.

Growers who participated gained a clearer understanding of the sampling and measurement methodology and received the earliest harvest predictions - even for blocks without visible harvest indicators.

Growers interested in hosting an on-farm visit or wanting to know more about the sampling and measurement protocols are welcome to contact the project team at: mark.loeffen@delytics.com

Project team member Matthew Di Grazia using the Sunforest device on farm

IAN 2026-10: Horticulture – Applications for the export of cucurbits to New Zealand in 2026


We have been notified of important changes to the accreditation process to export cucurbits to New Zealand (NZ). Applications are now open for the accreditation of farms and packhouses, conducting in-field controls for cucurbits export to NZ for the 2026 season.

US: New Resources and Educational Opportunities from the Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group


We’ve had some great discussions with our colleagues in the US and gained some really useful insights from the 2024 USA Study Tour. Because of that extra engagement, we are able to offer this webinar series to you.

The free three-part series called “Cucurbit Viruses in the United States” will cover the main viruses that affect cucurbits like melons, pumpkins, and cucumbers.

Each session will give practical information tailored for growers — things like how the viruses first appeared, which crops they affect, how they spread, what symptoms to look for, and the best ways to manage them. The first webinar will also include a short introduction to the Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group (EVCWG) and the overall virus situation in the US. The talks are kept fairly short (around 10 minutes each), and each one finishes with a quick Q&A.

Here’s the schedule (all times are US Central Time – you’ll need to convert to Australian time):

Webinar #1: Introduction and Whitefly-transmitted Viruses in Cucurbits Register here

Wednesday, 8 April 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM CDT (1 hr 40 min)

Webinar #2: Aphid-, Beetle-, and Thrips-transmitted Viruses in Cucurbits Register here

Wednesday, 22 April 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM CDT (1 hr 20 min)

Webinar #3: Other Vectored, Mechanically-, and Seed-transmitted Viruses (and Viruses with Unknown Transmission) Register here

Tuesday, 5 May 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT (1 hr)

These sessions are a good chance to learn from what’s happening in the US and pick up some useful knowledge that could help here in Australia.

Melons Australia Conference 2026


We’re thrilled to bring you the Australian Melon Conference 2026, happening 7-9 October 2026 in Townsville, Queensland!

We have chosen Townsville as the location to host our melon conference, with a field day in Ayr (just 80-90 km south in the Burdekin region). As the gateway to North Queensland—one of Australia’s leading melon production areas for rockmelons, watermelons, honeydews, and specialty varieties—Townsville provides direct access to active growing operations. This allows delegates to combine valuable conference sessions on research, innovation, marketing, and trends with practical, hands-on experiences such as variety trials and farm demonstrations in Ayr

Our three-day event will include:
  • An engaging field day showcasing new melon varieties
  • 2 day conference, R&D and workshop session
  • A memorable Gala Dinner to celebrate successes and make valuable connections
 

Further information and early bird tickets coming soon!

NT and Northern WA Roadshow

Katherine


Join Melons Australia and NT Farmers for a dedicated grower and industry engagement session in Katherine bringing important policy updated to the region. About the event:
  • Relevant to all agricultural sectors
  • Hear updates directly from government and industry
  • Opportunity to discuss key issues and opportunities affecting your business and the region
  • A forum to ensure the grower voice is heard
  • Helps government better understand the realities of farming in the Katherine region
 

Date: 21st April

Arrive: 8am, Finish: 5pm

Location: Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre

Morning Session: Speakers from Melons Australia project leads, NT Farmers, Government Departments

Afternoon Session: Facilitated Workshop

The afternoon will feature a facilitated, collaborative workshop designed to explore key issues affecting the region and the agricultural sector. Discussions will focus on topics such as regional biosecurity, infrastructure and supply chain challenges, and priorities for agricultural R&D.

Kununurra


Following the event in Katherine, the Melons Australia team, and project leads will be holding direct grower engagement sessions in Kununurra. If you are interested in meeting with the team, please email Courtney (comms@melonsaustralia.org.au)

Date: 22/23 April

Emergency plant pest readiness for Northern QLD horticulture


We’ve teamed up with AUSVEG, Australian Mangoes and Plant Health Australia to deliver a session in Bowen focused on “Emergency plant pest readiness for Northern QLD horticulture.”

This session will explore practical steps and key considerations to help you strengthen your preparedness and response if a new pest emerges in your region.

📅 23rd April

🕑 2pm - 5pm

📍Merinda Village Hotel, 13 Linley Street, Bowen

Melons Australia in Griffith, Barmera and Mildura


Join us in both Mildura and Barmera in May for the Australian Melons Roadshow. We will also be heading to Griffith and hosting a dinner for growers to attend.

If you'd like any on farm engagement/support during this time, we would be happy to come and visit you, please contact Jo to confirm (biosecurity@melonsaustralia.org.au).

The two separate roadshow afternoons will include a number of speakers providing updates on the various Melon fund projects. We will also have time for questions, networking and light refreshments.

Speakers to include: Industry Update Melons Australia CEO - Johnathon Davey, Biosecurity Update: Melons Australia Biosecurity Officer - Joanna Embry, Food Safety: DPI NSW - SP Singh, Quality Improvement: Delytics - Mark Loeffen, Hort Innovation Update: Hort Innovation - Mark Spees, Soil Wealth Project Update: AHR - Brad Giggins, Gummy stem blight and anthracnose in melons: Agreco Australia - Cherie Gambley.


Griffith Grower Dinner:


Date: 27th May

Details to come.



Mildura Event Details:


Date: 28th May

Arrive: 3.45pm for a 4pm start

Finish: 6pm with drinks and light refreshments offered

Location: Mildura Golf Resort, Twelfth Street Extension, Mildura, 3502, Australia



Barmera Event Details:


Date: 29th May

Arrive: 3.45pm for a 4pm start

Finish: 6pm with drinks and light refreshments offered

Location: Barmera Hotel Motel, 31/31 Barwell Ave, Barmera SA 5345

FHA-Food & Hospitality Asia


FHA 2026 is where Asia’s F&B and hospitality industry meets — and where brands like yours get discovered. With over80,000 attendees expected and 2,750+ exhibitors on the floor, standing out starts with securing your space early.

From fresh produce and fine food to hospitality technology and sustainable solutions, FHA 2026 covers the full spectrum of the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Explore key segments including convenience food, halal, seafood, wine & spirits, speciality coffee & tea, and more – your hub to the latest trends and innovations.

Start Date: 21/04/2026

End Date: 24/04/2026

Location: Singapore Exhibition Centre

Hort Connections 2026


In 2026, the entire fresh produce industry will converge at the Adelaide Convention Centre from Monday 1st June to Thursday 4th June. Through the trade show, attendees will gain exclusive access to the latest products, services, and technologies driving the horticulture industry forward.

Start Date: 01/06/2026

End Date: 04/06/2026

Location: Adelaide Convention Centre


Contact:

Melons Australia

E: ceo@melonsaustralia.org.au

Copyright © 2026 Melons Australia

All rights reserved.

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