Melon E-News December 2023


In this issue:

Melons Australia's Executive Officer Update


Welcome to the final Melon e-news of 2023! In this edition, we not only reflect on the year's successes but also cast a strategic eye towards the exciting opportunities awaiting us in 2024.

This edition is packed with updates and important information, including:
  • The awarding of a 3-year Melon Study Tour Project to Melons Australia under the Hort Innovation Melon Fund.
  • Progressing our industries dealings with HARPS, particularly in clarifying V2's application and providing crucial updates for the melon industry.
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities that continue to enrich our industry.
  • Efforts to finalise the schedule for our 2024 Roadshows.
  • Collaborations with APVMA regarding minor use permits, and a call for industry input on the "chlorpyrifos" review.

Amid these developments, we've been steadfast in our advocacy role, tackling issues like the Varroa mite incursion and the implementation of food safety regulations, among many others.

Growers impacted by Ex-Tropical Cycle Jasper

Just as the industry can start to wind down in the Christmas holiday season, our thoughts are instead with our members and industry stakeholders impacted by ex-tropical cyclone Jasper. We invite those impacted to reach out with any needs you might have, and to read the recently released DAF Qld information relating to recovery.

In particular, melon growers who have suffered losses or damage are urged to complete the DAF's Disaster Impact Survey. This information is crucial for assessing the need for financial recovery assistance in the region. It's important for producers to document any damage, including taking date-stamped photos, to support their eligibility for assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Financial support is accessible, as well as access to mental health and financial counselling. You are also invited to contact DAFQ for further information and assistance.

Melons Australia Christmas Office Closure

Melons Australia will be on a short break starting Thursday, 21st December 2023, and will resume operations on Monday, 8th January 2024. Rest assured, we will have a contact point available for any urgent support or assistance during this period.

As we all gear up for the holiday season, I'd like to express my heartfelt wishes for a delightful Christmas and a thriving New Year to our members, partners, and friends in the industry. May this festive period bring joy, good health, and success, as we eagerly await an abundant year ahead. Wishing you all happy holidays and a prosperous New Year!

As always, to all our producers and broader supply chain partners, please reach out if there is anything we can do to support you

Johnathon Davey, Executive Officer Melons Australia
Email | Phone +61 407 032 023

2024 Melon Study Tour project to the Americas


We are very pleased to announce that Melons Australia has been awarded a 3-year Hort Innovation Melon Fund project delivering melon industry study tours for our growers and supply chain partners. It is planned that our first Study tour will visit the Americas in mid-2024 and will include grower and supply chain visits, technology advancements, retail tours and many more stops.

Expressions of interest will be sought in early 2024, however early registration of interest can be emailed to Johnathon Davey, Executive Officer Melons Australia as soon as possible HERE. 

Melons Australia Leadership Training – Sign up for 2024


As we come into the Christmas period and look forward to the opportunities available in 2024 now is the perfect time to think about something you can do for yourself, your business and your industry - signing up to the Melon Industry leadership and development program!

With six courses currently available, from entry level leadership right through to established leaders, there is no better time to lock in your new year’s resolution by making the most of this opportunity. Participants of the leadership program will also be strongly encouraged and considered for participation in the Melon study tour program to the Americas which will also kick off in 2024.

For more information about the courses available and the process to apply please visit the website HERE.

For further enquiries please contact Joanna Embry by email HERE - biosecurity@melonsaustralia.org.au.

Melons Australia 2024 Road Show events announced


Melons Australia is excited to announce the interim 2024 Roadshow dates, bringing together industry stakeholders and members in new various locations across Australia, and kickstarting in Western Australia in February!

Here's a glimpse of the tentative schedule for other key locations:
  • Perth and Carnarvon - week of 19th February 2024 (specific dates and locations will be communicated early 2024).
  • Tully, QLD: Monday, 18th March 2024*
  • Bundaberg, QLD: Thursday, 21st March 2024*
  • Kununurra, WA: Wednesday, 17th April 2024*
  • Katherine, NT: Friday, 19th April 2024*

(NOTE: dates marked with an asterisk (*) are tentative and subject to confirmation. Finalised dates for these roadshows will be communicated early in 2024.)

We're looking forward to seeing you at our 2024 roadshows and engaging in fruitful discussions and activities that enhance our vibrant melon industry! For further information or input into these events, please contact Johnathon Davey, Melons Australia Executive Officer by email HERE.

Managing Floodwater Risks Guide for Melons


The Melons Australia website now features a new vital guide by Dr. SP Singh from NSW Department of Primary Industries, focusing on managing floodwater risks in melon production and postharvest handling.

>> Download the PDF guide 'Managing floodwater associated food safety risks' on the Resources Page of the website HERE.

This resource, produced in response to affected growers of ex-tropical cyclone Jasper and subsequent flooding events, highlights the hazards floodwater brings to horticultural produce, including biological, chemical, and physical contaminants. 

Key strategies outlined for mitigating these risks include assessing the proximity of farms to flood-prone areas, creating segregation plans for crops affected by floods, and conducting thorough testing for contaminants. The guide also emphasizes the importance of strict hygiene practices during harvest and processing to maintain the safety and quality of produce in flood-affected areas. 

HARPS V2 update


Following outreach and questions posed by Melons Australia and other industry partners, we are please to announce changes to HARPS V2.

On 20th December 2023, the HARPS Retailer Committee agreed to a blanket exemption for a 20kg test mass for platform scales used to weigh bins of produce found under ‘Element 14.10 Test Mass Rule for Scales Used to Weigh Bins of Produce’.

Therefore, the sentence “The mass of the test weight shall be at or slightly above the maximum weight to be measured for a product” no longer applies. This therefore means that growers can calibrate and confirm scale weights in a safe and easier manner, using just 20kg weights – a huge saving for our industry.

If you would like more info, please contact Johnathon Davey by email HERE.

Melon Chemicals Update


As outlined in the November edition of the Melon E-News, please be aware of some recent changes to access to permits including:

• PER87065 Version 2 for dimethoate in all melons. An update to this permit has been issued with some significant changes. Read more information HERE. Additionally, a Non-Performance Reporting Form for Horticultural Pesticides should be completed and returned to Claud.Warren@horticulture.com.au in case of any adverse experiences resulting from the use of this permit.
  • Expiry of minor use permit PER90718 for prothioconazole in watermelons that allowed the use of prothioconazole-containing products like "Brumby" for fusarium suppression in watermelons. Growers should note this minor use permit expired on November 30, 2023. Consequently, it is important to note that the use of prothioconazole in watermelons is currently unauthorized until a new permit is issued.

    We are in discussions with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to renew this permit under Melons Australia's management (the previous permit was not in our name). This process, however, may take some time. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and are working diligently to resolve this issue. For any queries or concerns, please contact me, Johnathon Davey, Melons Australia Executive by email HERE.
  • Feedback needed on your usage of chlorpyrifos: The APVMA has proposed to further limit the agricultural, horticultural and commercial uses of chlorpyrifos, primarily due to user safety and environmental risks. Please take a few moments over the Christmas break to provide feedback regarding your usage of chlorpyrifos including application methods, usage rates, and your reliance on it for pest management. Your experiences and concerns about the potential loss of this tool are crucial for a comprehensive response. For more information and/or to provide direct feedback on the review of chlorpyrifos directly to the APVMA click HERE.

Please email your insights and feedback to Joanna Embry HERE. Your contribution is vital in shaping the future of pest management in our industry.

Melon Grower International Trade Mission Opportunities 2024


Melons Australia is pleased to be working with others in the horticulture industry to coordinate grower participation in and exhibition at several international trade missions in 2024.

These present an exceptional chance to showcase Australian melons globally and foster new business relationships. Let's make 2024 a year of remarkable global outreach!
  • Gulfood: 19–23 February 2024, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.
    Application Deadline: 12 January 2024.
  • Foodex Japan: 5 – 8 March 2024, Tokyo Big Sight, Japan.
    Application deadline: 19 January 2024.
  • FHA F&B: 23 – 26 April 2024, Singapore Expo
  • Reverse Trade Mission: End of May/June 2024, Various Location in Australia
  • AUSVEG Fresh Produce Showcase: 3 June 2024, Melbourne, Victoria
  • Asia Fruit Logistica: 4 – 6 September 2024, Asia World Expo, Hong Kong

For more information or to register your interest in these exciting opportunities, don't hesitate to contact Johnathon Davey, Melons Australia’s Executive Officer by email HERE.

A Biosecurity Message to take you into a Happy New Year


As we roll into 2024, the new year presents an ideal time to integrate some straightforward but effective practices into you farm management routine to reduce the risk of new pest and diseases. For guidance on these valuable New Year's resolutions, and to enhance the health and productivity of your farm, click HERE for more information and helpful tips.

Industry Liaison Officer Training 2024


Plant Health Australia (PHA) is set to conduct Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) training sessions in 2024 at these locations:
  • Orange, NSW on 21 February 2024, in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries.
  • Northern Territory on 15 May 2024.
  • Victoria and Queensland in late 2024 (Dates to be confirmed).

These sessions aim to train ILOs to act as a critical link between the Incident Management Team and the affected industry, especially during exotic pest incursions in the cropping sector. Key outcomes to be achieved through this training include:
  • aiding decision-making in response centres,
  • advising on industry impacts, and
  • supporting communication and engagement activities.

Melon growers are encouraged to participate to ensure representation in case of incursions affecting melons.

Interested in enrolling or want more info? Contact Joanna Embry by email HERE.

Hort Connections 2024 – Grower Funding Launched


We are pleased to announce that AUSVEG are offering the chance for melon growers to attend Hort Connections 2024 with a new grower funding opportunity just launched!

When: 3-5 June

Where: Melbourne Convention Centre

Funding Available: up to $1000 per grower to help cover expenses for attending the Hort Connections event. This funding can be used towards flights, accommodations, and convention tickets.

Grow your connections, learn about the latest industry research and innovations, and immerse yourself in Australia and New Zealand’s leading horticulture event.

For more information please contact Alexandra Lashchuk, AUSVEG Events and Partnerships Support Officer by email HERE.


Contact:

Melons Australia

E: execofficer@melonsaustralia.org.au

Copyright © 2023 Melons Australia

All rights reserved.

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